Sheepskin rugs bring warmth, comfort, and luxury to any space. Their soft, fluffy texture and natural beauty make them a favorite for many Brooklyn homeowners. However, maintaining sheepskin rugs requires more care than traditional synthetic or wool rugs. Improper cleaning can lead to matting, discoloration, or even permanent damage.

Many people attempt DIY cleaning, only to find their rug losing its softness or developing an unpleasant odor. That’s why professional rug cleaners in Brooklyn specialize in restoring sheepskin rugs to their original plush condition using gentle, effective techniques.

In this guide, we’ll explore why sheepskin rugs need special care, common cleaning mistakes, and how Brooklyn’s professional rug cleaning services can help maintain their beauty and longevity.

Why Do Sheepskin Rugs Need Special Care?

Unlike synthetic rugs, sheepskin is a natural product, meaning both the wool and the leather backing require special attention. Here’s why:

1. Delicate Natural Fibers

Sheepskin is made of keratin fibers, just like human hair. Harsh cleaning agents or hot water can cause the fibers to dry out, become brittle, and lose their softness.

2. Leather Backing Can Dry Out & Crack

The natural hide backing of a sheepskin rug can become stiff, brittle, or even shrink if exposed to excessive moisture or improper drying techniques. This is a major reason why sheepskin rugs should never be fully submerged in water.

3. Prone to Staining & Yellowing

Over time, sheepskin can develop yellowish discoloration due to UV exposure, body oils, or incorrect cleaning. Regular vacuuming helps, but deep cleaning requires special products and techniques.

4. Sensitive to Heat & Harsh Chemicals

Many household cleaning products contain alkaline-based detergents, bleach, or high-heat drying methods—all of which can destroy the rug’s texture and natural lanolin oils.

5. Difficult to Remove Embedded Dirt & Odors

Because of its dense, fluffy pile, sheepskin traps dust, pet dander, and even unpleasant odors. Cleaning it thoroughly without damaging the fibers is tricky and requires expertise.

Common DIY Sheepskin Rug Cleaning Mistakes

Many homeowners attempt to clean their sheepskin rugs at home but unknowingly cause more harm than good. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

✔ Using Hot Water: Heat damages sheepskin fibers, making them rough and stiff. Lukewarm or cold water is always recommended.

✔ Submerging in Water: Soaking the rug can cause the leather backing to shrink or stiffen, leading to permanent damage.

✔ Using Regular Laundry Detergent: Standard detergents strip away natural lanolin oils, leaving the fibers dry and prone to tangling.

✔ Scrubbing Too Hard: Aggressive scrubbing damages the wool fibers and causes matting.

✔ Tumble Drying: High heat from dryers shrinks and distorts the rug. It should always be air-dried naturally.

✔ Skipping Brushing After Cleaning: Without proper brushing, sheepskin loses its fluffy texture, resulting in a tangled, flat appearance.

To avoid these issues, it’s best to let professional rug cleaners in Brooklyn handle the cleaning with expert care.

How Brooklyn’s Professional Rug Cleaners Help Maintain Sheepskin Rugs

Brooklyn has some of the best professional rug cleaners who specialize in natural fiber rugs, including sheepskin. These experts use safe, eco-friendly methods to restore your rug’s softness, cleanliness, and longevity.

Here’s how they do it:

1. Gentle Deep Cleaning with Specialized Wool Detergents

Professional cleaners use mild, pH-balanced, wool-safe detergents that clean without stripping natural oils. These detergents remove dirt, stains, and odors while preserving the rug’s luxurious feel.

2. Low-Moisture Cleaning to Protect Leather Backing

Instead of soaking the rug, professionals use low-moisture cleaning methods such as:

✔ Foam or Dry Cleaning Techniques – Minimal water exposure ensures the leather backing doesn’t become stiff or shrunken.
✔ Handwashing in Controlled Conditions – Rugs are cleaned carefully with lukewarm water and gentle motion.

3. Specialized Spot Treatments for Stains & Odors

For stains from pet accidents, food spills, or yellowing, experts apply targeted spot treatments that break down stains without harming delicate fibers.

Odor treatments help eliminate musty smells, pet odors, and moisture-related scents using safe, non-toxic deodorizers.

4. Controlled Drying to Prevent Shrinkage

Rather than air-drying on a harsh surface, professionals use temperature-controlled drying techniques to preserve softness and prevent shrinkage.

✔ Rugs are dried flat in a well-ventilated area.
✔ They avoid direct sunlight or high heat exposure to prevent fading.

5. Fluffing & Brushing for a Like-New Finish

Once dried, professional cleaners gently brush the fibers using a sheepskin comb to restore the rug’s fluffy, soft texture. This step is crucial to prevent matting and keep the rug looking fresh.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Sheepskin Rug Cleaner in Brooklyn

✔ Preserves Softness & Fluffiness – Proper cleaning prevents fiber damage, maintaining the rug’s luxurious texture.

✔ Increases Lifespan – Regular expert care extends the life of your rug, preventing premature wear and tear.

✔ Eliminates Allergens & Bacteria – Professional cleaning removes dust, pollen, pet dander, and bacteria, improving indoor air quality.

✔ Safe & Eco-Friendly Cleaning – Many Brooklyn rug cleaners use non-toxic, organic solutions, perfect for homes with children and pets.

✔ Restores Beauty & Color – Stain treatments and proper maintenance keep the rug looking fresh and vibrant.

✔ Saves Time & Effort – Instead of struggling with DIY methods, professionals handle the cleaning efficiently, ensuring perfect results without risks.

How Often Should You Clean a Sheepskin Rug?

The frequency of cleaning depends on usage:

• Light Use (Decorative Rug): Every 12-18 months

• Moderate Use (Bedroom Rug): Every 6-12 months

• High Use (Living Room, Pet Areas): Every 3-6 months

• Immediate Cleaning: If spills, pet accidents, or stains occur

Regular maintenance (vacuuming & brushing) helps extend the time between deep cleans.

Conclusion

Sheepskin rugs require specialized care to maintain their softness, durability, and luxurious appearance. While DIY cleaning can be risky, professional rug cleaners in Brooklyn use gentle, expert techniques to safely deep clean, remove stains, and restore your rug to perfection.

Investing in professional sheepskin rug cleaning ensures long-lasting beauty, better hygiene, and peace of mind knowing your rug is in the hands of experts. Whether you have a small accent rug or a large sheepskin area rug, Brooklyn’s best rug cleaners can help keep it fresh, soft, and elegant for years to come.

Need Expert Sheepskin Rug Cleaning in Brooklyn?

Contact a trusted local rug cleaning Brooklyn service today for professional care and guaranteed results!