Wetcleaning sheepskin rugs

I have covered leathers and furs for the last 2 months. I will be covering the hardest of them all, sheepskin rug. Sheepskin rugs are not cleaned often and as a result, you will receive them in a dirty and smelly condition. When something is dirty like this, there is no better way than wetcleaning. As long as you wetclean following the proper protocol, sheepskin rugs will be restored to their original condition. Done the wrong way, sheepskin rugs will stiffen and shrink beyond repair, keeping most cleaners from wetcleaning them.

Lanolin

The reason why sheepskin gets stiff is lanolin. Leather has natural oil in them and it gets removed by washing. When sheepskin has enough lanolin in it, it will remain soft. Lanolin is a wax-like substance in the hair follicle. Our own hair follicle has the same wax-like substance called sebum. It keeps our skin and hair from drying up. Lanolin extracted from sheepskin is widely used in cosmetics. Lanolin smells bad in its natural state. If we don’t shower for a few days, our hair smells bad for the same reason. But lanolin used for wetcleaning is pure and does not smell at all.

Chemicals you need

1. AquaMaster Conditioner: The key to successful wetcleaning sheepskin is replenishing lanolin lost during washing. Wetcleaning conditioner has lanolin to do just that. I would go so far as to say sheepskin wetcleaning starts and ends with the conditioner.

2. AquaMaster acidic detergent: Whenever you are wetcleaning animal products like silk, wool and leather, an acidic detergent is a must. If you wetclean sheepskin with an acidic soap, it helps preserve lanolin in leather and soft texture.

3. AquaMaster Stain Out: It is a neutral stain remover. Make a solution with the equal amount of water in a spray bottle.

Wetcleaning

1. Spotting: Sheepskin rugs always come in very dirty. Since they stay on the floor, food particles, coffee, juice, dust and etc. settle in them. Luckily, stains on sheepskin come off easily during wetcleaning. Spray Stain Out solution on stains. If a stain is thick and stiff, use a brush to soften it.

2. Washing: Use the same amount of soap as regular wetcleaning but add 6 oz. of conditioner for a 50-lbs load. Minimum action is required. Use the gentlest setting your machine allows. Use high level of water so that fur doesn’t get tangled. Wash for 5, 6 minutes.

3. First rinse: After the washing cycle, drain, and rinse. Same conditions as washing but no soap. Rinse for 4, 5 minutes. The first rinse help remove most of the stain material and smell.

4. Second rinse: For the second rinse, use 10~12 oz. of conditioner. Rinse for 4, 5 minutes.

5. Extraction: Unlike normal wetcleaning, use a strong extraction like shirts. If you don’t, it will take too long to air dry. It also helps with lanolin replenishment.

6. Replenishing lanolin: You have to make up for lanolin lost during wetcleaning. After the extraction, put the sheepskin skin side up on the table. Use a towel to soak up as much water as possible. Spray water-conditioner solution liberally. Use your hand to rub and tamp lightly to help with the absorption.

7. Drying: Air dry for at least 24 hours. With minimal amount of water (you shouldn’t dry it completely), tumble dry at 45°C (113°F) ~ 50°C (122°F). Dry until it is completely dry. If you let the sheepskin to air dry all the way, it tends to get a little stiff. Tumble drying will help soften it.