Cleaning sheepskin rug
Here's all you need to know
Surprisingly easy
Just like with a pair of good shoes, you need to take care of your lambskin. Don’t worry though because it’s very easy and by the time you have finished reading this article you will be an expert.
You’ll love your sheepskin
A natural lambskin product can quickly turn out to be one of your favourite items. If you treat it right it will bring you great joy for many years. There is nothing I love more than sinking my hands into my own throw made of Icelandic Sheepskin.
I am one of those who look forward to autumn so I can wear my favorite woolen jumper!
And I am not alone! Sheepskin products are one of the most popular products in history. In history? Yes … IN HISTORY! The first sheep were domesticated between 9 000 to 11 000 years ago and there are evidence of tanning processes that are almost as old.
You need to treat your lambskin the way you care for your shoes
You are walking on the street when someone suddenly stops you.
“May I kindly ask you where you bought your incredible shoes?” Oh yes, that’s the feeling that I want to help you keep alive.
If you want your sheepskin to steal the show, even as time goes by, read this and prepare yourself to be showered with compliments.
Sheepskin Butterfly Chair Humans clearly have a natural necessity to feel the softness and warmth of a wonderful fur pelt. It’s not strange that you will frequently find them in basically every television show ranging from “Game of Thrones” to “Marco Polo”. Okay okay, you already know that sheepskin are amazing.
But don’t these white, fluffy wonders get dirty?
How in the world do you care for them?
So perhaps you are thinking of buying a lamb rug but you don’t know if it’s going to mean a bunch of work for you to maintain it. Or perhaps you have already bought a fur throw and you want to know how to care for it?
If so, keep reading because this article is for you.
The secret you need to know about sheep
Ever been to a farm and seen these animals in real life? Were they spending their time in ultra hygienic, super modern white rooms? Did you see them wearing a protective cover against rain and mud? Or were they walking around outside in a semi-muddy meadow?
You don’t need to clean them
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Sheep keep themselves clean. This occurs because of their natural characteristics that have been developed over millions of years of evolution, further perfected by almost 10 000 years of breeding. These properties were absolutely essential for the animals to develop in order to protect themselves against external threats.
Lanolin: The Super Ingredient You Didn’t Know About
Lanolin is the natural fat that you find in wool. It is the natural super grease that a bunch of companies want to extract from wool in order to make a range of products from skincare to lubrication. And guess what, the weight of fresh wool consists of between five to twentyfive percent lanolin!
Natural properties of wool:
Here’s a short list of natural characteristics that have been developed by sheep to keep them clean.
Dirt repellent
Resistant to: Water, flame, static electricity
Anti-bacterial
Hypoallergenic
Resilient
To clean and maintain a natural sheepskin rug by shaking it and airing it outdoors, you can follow these tips:
Shake the rug outdoors: Take the rug outside to a location where you can shake it without it coming into contact with dirt or dust. Give it a vigorous shake to loosen and remove any accumulated dirt and dust from the fibers.
Brush the rug: Use a clean, soft brush or comb to gently brush the rug in the direction of the fibers. This helps restore the wool and remove any tangles or knots.
Air it out: Occasionally, remove the sheepskin rug from its usual location and let it hang overnight in fresh air. This allows it to breathe and eliminates any trapped odors.
Spot cleaning: To remove stains and refresh the wool, lightly spray the affected area with water until damp. Then, cover it with potato or corn starch and gently rub it in. Leave the starch on for a few hours or overnight.
Vacuum or brush away the starch: After the starch has had time to absorb any moisture or odor, use a vacuum cleaner or a clean brush to remove the starch from the rug. Make sure to remove any residue thoroughly.
Shake off any remaining debris: Take the rug outside and give it another shake to dislodge any remaining starch or debris.
By following these tips, you can effectively clean and maintain your natural sheepskin rug, keeping it fresh and in good condition.
WARNING! Avoid these things to avoid to prevent ruining your sheepskin:
Avoid excessive moisture: While it's okay to lightly dampen the rug for spot cleaning, avoid soaking it or using excessive amounts of water. Excessive moisture can lead to shrinkage or distortion of the rug.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Refrain from using harsh cleaning chemicals, bleach, or strong detergents on the sheepskin rug. These substances can damage the delicate fibers and alter the natural appearance and texture of the rug.
Avoid direct heat or sunlight: Do not place the sheepskin rug near direct heat sources such as radiators or in direct sunlight for extended periods. Excessive heat can cause the rug to dry out, become brittle, or lose its natural softness.
Avoid vigorous rubbing or scrubbing: When cleaning the rug, avoid aggressive rubbing or scrubbing, as it can mat or tangle the fibers. Instead, use gentle brushing or combing motions to maintain the wool's natural texture.
Avoid machine washing or drying: Sheepskin rugs are generally not suitable for machine washing or drying. The agitation and heat can damage the rug and alter its shape. Stick to manual cleaning methods as mentioned earlier.
By avoiding these actions and following the appropriate cleaning techniques, you can preserve the quality and appearance of your natural sheepskin rug.
Is it time to get a new sheepksin?
Is your beloved sheepskin feeling a bit worn and weary? Are people asking you for ancient sheepskin repair secrets like you're the Yoda of fuzzy rugs? Well, my friend, let's have a little heart-to-heart about the lifespan of sheepskins.
Now, sheepskins are tough cookies, but they're not immortal like those mythical turtles carrying the world on their shells. While they can last a good while, they aren't engineered like the legendary vegetable tanned leather that defies the test of time for centuries. Alas, even the coziest of sheepskins have their limits.
There comes a moment when your faithful sheepskin companion has weathered one too many adventures, with tears and wear that even duct tape can't fix. It's a bittersweet time, my friend, to bid farewell and show gratitude to your loyal sheepskin for its years of snuggly service. It's time to give it a grand retirement ceremony and welcome a new member into your cozy abode.
But how do you know when it's time to say your goodbyes? Here are a few telltale signs:
Threadbare Tales: If your sheepskin looks like it has been through a wild rodeo with cowboys and tumbleweeds, with visible tears and bald patches, it might be ready to retire.
Waning Warmth: If the once luxurious warmth and fluffiness have faded, leaving you shivering like a penguin in Antarctica, it might be time to seek a new heat-holding hero.
Stains That Stay: Despite all your efforts to remove stains, if your sheepskin has become a living memory book of spilled wine, pet accidents, and mysterious sauce splatters, it might be best to bid them adieu.
Now, if you've determined that the time has indeed arrived to bring in a fresh, vibrant sheepskin into your life, I've got a recommendation that will tickle your fancy. Feast your eyes on our delightful collection of Icelandic sheepskins below! These woolly wonders are known for their durability, softness, and the ability to turn any space into a cozy haven.
So, my friend, take a moment to reflect, bid farewell to your old sheepskin with a tear and a smile, and embrace the new possibilities that lie ahead with an Icelandic sheepskin by your side. It's time to embark on a new snuggle-filled adventure!