How to Restore a Matted or Flattened Sheepskin Rug

A sheepskin rug is loved for its soft, fluffy texture, but over time, it’s completely normal for the wool to become matted, flattened, or clumped together.

The good news? In most cases, this isn’t permanent.

With the right approach, you can restore the natural loft and softness of your rug without damaging the delicate wool fibres or suede backing. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to bring your sheepskin rug back to life—step by step.

At Jacobs & Dalton, we focus on high-quality sheepskin products and care essentials designed to keep your rugs looking and feeling their best for years to come.

What Causes a Sheepskin Rug to Become Matted or Flattened?

Before restoring your rug, it helps to understand what’s actually happening.

Sheepskin wool fibres are naturally springy, but they can become compressed or tangled due to:

• Foot traffic and weight (e.g. under chairs or in walkways)
• Moisture or humidity, which causes fibres to stick together
• Improper drying, especially after cleaning
• Lack of regular maintenance, like brushing or shaking

In most cases, matting is simply compressed fibres, not damage, which means it can be reversed.

Can You Fully Restore a Matted Sheepskin Rug?

In most cases, yes - but the level of restoration depends on how severely the fibres have been compressed and how well the rug has been cared for over time.

Sheepskin wool is naturally resilient, meaning it can bounce back when treated correctly. However, not all matting is the same, and understanding the condition of your rug will help you choose the right approach.

Light Matting (Surface Flattening)

This is the most common and easiest to fix.

• Fibres appear slightly flat but still soft and flexible
• Usually caused by light foot traffic or regular use
• No clumping or stiffness in the wool

What to do:
A simple shake and gentle brushing is often enough to restore the natural loft. The fibres just need to be lifted and separated.

Moderate Matting (Clumping and Compression)

At this stage, fibres begin to stick together and lose their shape.

• Wool may look clumped or slightly tangled
• Areas may feel denser or less airy
• Often caused by moisture, pressure, or lack of maintenance

What to do:
This requires a more hands-on approach:

• Gently separate fibres by hand
• Use a light mist of water (only if needed)
• Follow with careful brushing to restore volume

With the right technique, most rugs at this stage can be brought back to a noticeably softer and fuller state.

Severe Matting (Compacted or Damaged Fibres)

This occurs when fibres have been heavily compressed over time or exposed to moisture and heat.

• Wool may feel stiff, dry, or brittle
• Fibres may remain flattened even after brushing
• The rug may have visible wear in high-use areas

What to expect:
You can still improve the texture and appearance, but the rug may not return to its original softness or fullness. The goal here is improvement, not perfection.

When Full Restoration May Not Be Possible

In some cases, the condition of the rug limits how much recovery is achievable:

• The leather backing has hardened or shrunk
• The fibres feel dry, brittle, or damaged
• The rug has been exposed to excessive heat or improper washing

Even then, gentle restoration can still make a significant difference in how the rug looks and feels.

A Realistic Expectation

Think of restoring a sheepskin rug like reviving natural fibres, not replacing them.

With the right care, most rugs can regain softness, movement, and a more even texture, but heavily worn areas may always show some signs of use.

The key is to work gently and consistently to get the best possible result without causing further damage.

Step-by-Step: How to Restore a Matted Sheepskin Rug

Follow these steps carefully to avoid causing further damage.

Step 1: Shake Out the Rug

Start by taking the rug outside and giving it a good shake.

This helps:

• Loosen compressed fibres
• Remove dust and debris
• Improve airflow through the wool

For larger rugs, hang it over a railing and gently tap it—avoid aggressive beating.

Step 2: Separate the Fibres by Hand

Before using any tools, gently work through the matted areas using your fingers.

• Pull apart clumps carefully
• Work in small sections
• Avoid tugging from the base of the wool

This step is often overlooked but makes brushing far more effective.

Step 3: Lightly Mist (Only If Needed)

If the fibres are stubborn or tightly clumped, a very light mist of water can help loosen them.

Important:

• Use a spray bottle—never soak the rug
• Only mist the wool surface, not the backing
• The rug should feel slightly damp, not wet

Too much moisture can stiffen the leather underside and make the problem worse.

Step 4: Brush Using the Correct Technique

Using a sheepskin or suede brush, gently brush the fibres to restore their natural loft.

For best results:

• Work in small sections
• Use short, lifting strokes (not dragging)
• Start from the tips of the fibres, not the base
• Avoid excessive force

This isn’t about aggressive brushing, it’s about separating and lifting the wool. For a more detailed breakdown of technique, see our guide on how to properly brush and lift the fibres of a sheepskin rug.

Step 5: Air Dry Naturally

Allow the rug to dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

• Lay it flat or hang it
• Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight
• Avoid tumble drying or heaters

As the fibres dry, they will begin to reset and regain their natural shape.

Best Tools for Restoring Sheepskin Rugs

Using the right tools makes a noticeable difference when restoring the softness and texture of your sheepskin rug. Gentle, purpose-made products help lift and separate fibres without causing damage.

Recommended:

• A dedicated sheepskin or suede brush (designed to gently lift and separate wool fibres)
• A soft-bristle brush for lighter maintenance
• A wide-tooth comb for thicker or longer-pile rugs

For best results, we recommend using a sheepskin rug brush specifically designed for delicate wool fibres. You can also explore our full range of sheepskin rug care products to keep your rug looking its best.

If your rug needs a refresh before restoring the fibres, a gentle wash using a wool-safe solution like our wool and cashmere wash can help remove buildup without damaging the natural fibres.

Avoid:

• Hard or wire brushes that can pull or break fibres
• Heat tools such as hairdryers or heaters
• Harsh or standard cleaning products not designed for wool

When it comes to sheepskin care, gentler is always better.

Common Mistakes That Make Matting Worse

Avoid these common errors:

• Using too much water
• Applying direct heat
• Over-brushing or pulling fibres
• Using standard cleaning products
• Skipping air drying or proper ventilation

These can damage both the wool fibres and the leather backing.

When to Restore vs When to Clean Your Sheepskin Rug

It’s important to know the difference:

• Flattened but clean? → Restore the fibres
• Dirty or stained? → Clean first, then restore

If your rug has marks or spills, it’s best to deal with those first. Follow the correct process for cleaning common sheepskin rug stains before attempting to restore the fibres, otherwise dirt can become trapped and worsen matting.

How to Prevent Your Sheepskin Rug from Flattening Again

Once restored, a little maintenance goes a long way.

• Shake your rug out regularly
• Lightly brush high-use areas
• Rotate the rug to avoid pressure points
• Keep it away from damp environments
• Avoid placing heavy furniture directly on it

Consistent care helps maintain that soft, fluffy feel for longer.

How Often Should You Restore a Sheepskin Rug?

There’s no strict schedule, it depends on use.

• High-traffic areas: every few weeks
• Decorative use: only as needed

Regular light maintenance reduces the need for deep restoration.

Bringing Your Sheepskin Rug Back to Life

A matted or flattened sheepskin rug might look worn out, but in most cases, it just needs a little attention.

By gently separating, brushing, and allowing the fibres to reset naturally, you can restore softness, volume, and comfort without damaging the material.

With the right care, your sheepskin rug can stay beautiful, plush, and inviting for years to come.