The EASIEST Way to Clean a Sheepskin Rug

How to clean sheepskin rug at home. In this video tutorial I teach you how to wash a sheepskin rug at home. In the video I teach you how to vacuum the sheepskin rug with a wet/dry vacuum before using the Shopvac to remove the excess moisture and the dirt in the rug. Washing a sheepskin is not difficult and there is no need to be afraid of it! This tutorial will also teach you how to wash a fur rug, or a faux fur coat, it will also be of benefit if you want to learn how to clean a sheepskin or wool collar. If you are cleaning a fur rug or blanket you will also need to groom the pile like I do to restore the fluffiness!
Following shampooing the rug I then show you how to groom the sheepskin so that is is back to being soft and fluffy after the clean.
Learning how to vacuum a sheepskin rug properly is one of the most important aspects of sheepskin and wool care.
To clean the sheepskin rug you will need:
- A wet/dry vacuum (I'm using a Shopvac)
- Rug, wool, or baby shampoo
- A bucket of water
- A microfiber towel or a sponge
- A pet grooming brush

[@CleaningHowTo]

If you're serious about cleaning you're gunna want to know about this simple mistake EVERYONE makes using cleaning cloths: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npm8d4GaeZiEhJo

[@melanielamarsh8757]

I may have missed something ……………do you rinse off the soap slurry or just vacuum it off? Concerned about residual soap i guess

[@DiscoveryWonders]

i washed mine in washing mashine short wool cycle with a natural pet shampoo and it works. just conditioned the inner skin and hair after with protein collagen conditioner with oils and keratin and it remained soft when drying. otherwise it can harden a bit. some people believe it or not spread natural egg conditioning on it and air dry on the full sun. but I don't have sun here so. pet brush works well like any big brush.

[@Snowystardust12]

Thank you! This was so clear and helpful.

[@CleaningHowTo]

You’re welcome! Did you try it out? :)

[@visionquestress]

You can also put a rug (up to a quad size) in a large washing machine on cold / gentle with woolite & fabric softener, then shake out well and hang in shade to dry, then brush out. You can spot clean with oxyclean for stains before washing. I throw mine in the washing machine all the time.

[@bellalunaestelle]

Thank you for this clear and easy to follow video. Most videos I could find their the rug in a machine to wash. Given I know how aggressive they can be even on the delicate settings I was very apprehensive about doing so. My rug is in need of a good cleaning but I didn't want to damage it at all.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Thank you and good luck with the clean :)

[@rugspa3831]

Rugspa checking in :)

[@rc4443]

Thank you!

[@KirbyEnthusiast]

Thanks for sharing just bought one of these rugs a few months back

[@CleaningHowTo]

You are so welcome!

[@davidmcrae4791]

Your a life saver thank you

[@CleaningHowTo]

Glad it helped!!

[@bers6144]

Really good. Thanks!

[@CleaningHowTo]

Thank you - did you try it? :)

[@bers6144]

I intend to :)

[@LovingMyRESIDUAL]

Oh my... I just wash mines in the washing machine. Let it air dry; then fluff/comb it out with a wig brush. Lol... 🤣

[@CleaningHowTo]

That will certainly clean the wool, but if its a sheepskin its going to affect the leather and desiccate it over time (it'll go hard and brittle!). But it definitely works :)

[@greeneggslamb9336]

What kind of soap/detergent do you use?

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@greeneggslamb9336 I use a fine fabric shampoo but Woolite is absolutely fine to use.

[@greeneggslamb9336]

@@CleaningHowTo thank you!

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@greeneggslamb9336 No problem, I'd love to hear how you get on :)

[@eddiehopper2444]

Thanks cheers from Atlanta

[@CleaningHowTo]

You bet

[@Smwaryland]

Great video

[@CleaningHowTo]

Thank you so much :)

[@rosaliabonayog0001]

Thank you.

[@CleaningHowTo]

You're welcome!

[@tyroneearnest4513]

Good job and thumbs up. However where I'm from "rinsing" is following up with clean water, not just sucking out the dirty soapy water with a shop vac.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Agreed but I’m keeping it fairly simple. The dilutions of soap are so low that residues aren’t of major note, but yes; if I’m charging to do this, I’m rinsing

[@clairegraceyscott2327]

Hi can i put my Icelandic long curly hair sheepskin rug in the washing machine on a wool cycle with baby shampoo, as my grandson matted the front up with sticky sweet stuff its matted now please advise me as i do not wanna ruin the rug..i allso have soap free Avenno daily moisturising body wash with soothingly oat complex body wash thats soap free for hypoallergenic skin would that work ?

[@laura69271]

I wash mine in washing machine with wool detergent and " cold water" program for the big rugs I will try this method- thank you 👍

[@CleaningHowTo]

Make sure to put it on the lowest spin setting as the weight of the wet rugs could damage the drum of the machine!

[@pencilRC1]

I don’t even have a sheepskin rug, I also searched this. Help

[@Piinkypanter]

See it as preperation and go get yourself one lol xD oh and maybe consider meditation so you can reflect on the help part hahaha 😀

[@cho4d]

a more true youtube experience there never was

[@livingdeadgir7268]

Can I do this with a blanket ? Because I have a huge king size blanket and it needs cleaned and repaired but I’m scared to take it to someone

[@zoecoutard-sander171]

Hi !! Thanks for all the advices. Mine is really dirty it was in the attic for a few ... Years. It has some dreadlocks lol. What would you reccommand for the brushing part? BC i'm affraid all the wool will leave with the brush ! Thanks !!

[@CleaningHowTo]

Use a pet brush, do it gently and while vacuuming.

[@user-zb5eu5bk8b]

*Works great, nice height.*

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

Thank you 🙂 I have 4 of these. Do you vacuumed then took a blow dryer to it? For how long?

[@CleaningHowTo]

+Lisa - Soul Level Healing you can blow dry them if you want to yes! However long it takes to dry them :)

[@joannahart1604]

I’ve tried mine in washing machine it was ruined . Never again! I’m definitely given this way a go.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Please do!

[@leesha0707]

I put mine through on a 30° wash, and just brushed the whole thing out when dry. Looks like new

[@CleaningHowTo]

You risk ruining the skin and distorting the rug.

[@heidiepling474]

Do Not wash in a machine! I did, and now when I brush it, the hair is separating from the hide 😢

[@Jasfras1]

Great video. I watched as I hope to get a black dyed sheepskin to loose some of its colour. Is there anything I can do to enhance the effect of washing to remove dye ? I just want it to be less than JET GLEAMING BLACK. Any help appreciated.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Usually high alkaline will destabilise a dye in wool - so caustic soda or similar might help - wear gloves and be careful if you try!

[@Jasfras1]

@@CleaningHowTo .... Thanks, will have a go. Hope it doesn't dissolve !

[@jennyhargreaves1123]

If you use cowboy magic yellow out , and Equine mane and tail they come up lovely ,

[@terrythedad7240]

Was thinking to try the Mane and Tail - used to use it to brush out my poodles. Thx for confirming.

[@rhondarooful]

What brand of wool cleaning product do you use or recommend?

[@CleaningHowTo]

I'm using a Chemspec product called Oriental Rug Shampoo - any mild fabric cleaner will do but do not use oxy action products they'll damage wool.

[@susieisms]

Can the same process be used for a sheep wool mattress pad? The backing is woven wool.

[@davestelling]

That's a good question! I just ordered the pet bristle brush to keep mine thick & fluffy...

[@nobackhands]

I have a large sheep skin rug that I wash once a year (car wash sprayers). I have a clothes line but it is too heavy. In laying it out to dry, would it be faster trying to dry the leather side first?

[@visionquestress]

I dry the leather side first.

[@shehzad555]

Hello mate. My drug has slightly been discoloured

[@CleaningHowTo]

Possibly peroxide, or possibly vinegar misted in it. Hard to say

[@Philter-Coffee]

I have one of the Vax carpet cleaners and a regular vaccume (which Im not sure vaccuming water would be a good idea for) Would I be able to use the Vax or would it be too harsh on the leather side?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Does the Vax have a hand tool or is it an upright carpet cleaner?

[@Philter-Coffee]

@@CleaningHowTo yep, it does have the handheld attachment thing. Main thing I'm concerned about is minimising the physical labour side of things (I've got health issues which make it challenging), so any pointers or suggestions would be amazing help!

[@marthaivester5460]

Mine got moisture and mold from being outside in pile and now the back has slimy spots that are disintegrating. Is it a lost cause? Any suggestions? Thanks for your tips, I'll do this on the others.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Sounds like wet rot I'm afraid.

[@themaryottman]

Hello, thank you for this video. I was able to clean most of a natural goat hair rug and it worked great. The baby shampoo made it smell awesome! All that is left is removing some pet urine stains on it. I’ve tried a Resolve solution in my wet dry vac and that hasn’t removed the pet stains. It’s a white rug so it’s really noticeable. Is there a cleaning solution you would recommend for pet stains?

[@sonoffitnesssonoffitness3654]

Hi, I have a wool rug that is very tangled, can you please help me.... should I use a shampoo and carpet broom to restore it?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Is it a sheepskin?

[@crazycressy7986]

I've just bought a B3 style bomber and the wool is itchy on my forearms will this work to stop the itching or would you have any other ideas,? Cheers

[@CleaningHowTo]

Wool is naturally rough I'm afraid - cleaning wont make that go away.

[@crazycressy7986]

@@CleaningHowTo thanks my other jacket has a long shag and is very soft, but my new one has a 10mm shag ,and I read because its been clipped its hard ends and conditioning will make the end soft ?

[@roostermagma32]

Just order RED sheepskin car seat covers...dye came off on clothes. Any suggestions ? Should I have “WASHED” covers first?

[@CleaningHowTo]

I'd wash them to remove the excess dye! Are they wool?

[@roostermagma32]

@@CleaningHowTo according to seller, yes. 🤥

[@kevinkuziw6801]

Im assuming this method is more gentle than washing in the tub and preserves the leather backing. When brushing, how much hair can we expect to be removed when brushing? When i brush mine it seems to pull alot of hair from the rug. I heard that we should be brushing in the direction of hair growth, is this a myth than?

[@CleaningHowTo]

A couple of handfuls is fine but its hard to tell without seeing the rug

[@mariekarole1621]

I got a alpka rug

[@sethmoking]

Why don't you rinse the rug with straight water after you lather it with shampoo? It seems like it would leave a soapy residue if all you do is vacuum it. Also, is it possible to clean it without using a vacuum at all? Some other method that doesn't require electricity?

[@CleaningHowTo]

I'm using so little shampoo that it's not really of consequence. You really need a wet vac to use this method but you could spray the rug and towel it off.

[@clairegraceyscott2327]

How can I get sticky matted mess out of my Icelandic sheepskin rug please it's a rare breed

[@SimplyCharsz1]

Can I use this same technique with a faux rabbit fur rug?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Yes you can, just test a bit first to make sure it responds well. I’d love to hear how you get on :)

[@SimplyCharsz1]

@@CleaningHowTo I’m definitely going to try this! However I don’t have a vac to do that step, is there an alternative? I will definitely let you know how it goes 😁

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@SimplyCharsz1 you can towel it off (watch my velvet cleaning tutorial), but don’t put as much moisture in. It should work fine though :)

[@ladyboywonder9139]

What if you don’t have a wet dry vacuum cleaner like most people don’t

[@CleaningHowTo]

Towel it off instead. The aim is to get the water (and dirt) out of the rug, using a towel will do this, it’ll just take longer. I’ve a much longer rug cleaning tutorial, watch that to see what I mean.

[@ladyboywonder9139]

@@CleaningHowTo the link please?

[@hotsaucemicrophone763]

Can this approach be used with alpaca rugs?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Dont see why not :)

[@robvinton1628]

Can I just ask …. All the sheep skin rugs I’m seeing cleaned have short pile …. Mine are “long hair” Defo not going in my washing machine … any suggestions for “Long haired” sheepskins rugs would be truly appreciated 😁👍🏻

[@CleaningHowTo]

I’m a little confused; I’m cleaning a long hair sheepskin rug in the tutorial.

[@ornette7]

Mongolian?

[@laoradsf]

Hello Someone can help maybe I wash my sheep skin footmuff for pram and it was ok after the washing machin but then after dry one night on the radiator the skin become like rock I can do nothing with

[@CleaningHowTo]

+LaOra Music gently bend it back and forth repeatedly it’ll loosen it up.

[@thewanderingbear8444]

My dog peed on my sheepskin, will it clean out the same way or should I use the washer?

[@CleaningHowTo]

How big is your dog? I've a tutorial on what to do with pet urine; have a look :)

[@herosdiaz8757]

Can I apply this to a shearling jacket?

[@CleaningHowTo]

I don’t see why not but always test a spot :)

[@debraan6482]

How do you clean a sheep skin rug that was wet and has a lot of debris on it. So much debris it was black in some places? I know you're not supposed to submerge it, but this one was extremely dirty! I know most people would have thrown it away. I should have taken a before picture of it. I am trying to save it to use it later for making a sheep stuffed animal and possibly moccasin or adding to the inside of my moccasins as a comfortable liner. This animal gave it's life for this pelt and I want to preserve it as long as I can.

[@CleaningHowTo]

I’d vacuum and groom it and put it in a pillow case in the washing machine. Stretch it out whilst it’s drying; I normally wouldn’t advocate this as it desiccates the leather but as a last resort . . .

[@growingpianists]

Will the soap strip the natural oils of the rug?

[@CleaningHowTo]

They are stripped out during manufacturing.

[@greeneggslamb9336]

Can we use Woolite?

[@chillxdyz]

Yes

[@alexa3669]

Came here to see how to dry it to realise I don’t have a fancy drier like that 😂

[@johndow1774]

I don't either. But can can use a women like you in life

[@CleaningHowTo]

FOR MORE AWESOME TUTORIALS CLICK THESE LINKS: SHAG RUG CLEANING: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZumgmiIZ5ekhKc INK REMOVAL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWrZiJKwqcxridE DRY CLEANING TUTORIAL FOR FABRIC, UPHOLSTERY, CARPET & RUGS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYmwm31_m9OgY7M SHEEPSKIN RUG CLEANING TUTORIAL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIe8gIiAr5KiedU COWHIDE CLEANING TUTORIAL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGSkl5qfmZl5pK8 COFFEE STAIN REMOVAL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sInFZaqZnJZ0pq8 SPOT CLEAN A CARPET OR RUG: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYS7ZqaQa5anqKM CLEAN YOUR OWN CURTAINS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYrHgaOFeJeKY8k

[@tharealcoyote9399]

How do you clean the back of them?? i have a customer with some decent sized stains.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Why do they care??

[@tharealcoyote9399]

@@CleaningHowTo about the back of them? idk 😂

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@tharealcoyote9399 I mean it’s untreated leather, you could try wiping it with a cotton towel dipped in pre-spray; but like, It’s the back, WHY DO THEY CARE? 😂

[@tharealcoyote9399]

@@CleaningHowTo that is beyond me but i will try it thank u sir 😂

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@tharealcoyote9399 customers can be hard work sometimes; unless it’s contaminated with something, there’s no need to do more than a cursory wipe! You cant flood these things the leather will desiccate and the rug will warp!

[@susanemilligan2415]

No rinsing?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Susane Milligan you’re using so little product that it isn’t required - but if you want to rinse it, rinse it!

[@Littlepear64]

Can you steam clean these rugs?

[@CleaningHowTo]

I don’t see why not. Depends on the method and approach to be honest. I generally use steam for problem solving

[@Littlepear64]

@@CleaningHowTo Thanks for your reply. I would do it your way, but the weather does not always cooperate and I don't have the room to hang it indoors to dry thoroughly. Yours look lovely and clean. I'll try it and let you know!

[@rachelle3445]

How to clean dog feces from sheep skin rug? Same type as you are cleaning in this video?

[@CleaningHowTo]

+Rachelle watch my vomit cleaning tutorial; same principle. Mist vinegar on the area after ward to prevent the peroxide burning the wool.

[@rachelle3445]

@@CleaningHowTo Thank you kindly

[@allydean-ikon6086]

What to if mine got dreads????

[@CleaningHowTo]

Intentionally dreads?

[@honeybunchesofoats9753]

[Rabbit Faux Fur Rug] Can I just throw this thing in the washer 😆 honestly. Let it air dry then comb it out till fluffy. I got no time to clean it.

[@CleaningHowTo]

I’d say so yes but it depends how delicate it is!

[@jennyhargreaves1123]

Theres also equine dry shampoo

[@CleaningHowTo]

never heard of it but great tip!

[@TheRadFactor]

That's a giant sheep you killed to get the scki

[@7fink7]

wtb real sheepskin rugs?

[@CleaningHowTo]

Wtb ?

[@not_today_satan_7]

I guess theres more than one way to skin a cat

[@CleaningHowTo]

Yup :)

[@LR-mh8hs]

RINSE!!!

[@CleaningHowTo]

The instructions I give are for a 1% cleaning solution - I assume you're shouting RINSE!!! at me because you think there will be a large volume of surfactant residue which will attract soil at an accelerated rate; there wont be, not at this dilution. I will say though that if you wish to rinse the rug use a 5% white vinegar ant water solution, and it'll take care of the small amount of residues that remain.

[@LYYD.]

I ruined mine. 😪

[@CleaningHowTo]

Sorry to hear that :(

[@dedclownsRfunny]

With that many things to use I don’t really consider it easy…

[@CleaningHowTo]

I actually re-did this with a few methods that you should find easier - How to Wash a Sheepskin Rug at Home kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6msi2uXgceBeM0

[@fainties]

is this the EASIEST WAY? it doesn't look like it's EASy.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Explain what you think is hard and I’ll try help.

[@loveforeignaccents]

Are you shitting me?!? It would be easier and probably less expensive to just buy a new one.

[@CleaningHowTo]

Less expensive than a free cleaning tutorial? Are you ok? Do you need a hug? :)

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@CleaningHowTo I obviously was talking about all of the items one would have to buy in order to clean and dry their rug, dork.

[@CleaningHowTo]

@@loveforeignaccents you need to assess your approach if you’re finding yourself having a pop off a guy doing cleaning tutorials on KZbin. Nobodies forcing you to use the method. In fact had you asked i’d have helped you and would have told you how to low moisture it, but you didn’t, so I won’t.

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@CleaningHowTo LOL, okay, pal. Have a good one.