Sheepskin and Cowhide Rug Cleaning: A Complete Care Guide

Sheepskin and cowhide rugs have taken over Bay Area interiors — and honestly, it’s easy to see why. A sheepskin draped over a mid-century chair gives instant warmth to a minimalist room. A cowhide anchoring a living space adds texture without overwhelming the design. They’re statement pieces that work in almost any style, from Silicon Valley modern to Marin County farmhouse.

But here’s the thing nobody tells you at the furniture store: hide rugs are a completely different animal (literally) from woven rugs, and they need completely different care. What works on a wool Oriental will damage a sheepskin. What cleans a cowhide can ruin a synthetic rug. These are natural hides with their own set of rules.

After decades of cleaning every type of rug imaginable, we’ve got hide care down to a science. Here’s what you need to know.

Sheepskin Rug Care

Sheepskin rugs are exactly what they sound like — the tanned hide of a sheep with the wool fleece still attached. The leather backing is the hide itself. This two-layer construction (leather + wool) creates some unique care challenges.

Regular maintenance:

Give your sheepskin a good shake outdoors every week to dislodge loose dirt and refresh the fibers. For light surface cleaning, vacuum on the lowest suction setting without a beater bar. A wide-tooth comb or pet brush can help detangle matted areas and keep the fleece fluffy and soft.

Spot cleaning:

For small spills, blot immediately with a clean white cloth. Use cold water only — never warm, which can shrink the leather backing. For stubborn spots, a tiny amount of wool-safe detergent (like Woolite) diluted in cold water can help. Apply with a cloth, blot the area gently, then blot with clean cold water to rinse. Let it air dry away from heat sources.

What to avoid:

Never submerge a sheepskin in water yourself. The leather backing needs very specific handling when wet — improper drying will cause it to stiffen, crack, and shrink. Never use bleach, carpet cleaner, or any alkaline product. Never dry in direct sunlight or with a hair dryer. Never machine wash (yes, some websites suggest this — they’re wrong for anything you want to keep looking nice).

Professional cleaning:

We recommend professional sheepskin cleaning every 1-2 years, or sooner if it gets significant use. Our process uses specialized solutions that clean the wool fibers while conditioning the leather backing to keep it soft and supple. The result is a sheepskin that looks and feels like new.

Cowhide Rug Care

Cowhide rugs are tanned cattle hides — flat, thin, and naturally patterned with the animal’s original markings. No two cowhides look exactly alike. They’re durable, naturally resistant to stains and odor, and surprisingly easy to maintain. But they do have some specific care needs.

Regular maintenance:

Shake your cowhide outdoors periodically to remove loose dirt. Vacuum the hide side using suction only — a handheld vacuum or attachment works well. For the underside, a gentle vacuum pass prevents dust buildup. Cowhide rugs don’t need to be vacuumed as often as wool — every 2 weeks is typically sufficient.

Spot cleaning:

Cowhide’s smooth surface makes spot cleaning relatively easy. Wipe spills with a damp (not wet) cloth. For sticky or stubborn spots, a tiny amount of mild soap with water, wiped in the direction of the hair, usually does the trick. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry with a towel.

What to avoid:

Never saturate a cowhide with water. Never use steam cleaning equipment. Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or carpet cleaners. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods — while cowhide is more sun-resistant than wool, prolonged UV exposure can fade the natural markings over time.

Professional cleaning:

Professional cowhide cleaning every 2-3 years keeps the hide supple and the surface clean. Our process removes embedded dirt, conditions the leather, and preserves the natural patterns and texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Matted sheepskin wool: Regular brushing with a wire pet brush or wide-tooth comb prevents matting. For severely matted areas, lightly mist with water and brush gently. Professional cleaning and grooming is the most effective solution.

Stiff leather backing: This usually means the hide has been exposed to too much moisture or heat at some point. Professional conditioning can often restore flexibility, though severely damaged leather may not fully recover.

Curling cowhide edges: This is normal — cowhide is a natural material and can curl slightly, especially in changing humidity. Place heavy books or furniture legs on the curling edges for a few days. For persistent curling, a non-slip rug pad underneath helps keep the hide flat.

Odor: A fresh sheepskin or cowhide may have a slight natural odor that dissipates within a few weeks. If an older hide develops odor, it typically indicates bacterial growth from trapped moisture. Professional cleaning and deodorization resolves this.

When to Call Us

Bring your hide rug to ABC if:
– It hasn’t been cleaned in over 2 years
– A pet has had an accident on it
– The sheepskin wool is matted and brushing isn’t working
– The leather backing feels stiff or cracked
– There’s a persistent odor
– You’re moving and want it cleaned before putting it in your new home

We offer free pickup and delivery across the Bay Area for all rug types, including sheepskin and cowhide.

Call (510) 240-7360 or book your pickup online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash a sheepskin rug in the washing machine?
We strongly advise against it. Machine washing can shrink the leather backing, felt the wool fibers, and distort the shape. Some small, inexpensive sheepskins may survive a gentle cycle, but for any sheepskin you value, professional cleaning is the safe choice.

How do I keep my cowhide rug from sliding?
Use a thin non-slip rug pad cut to fit underneath. This also prevents the hide from scratching hardwood floors and helps keep curling edges flat.

Can pet stains be removed from sheepskin?
Yes, but professional treatment is strongly recommended. Pet urine can damage both the wool fibers and the leather backing. The sooner it’s treated, the better the results.

How long do sheepskin and cowhide rugs last?
With proper care, a quality cowhide rug lasts 10-15+ years. Sheepskin rugs typically last 5-10 years with regular use, longer if used as accent pieces rather than high-traffic floor rugs. Professional cleaning extends the lifespan of both.

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IMAGE PROMPT: “A white fluffy sheepskin rug draped over a modern chair with a natural brown cowhide rug on the hardwood floor beside it. Bright Scandinavian-style room.”
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POST TEXT:
Sheepskin or cowhide rug? Here’s what you need to know about caring for them 👇

🐑 Sheepskin: Shake weekly, brush with a wide-tooth comb, vacuum on lowest suction. Never machine wash — the leather backing can shrink and crack.

🐄 Cowhide: Wipe spills with a barely damp cloth. Vacuum every 2 weeks, suction only. Never saturate with water.

Both need professional cleaning every 1-2 years to keep the leather supple and fibers fresh.

Our specialized process cleans the fibers while conditioning the leather — they come back looking brand new.

Free pickup across the Bay Area.

📖 Read more: https://www.abcrugs.com/blog/sheepskin-cowhide-rug-cleaning/
📞 (510) 240-7360