Care & Cleaning
Natural sheepskin is durable, but it also benefits from a little care. The good news is that it doesn’t require much. A few simple habits will help keep your piece looking and feeling its best for years to come.
Everyday Care
Give your rug or sheepskin piece a gentle shake or air it out from time to time. This helps release dust and keeps the fibers fresh.
For regular cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner on a gentle setting. Always vacuum in the direction of the fibers and avoid aggressive brushing or high suction.
Natural sheepskin can also change slightly with use. The pile may settle in areas where it is walked on or used more often. This is normal and can usually be refreshed by gently shaking or brushing the fibers.
Spills & Small Accidents
If something is spilled on your sheepskin, don’t panic and don’t rub it.
Gently blot the area with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Work from the outside of the spill toward the center to avoid spreading it.
Allow the area to dry naturally. Do not use a hair dryer, radiator or other direct source of heat.
Once dry, gently loosen the fibers with your fingers or a soft brush if needed.
Deeper Cleaning
Sheepskin is a natural material and should not be treated like an ordinary fabric.
Unless the care instructions for your specific product say otherwise, we recommend professional cleaning for deeper cleaning or larger stains. Avoid washing your sheepskin in a washing machine or using household detergents, bleach, stain removers or other strong cleaning products.
If you’re unsure about how to treat a particular stain or situation, contact us before cleaning it.
What to Avoid
To keep your sheepskin in good condition, avoid:
- Excessive moisture
- Direct heat
- Bleach and strong chemicals
- Aggressive brushing
- High-pressure or high-suction cleaning
- Machine washing unless specifically stated in the product’s care instructions
Placement
Where you place your sheepskin can also affect how it ages.
Try to avoid prolonged exposure to strong, direct sunlight, as natural colors can gradually change over time. If possible, rotate your rug occasionally so that areas receiving more foot traffic wear evenly.
For rugs placed on smooth floors, we also recommend using a suitable rug pad to help prevent movement and provide additional protection.
A Natural Material
Every sheepskin is different. Small changes in color, texture, pile and shape are part of the natural character of the material.
With normal use, your piece may develop its own character over time. We see this as part of owning something made from a natural material, rather than something to be prevented.
Need Help?
If you have a question about cleaning your Norkley piece or you’re unsure how to deal with a particular stain, we’re happy to help.
Contact us before trying a cleaning method you’re unsure about.