How to Clean a Cowhide Rug
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Cowhide rugs are a great and effective way to add style and warmth to any room in your home. But what’s next after choosing the right one for your space? How do you care for it long term?
Well, cleaning cowhide rugs shouldn’t be a difficult task. In this article, we’ll show you easy ways to keep your cowhide rug looking its best for years to come.
How to Clean a Cowhide Rug
A cowhide rug is made from real cowhide, making it durable and easy to care for. However, there are some simple steps that you need to know about how to clean a cowhide rug.
Tools You’ll Need
You’ll need the following:
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment or soft bristle brush. You can use a small handheld brush and some soft rags if you don’t have one
- A spray bottle filled with distilled water and a few drops of liquid dish soap (if needed)
- A clean cloth or microfiber pad (unless you have an upholstery vacuum)
- A bucket (or large bowl) with warm water and mild soap
- Small towels for drying and polishing
- White vinegar (optional)
Steps For Cleaning A Cowhide Rug
Regular cleaning can help extend the life of your cowhide. Below are simple steps to clean your cowhide rug and keep it looking spectacular for a long time.
Step #1: For light cleaning, vacuum your rug
If you have a light amount of dust and dirt on your cowhide rug, vacuuming is a good way to remove it. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment so you don’t scratch the cowhide rug.
Vacuum from the center of the rug outwards, moving in one direction. Don’t use the vacuum at high speed or over-suck, as this can cause damage to your cowhide rug’s fibers!
Step #2: Use a clean, white cloth to apply a solution of equal parts vinegar and water
Mix the white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray over the affected area. This acts as an odor removal solution.
Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before blotting it with a clean white cloth. Repeat this process if there are any food stains or red wine spills until they are removed.
Step #3: Mix ¼ cup of mild liquid dish soap at a time with two cups of cool water in a bucket
Next, mix ¼ cup of mild liquid dish soap at a time with two cups of cool water in a bucket. Use a damp cloth to apply the solution on top of the stain and the whole rug surface.
The most important thing is to be gentle but thorough. Do not rub too hard, or you may damage the fibers of the hide. Let it sit for one hour (or longer if you have time).
Step #4: Run clean water over the entire surface of the rug with a sponge until all soap residue is removed
The next step is to run clean water over the entire surface of the rug with a clean sponge until you remove all the soap residue. Wring out excess water from your sponge using your hands, then blot dry only using this sponge (no wringing).
Blotting too roughly or vigorously can stretch and tear the hide, so try to be gentle as you press down on it with your hands. This will push more soap/dirt out of the way for further cleaning in later steps.
Once you’re confident there’s no more visible dirt in need of removal. Run another fresh batch of clean water over the cowhide rug with a clean sponge until all traces of odor-causing agents have been removed.
Step #5: Blot to remove more excess water
Spot sponge and remove excess water from your cowhide rug. Do not apply pressure on the sponges. Simply place them on top of the rug and push it down to absorb any excess moisture.
If you do not have access to an absorbent cleaning pad, you can use paper towels.
Step #6: Allow the cowhide rug to air dry outdoors
If possible, allow the cowhide rug to air dry outdoors in a shaded area or indirect sunlight until completely dry. It may take several hours to a full day, depending on weather conditions, the type of rug, and how damp the rug was after being cleaned.
How to Care for Your Cowhide Rug Long Term
Cowhide carpets are a great addition to any living room. They’re durable and beautiful and come in various colors and sizes. But because they’re natural products, they need regular care. Below are a few things you need to do to keep your new cowhide rug looking great for years to come.
Protecting Your Cowhide Rug from UV Damage
The first step in caring for your cowhide rug is protecting it from ultraviolet (UV) damage. UV rays from the sun can fade the color of your cowhide rug over time and cause other problems.
To protect your cowhide rug from direct sunlight damage, use an indoor/outdoor polyurethane spray sealer once every year or two, depending on how much sun exposure it gets.
It’s best to choose an aerosol spray that goes on clear rather than tinted because it will protect you better against UV rays.
Regularly Vacuuming
One of the most common question people ask is how often should I vacuum my cowhide rug. The simple answer is regular vacuuming
According to professional rug cleaning services, cowhides are made from animal skin, so they have an inherent tendency to collect dust particles, pet urine and hair, and other allergens.
This is especially true for thicker hides like those used in furniture upholstery. As such, the best practice is to vacuum it regularly with a soft brush attachment or hand vac to keep your cowhide rug clean and dust-free.
Use Shoe Mats
If you have hardwood floors or tile in your entryway or foyer, it’s a great idea to use shoe mats in front of doors to keep dirt off the flooring.
You can also use them outside the home if your entryway leads directly into a garage or other concrete surfaces that are high-traffic areas and can get dirty easily.
Clean Spills Immediately
Liquid stains can cause permanent damage if not dealt with immediately! Clean up any liquid spill as soon as you see it with a damp paper towel or soft cloth.
This will prevent stubborn stains from setting into the fibers of your carpeting and make it easier for you to get those stains out later on down the line.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean a cowhide rug, you can keep your rug in great condition. You’ll need to wash or vacuum it regularly so that dirt doesn’t build up and cause grease stains.
The best way to care for a cowhide rug is by keeping it clean and dry at all times!
