How To Care For Your Cowhide

Cowhides make beautiful, natural rugs. They have a distinct shape, come in a variety of natural colors, are durable and stain-resistant, but accidents do happen. Here are a few tips for taking care of your cowhide.

Shake the dirt from your cowhide.

• It’s a good idea to take your cowhide outside and give it a good shake to remove loose dirt.
• Do not beat the cowhide. Simply shaking it will remove the loose dirt and debris.

Vacuum your cowhide regularly to remove dirt that may be stuck deep down in the hair, preventing dirt from building up and turning into stains.

• Use the handheld hose attachments to vacuum your rug. If the suction on your vacuum is really strong, you may want to use a handheld vacuum like a dust buster.
• Make sure the vacuum brushes are not spinning.
• Vacuum in the natural direction of the hair, rather than against it.

Rotate your cowhide regularly.

• Rotating your cowhide will help it wear more evenly.

Brush your cowhide.

• Use a brush that has stiff bristles, but not wire bristles.
• Brushing it will help remove stuck on dirt.
• Brush in the direction of the hair rather than against it.

Clean up spills quickly.

• Cleaning up spills quickly will help prevent stains that are more difficult to remove.
• Blot up spills with a paper towel, wash cloth, or sponge. Wiping it will spread the liquid, possibly enlarging the stain.
• If you notice some dried up matter, use a brush to loosen it, not a sharp knife.
• Simply blot or brush in the direction of the hair, depending on what is needed.

Use mild soap or shampoo.

• To remove stains, use a solution of mild soap and water, or shampoo and water. Use as little soap or shampoo as possible.
• Using a damp sponge or wash cloth, gently rub the stain. Do not use a soaking wet sponge or cloth.
• Rinse away the soap with a clean, damp (not soaking wet) cloth or sponge. Repeat this step until all soap has been removed.

Allow your cowhide to air dry.

• Air dry your cowhide before placing it back on the floor. Do not place it in a dryer!
• You can hang it over a chair in the sun, with the backside facing the sun, not the hair side. This will help it dry completely. Take the cowhide back inside as soon as it is completely dry.

NEVER MACHINE WASH OR DRY CLEAN YOUR COWHIDE!

• Machine washing or dry cleaning your cowhide will damage it.
• Spot cleaning your cowhide by hand is the only method that should be used.

Have a question? Feel free to contact us today!