How to Care for Cowhide Rugs

Cowhide rugs are serious statement pieces, but don’t let maintenance fall by the wayside. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your new rug.

Cowhide rugs are serious statement pieces. They add a touch of flair to any room or space.

These natural rugs are a favorite among homeowners. They’re low-maintenance, durable, and extra comfortable.

But what happens if they get a stain?

Maybe you’re a first time owner finally giving these beautiful rugs a whirl. Maybe you’re an experienced owner who finally spilled on their favorite rug.

Cowhide rugs is easy to maintain as long as you know what you’re doing. By following a few simple steps, you can make sure your stylish rug looks fresh for years to come.

Don’t let maintenance fall by the wayside. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your new rug.

Regular Maintenance

Taking care of any rug starts with regular maintenance. Cowhide rugs are no exception.

There are a few maintenance methods that will help lengthen the lifespan of your rug.

The first is to vacuum your rug regularly. Try to implement your rug into your regular vacuuming routine to prevent dirt pile up. Be careful to vacuum in the direction of the hair to prevent damage.

You should also shake the rug outside semiregularly. Vacuums are great, but they’re not perfect. Shaking should allow you to rid the rug of any excess dirt or pileup.

Brushing is also a great method of rug care. Remember to brush in the direction of the hair and to use a brush with hard bristles.

Treat your rug like you would a more expensive investment like a car. Treat it well and it will reward you with years of quality service.

Curling

You can buy a cowhide rug in a variety of colors and styles.

No matter the color or style, cowhide rugs all have similar attributes. Case in point: curling.

Many cowhide rug owners notice that their rugs’ corners eventually begin to curl. But listen to this simple explanation before rushing to replace your newest piece of decor.

Curling occurs because the corners of the rug are thinner than the rest of the rug. This is pretty uniform across all cowhide rugs.

One common cause of curling is exposure to heat. If the rug is dealing with extra heat, it’s best to remove it from the heat to let it uncurl. Move the rug into a cooler room or remove it from direct sunlight.

You can also spray a little bit of water on the rug and brush it until it regains its flat shape. Then add some weight to the corners for a day or two until it rests flat on its own.

One tip – be careful when spraying it with water. Cowhide rugs can get severely damaged from exposure to water. Keep the water exposure to a bare minimum as a best practice.

Removing Food Stains

Did you drop some food or grease on your cowhide rug? Remain calm.

Food stains aren’t the end of the world. You just need to handle them in a proper manner.

First, remove all of the food that you can. Wait for leftover material to dry and then scrape this material away with a bristled brush. Be sure not to scrape aggressively, but rather apply light pressure as to not damage the rug.

You might still have some leftover material on your rug. If that’s the case, you can dab the afflicted area with a gently damp cloth.

Wipe the rug with the damp cloth first to see if you can remove the extra stain. If that doesn’t do the trick, try to get some Eucalyptus oil.

This is an effective way to treat a grease stain. Apply gentle pressure to the stained area and remove whatever is left over on the rug.

It’s very important to only apply this treatment to the affected area of the rug. Wait for the rug to dry to see if there is any part of the stain remains.

Liquid Stains

Liquid stains can be more difficult to remove from cowhide rugs.

Liquids like juice, wine, or coffee may be hard to get rid of, but don’t give up hope if they spill on your rug.

It’s crucial to get rid of the liquid spill as soon as possible. But be careful not to use the wrong treatment method.

Animal skins are very sensitive to a change in alkalinity. As a result, you should try to use a cleaner that keeps the pH balance of the cowhide rug.

You can also use a concoction of 95 percent water mixed with 5 percent vinegar. This will help remove both the stain and any added odors that may have found their way into the rug.

There are also many soaps, detergents, and shampoos that you can use. The key is to look for products that are non-alkaline before purchasing.

Once you treat the area, allow it time to air dry. If the stain persists you might need to consider professional cleaning.

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is another common method of care for cowhide rugs.

It’s perfectly safe to use a steam cleaner if that’s your cleaning method of choice.

Pre-vacuum the rug to remove excess pile up before turning to your steam cleaner. Also, make sure to allow your steam cleaner to warm up to its optimal temperature before applying it to the rug.

Pay close attention to your technique while you steam clean. You need to make sure that you clean in the direction of the rug’s hairs. You should also keep the cleaner moving constantly so as not to over clean one area.

The rug should dampen during this process. Remember not to let the rug get wet as it could lead to water damage.

Caring for Cowhide Rugs

There are tons of different types of cowhide rugs available for purchase.

It doesn’t matter which style, size, or color you go with. Follow a few simple steps and your cowhide rug should be a perfect addition to your home for years to come.

Are you interested in learning more about cowhide rugs? Contact us today.