Sheepskin rug - how best to clean it?

[CarpeJugulum]

Moved house and my lovely rug is matted and dirty; just one extra complaint against the removal firm

I've tried hoovering it with the nozzle with a pop sock over the end and banging it outside but while it takes off the obvious crumbs, it still looks nasty; the fluff is all matted as well.

How can I restore it to a lovely fluffy rug?

[unweavedrainbow]

You can wash it in the bath, using lukewarm water and specialist sheepskin wash. You need to use the specialist wash so the leather doesn't crack (wool washes for jumpers aren't safe for the leather) and don't agitate it too much otherwise the wool will mat.
Otherwise, if you can fit it in your washing machine, you can wash it on the gentle wool cycle, again with the specialist wash-but don't get it too hot or let it spin too fast.
It's worth brushing it to get any major tangles out before attempting to wash. Good luck

[SleepyForest]

If it is matted a bit of conditioner and a gentle comb can help.

[CarpeJugulum]

Thank you for replying.

So you can wash them? Hmm, I may give it a try - I have NOTHING to lose given it's a dark rug so looks terrible; more so then a lighter rug would I think.

Any wash brands you'd recommend?

[flushingfreda]

I've just washed my sheepskin rug and it came up lovely.Persil powder, delicate wash and you must dry it outside,it takes a couple of days to dry but when it is you need to brush it hard with a metal tooth brush I use the dogs and it looks like new.

[GreenGoth89]

I've always washed mine in the washing machine on a delicates cycle with glycerine (sp?) and it should come up fine. If its too big for a normal washing machine try a launderette or the bath.

[TheReturnoftheSmartArse]

Washing machine here too.

Where do you buy glycerine, GreenGoth? And what is its purpose in the washing cycle?? I'm always on the lookout for old fashioned traditional cleaning household tips!

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

Thanks for this, mine has been looking pretty dreadful since our cat started sleeping on it and I've been wondering the same. I've found a tangle teaser hairbrush helps a bit with the mats but metal is probably better.

[GreenGoth89]

Baking ailse in the supermarket!

[TheReturnoftheSmartArse]

Thanks, Green! I've added it to my shopping list (though I still don't really know what it's for!).

[eurochick]

I agree - wash it. In the machine if you can.

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

Just wanted to report back. I bought the special cleaner for mine and put it through the machine yesterday. I was a bit disappointed when it came out as it was still full of gritty bits (it lies in front of the woodburner and gets bits of ash and crumbs from logs in it). However a quick whizz in the tumble drier did amazing things, got rid of most of it, and I then left it to lie flat on a slatted shelf in the greenhouse. Today I tackled it with the metal comb I use to groom the cats with and it is looking so much better. Still needs a bit more time to dry and another go with the comb, but it is a massive improvement. Thanks everyone!

[amumof4]

I just washed my pretty big rug, crammed into the washing machine in desperation. Took two years to pluck up the courage. I put it on 30, with a Bold Allinone tablet. 1200 spin (!!) it's fine! I've just brushed it and all seems well

[amumof4]

It's a natural long wool rug by the way...leather hasn't shrunk at the back or gone hard...