How to Clean a Cowhide Rug: Spills, Pet Accidents and Everyday Care

A natural cowhide is one of the easiest rugs to live with. Most spills blot right up, and a few minutes of care keeps a hide looking good for 20 years or more. Here's how to clean a cowhide rug, handle pet accidents and smooth out creases.

Everyday Care

• Shake it out or vacuum about once a week on a low setting with the brush attachment, moving in the direction the hair lies.
• Rotate it every few months so it wears evenly, especially in busy spots.
• Keep it out of strong direct sun, which can fade the color over time.

How to Clean a Spill

1. Blot the spill right away with a clean cloth or paper towel, working from the outside in. Press, don't rub, so it doesn't soak deeper into the hair.
2. Spot clean. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a small bowl of cool water. Dampen a paper towel or cloth (don't soak it) and gently work the spot, moving with the direction of the hair, to loosen the dirt. Test a hidden spot first.

3. Blot it dry. Press a clean, dry paper towel flat over the spot to soak up the soap and water. Repeat with fresh towels until they come up nearly dry.
4. Let it air dry flat, away from heaters and direct sun (a fan speeds things up), then brush the hair back in its natural direction.

For something solid or sticky, gently lift it off with a dull knife or spoon, moving with the hair, before you clean. Keep the hide damp, never soaked.

Dog Urine and Pet Accidents

1. Blot as much as you can, fast. Press fresh paper towels into the spot, working from the outside in, until they come up nearly dry.
2. Clean the spot. Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water. Dampen a cloth (don't soak it), blot the area and work with the direction of the hair. Test a hidden spot first.
3. Rinse. Blot with a cloth dampened in plain water.
4. Dry completely, flat, with a fan if you have one. No hair dryer or heater.
5. Remove odor. Once dry, sprinkle baking soda over the spot, leave it overnight, then vacuum on low.

For a lingering smell, use an enzyme cleaner labeled safe for leather. Skip carpet shampoos, bleach and steam.

Shedding

A little shedding is normal for the first few weeks, then it settles. Shake the hide out or vacuum on low to clear loose hair. If one area wears faster, rotate the hide so traffic spreads out.

Creases and Wrinkles

Fold lines from shipping usually relax on their own within a few days once the hide is laid flat in a warm room.

• Speed it up: lay the hide hair side down and set a few heavy books on the creases overnight.
• Stubborn creases: with the hide hair side down, press the suede side with an iron on low through a damp towel. Keep the iron moving and never iron the hair.
• Curled edges: lightly mist the suede side of the edge with water, then weigh it down flat until dry.

Printed and Dyed Hides

Same care, with one exception: skip the water, soap and vinegar, which can make the dye bleed. Blot spills right away with a dry cloth.

What to Avoid

• Washing machines, steam cleaners, carpet shampooers and dry cleaning
• Bleach, ammonia or harsh chemicals
• Soaking the hide or drying it with heat
• Rubbing or scrubbing a fresh spill

Questions

Can I steam clean or shampoo a cowhide rug?

No. Steam, carpet shampooers, washing machines and dry cleaning can shrink, stiffen or crack the hide. Spot clean as described above. For an old or large stain, a cleaner who works with natural hides is the safest choice.

Are cowhide rugs good with dogs and kids?

Yes. Cowhide handles daily foot traffic, paws included, and most messes blot right up. For accidents, follow the pet steps above.

Can I hang my cowhide on the wall instead?

Yes. See how to hang a cowhide on the wall for five easy ways.

Where should I put my cowhide rug?

Under a coffee table, at the foot of a bed, in an entry or layered over a larger rug. See how to style a cowhide rug for room-by-room ideas and photos.

Have a question about your hide? We're happy to help. Call 813-798-5558 or email [email protected]. Or browse all cowhide rugs.