cleaning a sheepskin rug

[jaffacakeaddict]

The other thread about cleaning a wool rug reminded me about our sheepskin rug. We were given it as a wedding present and it is now quite grubby. I'd like to clean it up. One person suggested that I hand wash it in the bath. Will this do it any harm? Will it come up nice and fluffy afterwards?

I washed mine in the washing machine wool cycle with wool/silk detergent, you can get it in most supermarkets. It was quite matted afterwards but am pretty sure a long session with a stiff hairbrush would sort it out, if I could be bothered!

Yes, they come up well in the washing machine on wool cycle. Don't tumble dry it though.
A good brushing makes it go fluffy again (you can spray some human hair conditioner through it to get rid of the worst tangles)

I asked this a while ago and was advised to put some liquid glycerine in the wash to keep the skin supple, and it worked. Can get it from Boots.