7 ways to Clean an Icelandic Sheepskin Rug

How do you clean a dirty sheepskin rug? This guide will explain the best way to care for your sheepskin throw and we recommend ways to remove stains and tangles, and how to deep-clean real sheepskin covers. Caring for a sheepskin rug isn’t time-consuming, but there are some dos and don'ts when it comes to cleaning these furry rugs.
Sheepskins are incredibly durable and can last for years, but only if you care for them properly. Sheepskin is naturally dirt repellent and can be washed but usually it is enough just to give it a good shake, preferable outside, brush the fibers, and if needed use a vacuum cleaner.

1. Can you vacuum a sheepskin rug?

Yes, you can, and it is the best and most used method for regular cleaning of a sheepskin rug. You should use the vacuum cleaner when cleaning the rug regularly, once a week or every two weeks, and with a good shake outside it will be clean.

2. How to Restore a Matted Sheepskin Rug

You probably want to keep your sheepskin rug silky, soft, and luxurious and as new. The sheepskin rug may tend to flatten down and to keeping it fluffy it is good to vacuum clean it. But over time the rug can be matted, the long hair fibers become tangled and knotted. Brushing your sheepskin rug with a wire slicker brush is probably the best thing to do as it restores the pile, keeps it nice and fluffy, as well as getting rid of any surface dust and particles. Gently brush out the tangles and work in the direction of the hair growth but beware of not over-brushing the rug.

3. How to Make Sheep skin Rug soft and fluffy again

Wondering how to soften a stiff sheepskin rug? Over time, it's natural for sheepskin to become matted, dusty, or lose its original luster. But with a little care, you can easily bring back its softness and fluffy texture.

Start by giving the rug a few firm shakes outdoors or gently beating it to remove any trapped dust and debris. Then, use a soft-bristle or carding brush to gently work through the fibres. We recommend our specially designed sheepskin rug brush for the best results—light brushing lifts and separates the wool, restoring volume and softness. To keep your rug looking and feeling its best, brush it regularly as part of your care routine. Don’t worry if a few fibres come loose during brushing—that's completely normal. 

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4. How to Prevent Sheepskin Rugs from smelling

While it's normal for a new sheepskin rug to have a natural odor at first, there are a few things you can do to help the smell fade more quickly. Hang the rug outside on a dry, breezy day to allow it to air out. Just make sure the weather is completely dry as sheepskin is highly absorbent, and exposure to moisture can make the rug damp.

5. How to Get the Smell Out of Sheepskin Rug

A high-quality, naturally tanned sheepskin rug may carry a subtle scent when new, often a blend of leather and wool. Over time, sheepskin can also absorb everyday odors from its environment. There are effective ways to refresh your rug and keep it smelling pleasant.

• Start with a Basic Clean: Begin by vacuuming the rug gently using a brush attachment, then take it outside and give it a good shake to remove dust and loose particles. If the smell persists, let it air out outdoors on a dry, breezy day. Be sure there’s no moisture in the air, as sheepskin is highly absorbent and can become damp.
• Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors: Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the surface of the rug. Let it sit for several hours—or overnight if possible. Then shake it out and vacuum it thoroughly. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and is safe for use on sheepskin.
• Add a Natural Scent with Essential Oils: If you’d like to add a light fragrance, apply a few dabs of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) to the base of the wool where the fibers meet the hide. Just 10–15 small spots are enough. Repeat once a week until any remaining odor fades.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use synthetic air fresheners or chemical sprays on your sheepskin. These can damage the fibers and counteract the benefits of natural, organic tanning.
• Freshen in the Dryer: Another option is to tumble the sheepskin in a dryer on low heat with a few natural-scented dryer sheets. Let it tumble for 10–15 minutes at a time. If the smell remains, you can repeat this process a few times—but always use low heat to avoid damaging the hide.

6. How to Remove Stains from a Sheepskin Rug

Sheepskin is naturally dirt repellent but if your sheepskin does get stains or liquid spill try using an edge of a knife to gently scrape them from the rug’s fibers. For a spot clean, use a damp cloth or use a paper towel on the liquid.
Once the stain has been removed, gently dab the area with a cloth dipped in clean water to remove the remains. Then allow the rug to dry. If needed, use a wool comb or slicker brush to brush out and fluff up the rug's fibers.

7. Can you wash sheepskin run in a washing machine?

Can you even wash a 100% sheepskin, and can you put it in the washing machine?
Sheepskins can be washed but water should be your least thing to use when cleaning the rug. The rugs are almost impossible to deep clean without damaging the sheepskin. We don’t recommend washing a sheepskin rug at all, but rather tend to spot stains and keep it generally clean. And don’t ever put the Icelandic sheepskin rug in the washing machine.
If you find that spot cleaning and brushing hasn´t helped you could wash it gently by hand in lukewarm water and a small amount of specialist wool shampoo.
Put the rug in cool water and allow the rug to soak in the washing solution. Clean out the soap and put again in clean water, drain it and squeeze gently out excess water. Good to use several heavy towels to absorb as much water as possible from the rug. Allow the rug to dry, either on a drying rack or line, preferably outside, but not in direct sunlight. Once the rug is dry, use a brush to brush out and fluff up the rug's fibers.

Sheepskin rugs and throws from Iceland

Sheep from Iceland are direct descendants of the sheep that were brought when Vikings settled the island over a thousand years ago. To survive the cold Icelandic winters, the animals have developed a very special wool that will keep you warm, even during the coldest nights.
The unique fleece of the the Icelandic sheepskin has longer wool than other common breeds. Each skin is unique and may vary in color and size and they have a particularly thick, soft texture of the wool. The lambskins have their natural colors, black, white and grey and are all undyed.

The Icelandic sheepskin rugs and throws can make your home more luxurious and add elegance, warmth and the final touch to your décor. Sheepskin throws are absolutely luxurious and naturally hypo-allergenic. These rugs are safe for babies, kids, and pets.