Short answer: no. A good-quality sheepskin rug, such as one from Monroe Life, does not shed like a traditional wool or deep-pile rug. In a sheepskin, the wool stays naturally anchored in the skin: the hairs are not worked into a backing as loose fibres. The odd loose hair on a new rug or after heavy friction is normal, but a well-made sheepskin rug should not shed continuously in normal use.
Not loose wool fibres, but genuine sheepskin
“Doesn’t a sheepskin rug shed terribly?” It is a question we are asked from time to time. The answer has everything to do with the way our rugs are constructed.
- Traditional wool rug — in many wool rugs, loose wool fibres are spun, knotted or tufted into a rug. Use, friction and vacuuming can work small fibres loose. This is often experienced as “shedding”.
- Sheepskin rug — our sheepskin rugs are made differently. In a sheepskin, the wool stays naturally anchored in the skin. So the hairs are not worked into a backing as loose fibres: they are still part of the original fleece.
That gives a very different structure and considerably less fibre loss.
The quality of the sheepskin makes the difference
Not every sheepskin is the same. For our Monroe Life rugs, made by hand from ecologically tanned Icelandic sheepskins, we pay close attention to the selection and processing of the skins.
A good sheepskin has strong hair roots and a firm skin structure. Correct processing and finishing are also important to make sure the wool stays firmly anchored in the skin. That is why our rugs not only feel exceptionally soft, but also stay beautiful for years in normal use. You can read how we select and process the skins in our production process.
So can a hair never come loose at all?
Sheepskin is a natural product. It is therefore normal to see an occasional loose hair, especially on a new rug or after heavy friction.
That, however, is something quite different from a rug that continually releases fibres or fluff. A good-quality sheepskin rug should not shed continuously in normal use.
Practical in everyday use, too
Precisely because our rugs are not made of loosely spun wool fibres, they are surprisingly practical in an interior. Regular, gentle vacuuming is usually enough to remove dust and surface dirt. That way the fleece keeps its natural look and softness. You will find more tips in our care tips for a sheepskin rug.
A rug you have to feel
Sheepskin has a look and texture that are hard to compare with other materials. It combines luxury and softness with the natural properties of real fleece.
So when someone says that a sheepskin rug by definition sheds a lot, that is mainly based on a comparison with other kinds of wool rug. A well-made sheepskin rug is simply a different product.
At Monroe Life we make our sheepskin rugs from carefully selected sheepskins and turn them into unique rugs that are meant to be enjoyed for years. Curious about the structure or quality of our rugs? Do drop by and feel the difference for yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does a sheepskin rug shed?
No, not like a traditional wool or deep-pile rug. The wool stays naturally anchored in the skin and is not worked into a backing as loose fibre.
Does a new sheepskin rug lose hair?
The occasional loose hair is normal for a natural product, especially on a new rug or after heavy friction. That is different from a rug that continually releases fibres or fluff: a good-quality sheepskin rug should not do that in normal use.
Why does an ordinary wool rug shed?
Because it consists of loose wool fibres that have been spun, knotted or tufted. Use, friction and vacuuming can work small fibres loose; this is often experienced as shedding.
Can you vacuum a sheepskin rug?
Yes. Regular, gentle vacuuming is usually enough to remove dust and surface dirt; that way the fleece keeps its natural look and softness.
Where can I feel a Monroe rug?
In our flagship store at Dumortierlaan 115 in Knokke-Heist, open from Thursday to Monday; we are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Still unsure? Send a photo of your room via WhatsApp and within 2 working days you get a free trial image of the rug in your own interior, no strings attached. Or come and feel it in the shop, Dumortierlaan 115, Knokke. See the rugs · Size guide · Vachtstudio
Monroe Life — natural luxury, made to last.
