Can You Put a Sheepskin Rug in the Washing Machine?

It’s a common question and an understandable one. When a rug looks tired, smells a bit musty, or has picked up a few marks, the washing machine feels like the easiest solution.

So, can you put a sheepskin rug in the washing machine? Sometimes – but only under very specific conditions. And even then, there’s always a risk.

Sheepskin rugs are made from natural wool fibres attached to a leather hide. That combination reacts very differently to water, heat, and agitation than synthetic rugs. One wrong setting can permanently change how the rug looks and feels. Understanding how natural sheepskin behaves is key to maintaining its look and feel over time, something we focus on across the entire Jacobs & Dalton sheepskin collection.

Let’s look at when machine washing could be an option, when it’s likely to cause damage, and the safer ways to clean a sheepskin rug before resorting to the washing machine.

Is Machine Washing a Sheepskin Rug Safe?

In most cases, no – machine washing a sheepskin rug is not recommended.

Some rugs can survive a carefully controlled machine wash, but many are damaged in the process. Shrinkage, stiffness, and matted wool are all common outcomes when conditions aren’t exactly right.

If you’re deciding whether to machine wash, the safest rule is this:

If the care label doesn’t explicitly say it’s machine washable, assume it isn’t.

For most owners, spot cleaning and gentle maintenance are far safer than full washing. Our full guide on how to clean a sheepskin rug without damaging it explains these methods in detail and should always be your first stop before considering the washing machine.

Why Washing Machines Are Risky for Sheepskin Rugs

Washing machines introduce three major threats to sheepskin:

Heat

Even warm water can cause the leather backing to shrink and harden. Once leather stiffens, it rarely returns to its original softness.

Agitation

The spinning and tumbling action can tangle wool fibres, leading to matting and uneven texture that brushing can’t fully fix.

Detergents

Standard detergents strip the wool of natural lanolin, the oil that keeps fibres soft, springy, and odour-resistant.

These risks are why many sheepskin rugs that look “clean” after washing feel flat, stiff, or rough once dry.

When Might a Sheepskin Rug Be Machine Washable?

There are limited situations where machine washing may be possible, but all of the following must apply:

• The rug is clearly labelled as machine washable
• The leather has been specially tanned for washing
• You can use a cold wash only
• The machine has a gentle or wool cycle
• You have a specialist wool or sheepskin detergent

Even then, there is still a degree of risk. Machine washing should always be a last resort, not routine care.

If your rug is valuable, sentimental, or used decoratively, it’s usually better to avoid the washing machine altogether.

What to Check Before Putting a Sheepskin Rug in the Washing Machine

Before you even consider machine washing, take a moment to check:

• The Care Label – If the label says hand wash only or gives no washing instructions at all, do not machine wash.
• The Backing – A soft, supple leather underside is more vulnerable to shrinkage than a firm, fabric-backed alternative.
• The Size of the Rug – Larger rugs are more likely to be stressed during spinning and can dry unevenly, leading to stiffness and odours.
• The Level of Soiling – Light marks, dust, or smells usually don’t require washing. Brushing, airing, or spot cleaning is often enough.

Safer Alternatives to Machine Washing

For most sheepskin rugs, these methods are far safer than machine washing:

• Regular brushing to lift fibres and release dust
• Shaking the rug outdoors
• Airing in a cool, shaded space
• Spot cleaning spills as soon as they happen

Gentle, regular care goes a long way in keeping a sheepskin rug looking its best. Using purpose-made sheepskin rug care products helps protect the wool’s natural oils, lift dirt safely, and reduce the need for frequent washing which is one of the quickest ways to shorten a rug’s lifespan.

If You Do Machine Wash a Sheepskin Rug (With Caution)

If your rug meets the criteria and you decide to proceed, follow these guidelines carefully:

• Use cold water only
• Select a gentle or wool cycle
• Use no fabric softener
• Avoid long spin cycles
• Never wash with other heavy items

Once the wash is complete, drying becomes even more critical.

Drying Is Where Most Damage Happens

Even rugs that survive the wash are often ruined during drying.

Never:

• Tumble dry
• Use heaters or radiators
• Leave in direct sunlight

Instead, reshape the rug gently and allow it to dry naturally with good airflow. Brushing while drying helps prevent clumping and stiffness.

For step-by-step guidance, refer to how to safely dry a wet sheepskin rug, which explains exactly how to protect both the wool and leather backing during this stage.

Common Problems After Machine Washing

If a sheepskin rug doesn’t feel right after washing, it’s usually due to one of the following:

• Stiff backing → exposure to heat or rapid drying
• Flat or matted wool → agitation during washing
• Lingering smells → moisture trapped in the fibres

While some texture can be improved with brushing, severe stiffness or shrinkage is often permanent.

How Often Should a Sheepskin Rug Be Washed?

In most homes, a sheepskin rug may never need full washing.

As a general guideline:

• Decorative or low-traffic rugs rarely need washing
• High-use rugs may require occasional deeper care
• Regular brushing and airing dramatically reduce washing needs

Less washing almost always means a longer-lasting rug. Machine washing carries real risks and should only be done when the rug is specifically designed for it.

In the majority of cases, gentle maintenance, spot cleaning, and proper drying will keep a sheepskin rug looking and feeling its best without the gamble of the washing machine.

If you’re unsure, start with how to clean a sheepskin rug without damaging it, and only consider washing once you fully understand the risks and alternatives.