Hi,
Well my sister just got a rug that was given to her. It is dark colored, Smells like mothballs and its knotted. She’s afraid to dry clean it because it is a pretty big rug and she doesnt wanna spend that much on it. So how would she clean a wool sheep fur rug? thanks again! a bunch!
Image taken on 2007-10-06 07:58:51 by Martin LaBar (going on hiatus).
Check out this article on rug cleaning, it’s got information on cleaning different types of stains on different types of rugs.
http://www.rugsdoneright.com/Rugs101_Cleaning.asp
From the Sheepskin.com website:
Care for Washable Sheepskin Rugs
Cleaning your sheepskin rug is a lot like washing your own hair, and then brushing it into shape.
Brush up the wool pile with a sheepskin wire brush and shake out the skin as needed or vacuum with attachment only.
Use approved non-enzyme cleaner. We recommend using our Cloud Nine Sheepskin Shampoo . For stubborn dirt, presoak item in Sheepskin Shampoo for 20 minutes. We do not recommend Woolite or laundry detergents.
Wash on a gentle cycle with lukewarm water (do not exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rinse thoroughly then add a good wool conditioner like Sheepskin Fleece Fluff to the final rinse to soften the leather side and condition the wool.
Then rinse again and spin dry.
Dry naturally away from heat. Flex skin while drying to soften leather side, then brush to restore wool pile. Note that skin shrinkage of 8% to 10% may occur and is normal. The leather side may become stiff after washing so massage the leather side to soften the skin again.
Sheepskin is Dry-cleanable(A)(40) with either white spirits or perchlorethylene.
LONG WOOL BLACK OR DARK COLORED PELTS, OR ITEMS TRIMMED WITH LONG BLACK WOOL:
We DO NOT recommend machine washing dark colored pelts or items with black trim, as color bleeding may occur. We do recommend hand washing with Sheepskin Shampoo or dry-cleaning. Sheepskin is Dry-cleanable(A)(40) with either white spirits or perchlorethylene. These pelts may also be surface cleaned with Cloud Nine Sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner.
Colors, except black, that are also UNLINED on the back of the pelt are hand or machine washable with approved soap. Medical and infant rugs are also hand or machine washable.
(Please note that we cannot guarantee washing or cleaning results with any sheepskin product, since many factors beyond our control may affect the outcome of cleaning. Such factors are: exposure to heat and light, wear and tear on item, age, hardness or softness of water used, temperature of water used, natural variations in the product, etc.)
with vinegar and water.