You did it, you pulled the trigger and purchased that beautiful hair-on hide rug you’d been eyeing for months! They’re gorgeous, and a great centerpiece to any room in the household. But…like anything we walk on in our house, cowhide rugs demand general maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. Not only is this a pricey investment, but if taken care of correctly it’s something you can pass on to your kids and grandkids. These rugs are very durable and have a lot of misconceptions about their care. They really aren’t that needy, and no you won’t have to run your lint roller over it every night. Here’s a few tips and tricks for your new hairy friend.
How do I clean my hair-on cowhide rug?
If you wish to vacuum your rug, we suggest either using a robotic vacuum (like a Roomba) or putting your traditional vacuum on the lowest setting, and then gently vacuuming from the center out, careful not to get the ends of the rug caught in the brush. An alternative to vacuuming is to take the rug outside and beat it to clear dust and dirt the old-fashioned way.
But, what about spills? While hair-on cowhide rugs are naturally resistant to stains, it is important to act quickly if you spill something that can risk leaving a permanent mark. If the stain is liquid, carefully clean it with a little water and a damp paper towel or sponge, being careful not to rub the stain or water into the rug, as liquids can get trapped underneath and cause problems later. For pet stains, follow this procedure but add an additional step of taking some vinegar or mild soap to the stain. Most methods that you use to clean your own hair will work on these rugs as long as you care to not let the water seep in. If the stain is oily and the above process does not work, you can also use eucalyptus oil to help lift the stain before rinsing it again. And finally…for food stains or stains that have particles in them, it’s important to scrape up the particles first, going with the grain of the hair as you do. Then you follow the previous steps to finish the cleaning.
If none of the above helps remove stains from your rug, it’s best to look into a professional cleaning service to come to the rescue!
Now that basic cleaning is done, what do I do if my cowhide rug is curling on the sides? This usually tends to happen when the thinner sides of the hide have been exposed to too much heat. In this case, it’s best to remove it and store it in a cooler room or remove it from direct sunlight to give it time to uncurl. When you need to store your rug away for a time, it’s best to roll it up instead of folding to avoid creasing, and to store it in a box in a cool, dark place that stays dry.
Now you know how to care for your gorgeous rug!
