https://homeguides.sfgate.com/wash-sheepskin-rug-ruining-74933.html

Sheepskin rugs are not only strikingly beautiful, but also very comfortable to walk on. The only downside is their fragility. When they are exposed to pets, spills, dirt and general wear and tear, they can quickly dull in color, making them an eyesore. Precautionary measures must be taken when it comes to cleaning to ensure that the wool doesn’t harden or tear out. The cleaning process is simple, requiring nothing more than the products in your kitchen.

1

Lift the rug off the ground and gently shake it. Don’t be too vigorous, otherwise you could tear out the wool. This will remove trapped dust and dirt.

2

Vacuum your rug using a brush attachment to remove any remaining trapped particles.

3

Fill a bottle with 1/2 quart of water. Mix in 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of lemongrass essential oil. This will make a detergent that will fight stains and reduce odor development.

4

Damp a sponge with your homemade detergent and lightly brush the sheepskin. Don’t saturate the sponge; make sure it’s squeezed so it doesn’t drip. Too much water could cause the wool to harden. If the stains don’t come out, leave it to dry and repeat the process.

5

Place a fine layer of cornstarch over greasy areas. Leave it for an hour before wiping it off with a damp sponge. If this doesn’t clean your rug sufficiently or if you have difficult stains, you’ll need to take further measures.

6

Roll up your rug and place it inside your washing machine on the lowest setting, ensuring that the temperature doesn’t exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t use traditional washing liquid, washing powder or fabric softener. Use the homemade detergent instead.

7

Hang the rug on a clothesline or in a heavily ventilated area, making sure it's stretched out. While it’s drying, massage the back of the rug with your fingers every hour. This will prevent the rug from becoming stiff.

Things You Will Need

• Sheepskin wire brush
• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon essential oil (lemongrass, pine or eucalyptus)
• Quart bottle
• Cornstarch

Tip

• Replace lemongrass with other essential oils, such as pine or eucalyptus, if you’d rather your detergent had a different fragrance.

Warnings

• Never machine wash sheepskin with detergent.
• Try to avoid machine washing whenever possible.