How to Wash a Sheepskin Rug in the Washing Machine
Many people are surprised to learn that you can wash a sheepskin rug in the washing machine. This is a perfect option for those who live in warmer climates where the wool will dry quickly after being hung outside or if your rug is made of synthetic material. However, there are some essential factors to consider when deciding whether or not to clean your rug this way.
If it is handmade, consult with the manufacturer first before putting it through a cycle with detergent and water. Also, make sure that there are no stains on the rug as these may become permanent once washed away from the fibers of wool and other natural materials used in making rugs. Worse yet, they could cause harm if left unattended over time. In these blog posts, we will cover how to wash a sheepskin rug in the washing machine. So if you’re interested, then consider reading this full blog post.
10 Factors to Know When Washing a Sheepskin Rug in the Washing Machine:
1. Use Cold Water:
To avoid shrinking your sheepskin rug, use cold water when washing it in the washing machine. Hot or warm water can cause the wool fibers to contract, resulting in a smaller rug once it’s dried.
2. Use Detergent:
Use the mildest detergent and add it directly to the water, rather than placing it in a net bag (which could rub against the wool and cause damage). Contact with strong chemicals such as bleach or fabric softener should be avoided; instead, use white vinegar diluted with some water to nullify the chemicals.
3. Use a Mild Detergent:
Do not use regular detergent or enzymes like Biz because these will damage the fibers. Instead, use a gentle enzymatic cleaner.
4. Do Not Use Bleach:
Do not add bleach to your sheepskin rug when you wash it, because it will damage the natural colors and fibers. You can use white vinegar diluted with water to eliminate any mildew smell that may occur after washing, without damaging the fibers. Always wash in cold water and dry flat.
5. Clean Spot-Wash Only if Necessary:
Spot-wash the area with mild detergent, following the label’s directions. Use only water to rinse it away, ensuring that all spotting agents are entirely removed before drying. Otherwise, they will discolor the rug over time. A small amount of water can be used to rinse off any residual detergent.
6. Drying:
To keep your sheepskin rug looking its best, dry it flat and out of direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators or heaters. letting it air dry completely before storing. This will prevent shrinkage and protect the natural colors and fibers.
7. Storage:
After cleaning, the sheepskin rug should be stored flat in a dust-free area to prevent damage. Ensure that it is scorched before placing it in storage. Do not use plastic bags to store wool rugs, as these encourage moths and other pests that feed on wool.
8. Don’t Wash With Other Items:
Place the sheepskin rug in a large laundry bag before washing; Otherwise, the fibers will rub against other items in the wash and may get caught on zippers or buttons.
9. Hand Wash If Possible:
When the sheepskin rug is especially dirty, it may be better to hand wash it instead of using the washing machine. To do this, place the wool in lukewarm water that has been blended with a gentle detergent and soak for thirty minutes. Do not rub or twist; simply drain the water and roll the rug in a towel to remove excess water. Ensure that the sheepskin rug is completely dry before placing it in storage.
10. Use a Professional Rug Cleaner If Possible:
If the sheepskin rug is too delicate for washing, consider taking it to a professional rug cleaning service. These services have special equipment designed to clean rugs without damaging the fibers. Note that most sheepskin rugs are not machine-washable. If you see a tag indicating that your rug can be washed, follow the instructions on the label and only wash it in cold water with a gentle detergent.
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Directions: How to Wash a Sheepskin Rug in the Washing Machine
Step 1:
Securely fasten the sheepskin rug to an interior clothesline or strong shower curtain rod using clothespins. The tighter the rug is stretched, the flatter it will be when dry. Make certain that you place a rubber bath mat on the floor of your washing machine to catch loose dirt and debris that falls off during the wash cycle.
Step 2:
Place the sheepskin rug in your washing machine and add enough lukewarm water to cover it completely. You mustn’t use hot or cold water as this can cause the skin and hair of the sheepskin to shrink and mat together. Instead, use a detergent specifically made for cleaning wool, such as Woolite. Do not use chlorine bleach.
Step 3:
Wash the sheepskin rug by selecting the gentle cycle with cold water setting on your washing machine. Do not let the spin cycle start, or this can cause damage to the skin and hair of the sheepskin.
Step 4:
Drain all of the excess water from the washing machine. Then, refill the washer with lukewarm water and two capfuls of white vinegar. Finally, run Finally, run the machine through another complete cycle to ensure that all of the detergents have been rinsed away.
Step 5:
Take the sheepskin rug out of your washing machine and lay it flat on a heavy wool blanket. Roll up the blanket with the sheepskin rug inside and stand on it to help press out excess water.
Step 6:
Use a clean towel to blot the sheepskin rug dry and keep moving around until all parts of the rug have been dried by hand. Do not place the rug near direct heat sources, such as fireplaces or radiators, while drying or this can cause damage to the skin and hair of the sheepskin.
Step 7:
Lightly brush the sheepskin rug to restore any lost hairs and fluff up the skin. Move it back into its original position on your floor before replacing any furniture that was sitting on top of it. Use a hand-held vacuum or carpet sweeper with rotating brushes to remove loose dirt.
Step 8:
Store your sheepskin rug in a cool, dry location until your floor is completely dry to the touch. Do not place near heat sources or open windows and doors while storing as this can cause damage to the skin and hair of the sheepskin.
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Some Tips & Tricks:
1. The more frequently you clean your sheepskin rug, the less frequently you will need to clean your washing machine.
2. Never use a washing machine to wash a sheepskin rug that is made from real fur, either domestic or exotic in origin, as this can damage the skin and hair of the animal.
3. Do not attempt to wash your sheepskin rug if it is too large for your washing machine.
4. Do not use any type of bleach when hand-washing your sheepskin rug as this can damage the skin and hair of the animal.
5. Always test a small, inconspicuous area of your sheepskin rug to ensure that it won’t be damaged by the cleaning method you are using before attempting to clean the entire rug.
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Conclusion:
Your rug will be clean and free of any stains in the washing machine. Sheepskin rugs are durable, so you can use this method for an occasional cleaning without worrying about damaging your investment. Just make sure to follow these simple instructions when it comes time to wash your sheepskin rug!
We hope this blog post on how to wash a sheepskin rug in the washing machine has been helpful to you! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at anytime. Remember that there are many different ways of cleaning a sheepskin rug and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to figure out the best way for your situation before starting. What do you think is the easiest way? Let us know in the comments below!
