Short answer: beat and air your sheepskin rug regularly, dab stains immediately with a slightly damp cloth (never rub), vacuum without a rotating brush, comb the fleece now and then, store it dry and breathable and never use harsh cleaning products. Washing is rarely needed; if in doubt, Monroe Life helps you free of charge.
1. Beating and airing
Beat the rug gently outside — don’t shake it hard, that strains the seams — and let it air for a few hours in a dry, shady spot. Wool absorbs moisture and odours and releases them again in fresh air; direct sunlight can dry out and discolour the fibres.
2. Stains: fast and by dabbing
Dab a fresh stain immediately with a clean, slightly damp cloth, from the outside inwards. Never rub: that pushes the stain deeper into the fleece. For stubborn stains use a mild wool detergent, always tested first on an inconspicuous spot.
3. Vacuuming without a brush
Use the soft nozzle without a rotating brush, on low suction, and move with the direction of the hair. A rotating brush pulls at the fibres and causes matting and fluff.
4. Combing for volume
Comb the fleece occasionally with a metal dog comb or a special sheepskin brush, from the tips towards the base. This keeps the hairs open and airy and prevents matting. Tip: after a move or long storage, combing quickly restores the volume.
5. Storing correctly
Only store the rug when it is completely dry and clean, in a cotton sheet or breathable cover — never in plastic, which traps moisture. Choose a cool, dark and dry place.
6. No harsh products
Bleach, solvents and all-purpose cleaners strip the lanolin from the fleece, making it dry and brittle, and the leather can harden. Only use products made for wool or sheepskin.
What does the research say?
Wool is naturally self-cleaning: the scaly structure and the lanolin keep dirt on the surface, and the fibre binds odours and volatile compounds rather than releasing them (AgResearch; Bluyssen et al., Indoor and Built Environment, 2024). Research on wool as a sleep material also shows that the fibre absorbs moisture and releases it quickly — the reason a well-aired rug stays fresh and gives dust mites little chance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a sheepskin rug go in the washing machine?
No. A patchwork rug with a leather back is never machine-washed; the leather can harden and shrink. Individual skins can, in an emergency, be hand-washed in cold water — read our step-by-step guide.
How often should I care for my sheepskin rug?
Beat and vacuum every one to two weeks, air every few months, comb whenever the fleece starts to lie flat.
What do I do about a broken seam?
Nothing yourself: Monroe Life repairs seams free of charge in our workshop, for life. Send a photo via WhatsApp to +32 474 73 66 33.
Can a sheepskin rug go in a home with pets?
Yes. Hair vacuums off easily; small accidents are dabbed up immediately. Many customers deliberately choose a Melange because light soiling shows less.
Still unsure? Send a photo of your room via WhatsApp and within a day 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 · Rug Studio
