Using Sheepskin Rugs for Home Decor
Sheepskin rugs are much appreciated for their natural softness and higher resistance to wearing than many synthetic rugs. Sheepskin rugs can be dyed into several colors without losing their natural look and feel. White rugs made of sheepskin are particularly popular for combining in contrast with dark-colored carpets and furniture. What is more is that rugs made of sheepskin are not difficult to clean. They can be used at a number of places and in a number of ways; e.g. as coverings for seats or beds, home or car interior decoration, and so on.
Buying Sheepskin Rugs
The prices of sheepskin rugs vary according to their quality, those coming from Australia, New Zealand, and UK being more costly on account of their higher quality. In addition, the degree of processing to which the rugs are subjected (dying and combing) also influences their prices. The most important thing to bear in mind about buying sheepskin rugs is their comfort. Plush rugs with thick natural piling are more comfortable and they should be the first choice of the buyer, even if they cost a little extra cash. A soft and pliable texture of the rug is desirable for decorative enhancement and the buyer should watch out for any rubbery feeling that is produced by some kind of backing material used in the rug. Also, a good sheepskin rug shows a finely-combed piling.
Altering Sheepskin Rugs
Rugs made of sheepskin can easily be dyed for giving them new colors that complement the room's overall decorative pattern. Rugs can be used separately at various places or a number of them (up to ten) may be combined to produce a ‘jumbo' sheepskin rug. A large sheepskin rug may be dyed variously to form a mosaic pattern of colors that make a stylish display. In case a rug's piling becomes crushed (deeply pressed), a wire-dog brush should be used for making a few strokes at it in order to revive its natural look.
Cleaning Sheepskin Rugs
Sheepskin rugs are very easy to clean as they can be washed safely in a standard washing machine, using a small quantity of a non-biological detergent. It is important to protect sheepskin rugs from direct sunlight which may otherwise damage the rug's texture upon drying. Washing the rug in hot water or using bleach is also likely to damage its material. Cleaning should preferably be done with a wire-dog brush. To remove the dust from the rug, it should be cleaned with a dry sheepskin duster.
