How To Take Care Of Medical And Normal Sheepskin Rugs?

One of the most softest and resilient in natural fibres is the sheepskin wool. That is why many people love having sheepskin rugs in their home. These luxurious rugs come in different sizes, configurations and grades. They add colour, comfort, style and texture to the home. The sheepskins are carefully processed in order to preserve their tactile appeal and natural beauty. Experts then match and sew these into natural shaped rugs allowing the home maker to bring in a bit of nature into the house. Being a natural fibre it keeps warm in winters and cool in summers. It is also a strong fibre that resists tears, snags, piling and wrinkling. So rugs of this material look newer for longer.

Sheepskin rugs not only have a beauty value but are also sometimes used for medical purposes – to support and comfort those who are confined in their chair or bed for a long time. The springy wool fibers allow movement of air continually. Furthermore wool absorbs nearly 30 per cent of moisture (in its own weight) leaving the skin dry. The natural lanolin present in the wool lubricates the skin gently. This helps prevent developing of pressure points that later become vulnerable. It also reduces the chances of friction and injuries to the skin. These medical skin rugs last a long time if taken care of properly.

They are easier to care for – light brushing, vacuuming or shaking off usually is enough to keep them clean. But like other things these too need a thorough cleaning once a while

1. Start by brushing the wool pile; use a wire brush for the purpose. You can also shake the skin out or vacuum with attachment to remove loose dirt, skin and other debris

2. Most sheepskin rugs can be machine washed, but before the first wash check for any specific instructions from the manufacturer. Wash the rug with shampoos that do not contain any enzymes, there are special products available for washing products made of sheepskin, if you can get them using them would be better. Soak it in the shampoo for 15-20 minutes; this should remove any stubborn stain and dirt.

3. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle

4. For the final rinse add a good quality conditioner meant for wool. This will condition the wool and also soften the leather. Rinse and spin dry

5. To dry lay the rug on a flat surface away from direct sunlight or any other heat source. As the rug dries help the skin soften by gently flexing and massaging

6. Once the rug has dried fully brush it again, this will restore the pile

Important informatio

The skin will shrink 8 – 10 per cent after washingr
The sheepskin rug can also be cleaned using perchlorethylene. / white spiritsr
Avoid using strong detergents on these rugsr
When vacuuming remember to use the attachment, never vacuum directly as the wool pile and skin may get damaged

With regular and proper care these rugs can become heirloom pieces lasting generations after generations.