Cowhide rugs are a beautiful and natural way to decorate your home. Made from 100% genuine cowhide, these rugs add texture, warmth and rustic style to any space. However, like all natural materials, cowhide rugs do require some care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Cleaning a cowhide rug properly helps preserve the material, extend its life and maintain its beauty.

Follow these 5 easy steps to learn how to clean a cowhide rug. With just a little time and effort, you can keep your cowhide rug looking fantastic for years to come.

Step 1: Vacuum the Rug Regularly

The first step in caring for your cowhide rug is vacuuming it on a regular basis. This helps lift dirt from deep in the fibers and prevent a buildup of dust and debris.

We recommend vacuuming the entire surface of your cowhide rug at least once a week. Make sure to get into the crevices and around the edges. It’s best to use a vacuum that has an adjustable suction level and a soft brush attachment. Set the suction to a medium level to lift dirt without damaging or distorting the hide fibers.

Gently run the brush attachment over the entire rug, being careful not to catch or tear the natural hide. Pay extra attention to high traffic areas. When finished, use your hand to lightly fluff up the fibers again.

Regular vacuuming extends the life of your cowhide by preventing dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the hide. It also helps the rug maintain its luxurious, fluffy texture.

Step 2: Spot Clean as Needed

Even with regular vacuuming, cowhide rugs may occasionally get localized spills and stains. It’s important to spot clean these areas as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

Mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent with warm water. Use a soft cloth dampened with the detergent solution to gently blot the soiled area. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can roughen the hide’s surface.

Once the stain is lifted, rinse the area with a fresh cloth dampened with plain water. Blot dry with towels until all soap residue is removed.

For tougher stains, swap the detergent for a small amount of saddle soap or leather cleaner. Test on an inconspicuous area first before using these products to spot clean the rest of the rug.

Spot cleaning takes care of occasional spills and stains between deeper cleanings. It helps maintain your cowhide’s beauty in high traffic areas prone to marks.

Step 3: Fluff and Reshape the Rug

Cowhides are natural materials that can lose their shape and loft over time, especially in high traffic areas.

To restore your rug’s plushness, reshape and fluff it up. Start by vacuuming the entire surface using the brush attachment. Then, use your hands to gently massage and ruffle the fibers all over the rug. Move across the entire rug to lift flattened areas and restore the natural contours of the hide.

For stubborn spots, use a soft bristle brush to further tease and brush the matted fibers. Brush against the direction of the hair growth to lift the pile and then smooth it back down. Avoid overbrushing, which can cause excessive wear.

Perform this reshaping monthly to maintain the rug’s natural texture and dimensional shape. Fluffing and massaging prevents permanent matting in high traffic zones. Your cowhide will maintain its luxurious, plush look and feel.

Step 4: Professionally Clean as Needed

For a deeper clean every 6-12 months, it’s best to have your cowhide rug professionally cleaned. Cowhide’s structure and texture can be permanently damaged by harsh chemicals or rough treatment. Professional rug cleaning safely lifts dirt from deep within the hide without causing damage.

Look for a reputable rug cleaning service familiar with cowhides. Discuss the particular methods, products and equipment they use. Opt for gentle, non-toxic cleaners without added optical brighteners or harsh chemicals. This protects the structural proteins within the hide.

Many experts recommend dry-cleaning methods over wet washing for cowhide rugs. Dry cleaning agitates deep dirt out of the fibers without leaving the hide wet. This is gentler on the rug and allows it to retain its shape.

Professional cleaning removes ground-in grime for a deeper clean. Your rug will look refreshed, feel softer and last for many more years.

Step 5: Rotate and Redistribute the Rug

To help your cowhide wear evenly, rotate it seasonally and redistribute high traffic areas. Simply move the position of the rug to fall in front of a different part of your furniture. Or if possible, switch to using it in another room for a period of time.

Also redistribute the direction the rug faces. Turn it 180 degrees so the head and tail sections switch places. This ensures all parts get equal wear rather than just the entrance zone.

Ideally, rotate the rug 2-4 times per year depending on usage levels. Moving your rug around balances traffic patterns. This prevents premature wear in heavy use areas for a more even look over time.

Tips for Protecting Your Investment

Place rug grippers or pads underneath to prevent slipping and protect floors.
Add felt pads under heavy furniture legs to prevent indentation marks.
Limit direct sunlight exposure to prevent fading over time.
Consider professional hide conditioning to protect against drying out.
For stains, dab gently instead of rubbing to avoid abrasion.
Test cleaning products on small hidden areas first.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage hides.
Turn area rugs over periodically to promote even wear.
Shake small rugs outdoors occasionally to remove dirt.
Avoid wire brushes or stiff-bristle brushes that can scratch.
Don’t let spills sit – blot up liquids quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Cowhide Rugs

Cleaning and caring for your cowhide rug helps keep it looking beautiful for years. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about maintaining cowhide rugs:

How often should you vacuum a cowhide rug?

For optimal results, vacuum the entire surface of your cowhide rug at least once per week. Target high traffic areas and edges more frequently.

Can you use a vacuum beater bar on a cowhide rug?

No, the beater bars and bristles of a vacuum can damage and tear a cowhide rug’s natural fibers. Use a suction-only setting with a soft brush attachment.

What is the best way to spot clean a cowhide rug?

Mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent with warm water. Use a soft cloth to gently blot soiled areas. Avoid rubbing or excessive moisture. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

How do you clean tough stains on a cowhide rug?

For tougher stains, use a gentle leather cleaner or saddle soap specially formulated for hides. Test on an inconspicuous spot first before applying to visible areas.

Should you wet wash a cowhide rug?

No, getting a cowhide rug completely wet can cause damage. It’s best to dry clean them professionally or spot clean only when needed.

How often should a cowhide rug be professionally cleaned?

Plan to have your cowhide rug professionally cleaned every 6-12 months to remove deeply embedded dirt and restore its fresh look.

How can you make a flattened cowhide rug fluffy again?

Use your hands or a soft brush to massage the flattened fibers. Brush against the grain and then smooth back down to lift the pile. Avoid overbrushing.

Is it necessary to rotate or flip cowhide rugs?

Yes, rotating your cowhide rug extends its life by evenly distributing wear and traffic patterns. Flip it over or move to a new room 2-4 times a year.

Conclusion

Cowhide rugs make a beautiful, natural addition to any home when cared for properly. By following these 5 easy steps, you can keep your cowhide rug looking fabulous. Vacuum weekly, spot clean spills promptly, reshape flattened areas, professionally deep clean every 6-12 months, and rotate the rug’s placement to prevent uneven wear.

With just a little routine care, your cowhide rug will provide lasting beauty and stand the test of time. Just be sure to use only gentle, cowhide-safe cleaning methods to protect its delicate structure. Your rug will maintain its plush, luxurious texture and gracefully age over many years.

How to Clean a Cowhide Rug in 5 Easy Steps

Cowhide rugs make a beautiful addition to any home decor. However, they require proper care and cleaning to keep them looking their best. Follow these 5 easy steps to learn how to clean a cowhide rug and maintain its beauty for years to come.

Step 1: Vacuum Frequently

Vacuum entire surface 1-2 times per week to remove dust and dirt.
Use soft brush attachment and medium suction setting.
Gently glide vacuum across rug to lift debris without damaging fibers.
Pay extra attention to high traffic areas and edges.

Regular vacuuming keeps cowhide rug free of embedded dirt and helps maintain plush texture.

Step 2: Spot Clean Spills and Stains

Blot spills immediately with clean, absorbent cloth.
Mix mild detergent with warm water and dampen cloth.
Gently dab stained area, don’t vigorously rub.
Rinse with fresh water dampened cloth.
Blot excess moisture until completely dry.
For tough stains, use specially formulated leather cleaner.

Spot cleaning prevents stains from setting and causing permanent damage.

Step 3: Gently Reshape and Fluff

Use hands or soft bristle brush to massage flattened areas.
Brush gently against grain to lift pile, then smooth back down.
Avoid overbrushing to prevent excessive wear.
Fluff and reshape rug’s pile monthly to maintain plushness.

Reshaping helps cowhide regain loft and natural contours, especially in high traffic zones.

Step 4: Professionally Clean Every 6-12 Months

Hire reputable rug cleaning service familiar with cowhides.
Opt for dry cleaning method over wet washing.
Discuss gentle, non-toxic cleaners that won’t damage hide.
Avoid optical brighteners and harsh chemicals.

Professional cleaning lifts embedded dirt and restores like-new appearance.

Step 5: Rotate Rug Seasonally

Switch rug to different high traffic area in room.
Move rug to alternate room periodically.
Flip direction rug faces to evenly distribute wear.
Rotate rug position 2-4 times per year.

Rotating evens out wear patterns and traffic distribution across entire rug.

Key Tips

Test cleaners on small hidden area first.
Blot stains instead of rubbing to avoid abrasion.
Use rug pads and furniture pads to prevent sliding and indentation.
Limit sunlight exposure to prevent fading over time.
Consider professional conditioning to protect hide.
Avoid wire brushes or stiff bristle brushes.
Rinse away all soap thoroughly after spot cleaning.

How to Clean a Cowhide Rug in 5 Easy Steps

Cowhide rugs add a touch of natural, rustic style to any room. But these delicate hides require special care and cleaning to prevent damage. Follow these 5 easy steps to properly clean and care for your cowhide rug.

1. Vacuum Regularly

Vacuum the entire surface of your cowhide rug at least once per week. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum, and avoid the beater bar. Set the suction to medium power. Gently glide the vacuum head across the rug to lift dust and debris from the fibers without causing tearing or distortion to the hide. Pay extra attention to high traffic areas and edges where dirt accumulates.

Regular vacuuming prevents a deeper buildup of embedded dirt that can grind away at the cowhide fibers over time. It also helps maintain the rug’s plush, pillowy texture.

2. Spot Clean Spills and Stains

It’s important to promptly spot clean any spills, stains or localized dirt on your cowhide rug before they have a chance to set in. Mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent with warm water. Dampen a clean white cloth with the solution and gently dab at the affected area. Avoid vigorously scrubbing or rubbing, which can damage the hide’s surface.

For tougher stains, use a specially formulated leather cleaner designed for hides. Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first before applying more broadly.

Rinsing with clean water and thoroughly blotting away all soap residue after spot cleaning is critical. Remaining soap scum can attract dirt over time.

3. Fluff and Reshape Periodically

Natural cowhide rugs can become flattened and misshapen with regular use. To restore their plushy texture and shapely drape, periodically reshape and fluff the fibers by hand. Gently massage areas of matting to lift the pile and recreate the rug’s natural contours. For stubborn spots, use a very soft bristle brush to tease up the pile. Avoid over-brushing, which causes excessive wear.

Aim to fluff and restore the rug’s loft at least every month or two. This maintains the rug’s supple hand and dimensional form, preventing permanent matting.

4. Professionally Clean Every 6-12 Months

While routine vacuuming and spot cleaning help maintain your cowhide between deep cleanings, it’s still important to have it professionally cleaned approximately every 6-12 months. This lifts up the heavy soil ground deep into the hide’s fibers that regular maintenance cannot remove.

When choosing a professional rug cleaner, select one experienced specifically with cowhides. Opt for gentle, non-toxic cleaners without optical brighteners or harsh chemicals that could damage the hide. Many pros recommend dry cleaning methods as safer than wet washing for cowhides.

A professional cleaning restores brightness and softness, removing years of grime. Your rug looks revived and refreshed.

5. Rotate Rug Periodically

To prevent uneven wear patterns from high traffic lanes, rotate your cowhide rug’s position periodically. Switch which direction it faces to balance the wear. Move it to alternate rooms or areas within a room over time.

Ideally, aim to rotate your rug 2-4 times per year depending on usage levels. Rotating extends the life of your rug for more even wear across its surface over many years.

Key Cowhide Rug Care Tips

Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains
Test products on small hidden areas first
Use rug pads to prevent sliding and floor damage
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
Consider professional hide conditioning
Check for colorfastness before wet cleaning
Let rug dry thoroughly before walking on it after cleaning
Lift and move furniture to vacuum underneath
Store rug properly when not in use to prevent creasing

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you vacuum a cowhide rug?

Vacuum a cowhide rug at least once per week, ideally 2-3 times, especially in high traffic areas. Frequent vacuuming prevents dirt from becoming deeply embedded.

Can you use carpet cleaner on a cowhide rug?

No, most carpet cleaners contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can damage the delicate hide fibers. Use only gentle, hide-safe cleaning products.

What is the best way to clean tough stains on a cowhide?

For tough stains, use a small amount of saddle soap or specialty leather cleaner designed for hides. Always test on an inconspicuous spot first.

How do you restore flattened areas on a cowhide rug?

Use your hands or a very soft bristle brush to gently tease and fluff matted fibers. Brush against the grain and then smooth back down. Avoid over-brushing.

Should you flip or rotate cowhide rugs?

Yes, rotating the rug’s position every 6 months helps prevent uneven wear patterns for a more uniform appearance.

Conclusion

With the proper routine care and cleaning, a natural cowhide rug can stay looking beautiful for years. By following these 5 easy steps, you can keep your cowhide rug in optimal condition. Vacuum it frequently, promptly spot clean spills, reshape flattened areas, arrange professional deep cleaning, and rotate its placement over time. With a little regular TLC, your cowhide will maintain its lush, plush texture and gracefully endure even high traffic environments. Just be sure to always use gentle hide-safe cleaning methods specifically designed for delicately structured cowhide fibers.