How to clean a cowhide rug

Cowhide rugs look elegant in any room, but like all the materials in your home, they require a certain amount of maintenance and care. There are a few ways that can help you keep your cowhide rug looking like new. The following cleaning tips will not take much of your time but will extend the life of your cowhide rug considerably:

  • Include your rug in your regular cleaning routine. Vacuum the rug as you would normally vacuum any other rug. Simply use the vacuum head brush to vacuum from the middle towards the outside edge. Make sure to follow the direction of the hair.   
  • Another alternative is to take your rug outside and give it a good shake. This will help to remove small dry particles and dust and give your rug a clean look.   
  • You can also use a hard plastic bristle brush to remove the dirt and keep the hair soft and fluffy. Make sure to brush in the direction of the hair and not against it.
  • It is also better to rotate your rug from time to time so that it wears more evenly. Giving rest to some areas of the rug also helps to extend its lifespan.
  • Although you can use a small amount of water to steam clean your rug, make sure that you never get it wet as it can cause severe damage to your cowhide rug.  

Can you vacuum a cowhide rug?

Cowhide rugs are hardwearing, durable, and easy to clean. Typically, these types of rugs need just a weekly vacuum to keep them looking great. The following vacuuming tips will ensure an extended lifespan for your rug:    

  • If possible, keep the power of your vacuum cleaner down to the setting used for curtains or upholstery. 
  • Keeping the brush in the down position, set the head of the vacuum cleaner to hard floors settings. In this way, you are brushing the rug while simultaneously sucking up the dirt and dust.
  • Stand in the middle of the rug and vacuum from the middle towards the outer edge. Repeat as many times as necessary changing positions until you have completed a full 360-degree circle and vacuumed your whole rug.
  • If, after vacuuming, you still find some things stuck in the hair of the rug, you can use a plastic bristle brush to loosen the stubborn dirt. Vacuum again to pick up the loosened dirt easily.   

How to clean dog pee out of a cowhide rug

Dogs are cute and friendly, and having one as a pet is all fun and games until he decides to pee on your cowhide rug. In case of such an accident, you might be left with a smelly mark on your favorite rug. By following the steps given below, you can easily clean the dog pee out of your rug:

  • Prepare a solution by mixing one tablespoon of vinegar in two glasses of water.
  • Dampen a sponge in this solution and dab the area carefully.
  • Leave the rug to air dry. It is better to leave it outside in the sun but make sure that the hide is facing the sun and not the hair.
  • Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area once the rug dries out completely. Let the baking soda sit for 24 hours.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the soda.
  • Scrape the area with a dull knife. This will make your rug fluffy again. 
  • Pour the water and vinegar solution in a spray bottle. Pray some of this solution on the back of the stained area. This will help with odor removal and PH balance. 

Do cowhide rugs smell?

If you have ever been near cows, you will know that they smell. Bad. However, this does not mean that their hides are also going to smell bad. Here are some things that you should know about cowhide which will put your mind at ease:  

  • Cowhides smell just like leather because that is what they are. 
  • Cowhide is a natural product and will have a smell like any other leather product.
  • When you buy a high-quality rug, it has already been carefully cleaned and treated. It will not have any bad smell. 
  • Your new cowhide rug may smell like the new leather smell that comes from your car. If it feels a little overpowering, you can hang it out in the sun or keep the windows open to give your rug a nice fresh scent. 
  • You can also try a carpet deodorizer but never wash your cowhide rug.

Are cowhide rugs in style?

Cowhide rugs have been in style for many years and can be spotted in many modern houses and in interior decoration magazines. Every year new home fashion trends come to light, and they question the cowhide rug's ability to stay in style. People who love the look and feel of these rugs can rest assured that these rugs are not going out of style any time soon due to the following reasons:  

  • The timeless, classic element of these rugs ensure that they can be used to complement a room designed with patterns and colors, or it can be a focal point in a room designed with neutral colors.
  • The thick, plush cowhide rug feels wonderful against the skin and adds a touch of luxury and comfort to any room.
  • They give any room an elegant look making you feel that your room belongs on the cover of a home fashion magazine.
  • These rugs not only brighten any room, but they can also be used in the kitchen to give it a whimsical look.
  • Cowhide rugs can also be used as a throw blanket or tapestry.
  • Cowhide rugs are hypoallergenic and do not cause any allergies like synthetic fiber can.
  • These rugs come in various colors, including white, brown, black, speckled, and brindle. As no two cows have the same exact pattern, you are sure to have a very unique rug.

Can you dry clean a cowhide rug?

Although it may be tempting to remove the stains on your cowhide rug with the help of dry-cleaning chemicals or by using a washing machine, you cannot use these methods on your cowhide rug due to the following reasons:

  • Cowhide, like any other leather, cannot be exposed to large amounts of water as this can dry it out and cause it to lose its shape. 
  • If you do use water to clean the stains from your cowhide rug, make sure to use a dry towel to soak as much moisture as possible.
  • Dry the rug completely by placing it on a dry towel. You might have to pull the rug into shape so that it maintains its original shape. 

Some safe methods of removing stains and spills are:

  • Remove all stains with gentle hand washing as this will help your rug maintain its softness.
  • Steam cleaning can also help to increase the lifespan of your rug as it prevents excessive soaking of the cowhide.

How to place a cowhide rug?

Cowhide rugs are beautiful, unique, and can last for generations. They are always going to be a statement piece, and no matter how you place them, they will transform your floor into a piece of art:

  • This rug can be placed on a wooden floor to provide an attractive focal point. The two natural elements will complement each other while creating a unique look. 
  • These rugs look great when placed over another floor covering such as a natural fiber rug or a plain carpet. Its organic shape can help soften the angularity of a room, or it can be used to make a connection between two seating areas.  
  • A cowhide rug is sturdy and durable, which is why you can place it under a heavy table without the fear of any damage. 
  • Cowhide rug is an ideal way to protect the carpet while creating an eye-catching splash of pattern and color in the room.  
  • You can place your cowhide rug in front of the fire and create a cozy and inviting place.
  • You can also hang this rug on the wall to give your room a contemporary look.
  • The irregular shape of the cowhide rug can be used to complement a highly patterned and colorful room.

How to store cowhide rug?

You cannot simply fold your cowhide rug and shove it in the closet when you need to store it. The following procedure must be followed to ensure the long life of your cowhide rug:

  • Roll the rug gently, making sure that there are no creases in the rug. 
  • Place it in a cool, dry place where it cannot be affected by sunlight.
  • The best way to store this rug is to place it in a box. 
  • Avoid storing your cowhide rug in plastic as it can damage your rug. However, if you are moving and need to take the rug out of the house, you can store it in a plastic bag to protect it from the dangers of moving and from the weather. 

How to flatten cowhide rug?

A cowhide rug is a stylish accessory for any room and is particularly popular in apartments and homes that have hard floors. However, they have an annoying and common problem. Their edges curl, and if this issue is not addressed, it could cause an accident. If you to make sure that nobody trips over these curling edges, then you can do the following:

  • Spray water lightly on the top and underneath the curling edges of the cowhide rug. Make sure that you just dampen and not saturate your rug. 
  • Place an old towel or dish rag underneath the rug so that the floor does not get wet. Place one towel on top of the curling edge. 
  • On top of the curling piece, place a pile of heavy books and leave it for some hours, preferably overnight. 
  • The curling piece is now flat and will not cause you any more trouble.

How to get creases out of cowhide rug

Removing the creases from a cowhide rug involves the following steps:

  1. Put a towel on the floor and place your rug over it
  2. Now plug in the iron at a medium heat setting
  3. Use either a water-soaked flannel, tea bath towel, or a lint-free towel over the rug
  4. Now just focus on getting out the wrinkles like you would do while ironing clothes 

How to get dog urine smell out of cowhide rug

If you have rugs around your dogs, then accidents such as your dog peeing on it are bound to happen. However, the process of getting the urine smell out of the rug is easy. 

  1. Mix a tablespoon with roughly two glasses of water 
  2. Take a sponge and damp it with the solution. 
  3. Now, dab the area but be careful
  4. Leave the rug to dry. We advise you to leave it outside while keeping the hide towards the sun
  5. After it is completely dry, sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area and let it be for 24 hours. 
  6. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda. 
  7. Finally, with the help of a dull knife, scrape the area. This will help the rug regain its fluffiness. 

How to get stains out of cowhide rug

If you have stained your cowhide rug, there is nothing to worry about. Depending on the kind of stains, the process of cleaning differs a bit. 

  1. Dust and debris stains

If your rug has collected dust, then you just need to include it in your regular cleaning routine. 

  • Vacuum the rug
  • Occasionally, take it outside to shake off the dust
  • Make a habit of brushing it regularly as that can clean places that a vacuum might have missed. 

 

  1. Liquid stains 

Liquid stains can be more stubborn. To deal with those:

  • Quickly rush to clean up the spill before it becomes permanent 
  • Some areas might dry up and leave behind a solid material. Use a blunt knife to scrape away those. 
  • If the spill causes a stain, then use a water and shampoo solution to break it up. 

 

  1. Food stains 

If you have dropped food on your rug, here is what you need to do:

  • Quickly remove whatever you can 
  • If there’s something that stains the rug, wait for it dry before scraping it with a blunt edge
  • Dab some eucalyptus oil on the stain since it helps to break down grease stains 
  • Use a damp sponge to clean up the eucalyptus oil and the stain left behind. 

How to layer cowhide rugs

Layering a cowhide rug is the easiest way to style up a room. Here are some ways to layer your rug:

  1. Natural fiber rug: Combine a beige cowhide rug with a natural fiber rug to add warmth, texture, and depth.  
  2. Navajo blanket: Pair up a Kilim area rug or a Navajo style blanket with a cowhide rug in a similar tone to give the room elegance.
  3. Persian rug: A cowhide rug bring a Turkish or Persian rug to life    
  4. Cowhide rug: Surprising, but using two cowhide rugs gives the room a bold look. Angle one of them or misalign them with each other to have an informal look. 
  5. Round wool rug: If you want a chic or mod look, pair up a cowhide rug with a round wool rug. 
  6. Geometric rugs: Such rugs are not only modern but also go well with all sorts of decor. Layer it with a contrasting color, and you’ll make the room look bold. 

Are cowhide rugs durable?

Contrary to popular belief, cowhide rugs are quite durable and don’t degrade quickly. A cowhide rug is just like any other leather product, which means it is:

  • Extremely durable
  • Doesn’t break down easily 
  • Difficult to cut 
  • Can withstand wear and tear 

Therefore, as long as you care for it properly, your cowhide rug can last longer than other types. 

Are cowhide rugs easy to clean?

Cowhide rugs are extremely easy to clean as you just need to clean up dirt using a vacuum or wipe up spills using a dry cloth. Some other easy ways you can clean a cowhide rug include:

  1. Give the rug a good, hard shake to get rid of dust and other small particles of dirt. Removing the dirt from hair follicles reduces wear and tear, and extends the life of the rug. 
  2. Use a broom or a plastic bristle brush to keep the hair fluffy and soft, and to get rid of dirt particles and sand trapped in the hair follicles. 
  3. For accidental spills, such as coffee, food, red wine, and soap, use a sponge or paper towel to soak up the liquid as soon as possible. 

Are cowhide rugs tacky

A cowhide rug is a timeless, classic piece that can be used as a complementary component in rooms full of patterns and colors or as a central point in rooms full of neutral colors. These rugs add a touch of luxury and extravagance to every room, further adding to their timelessness. 

The soft and thick cowhide feels incredible against the skin, while the lovely richness of the color and texture enhance the elegance of the room. If you have a small room or are short on space, then don’t worry! Cowhide rugs are extremely versatile and can do wonders for hard-to-design spots. 

Cowhide rugs also beautifully soften rooms that are full of glass and metal and can add color and playfulness to simple white and black kitchens. Cowhide rugs are not at all tacky and can be used as a throw blanket or as an alluring wall tapestry!

How to get cowhide rug to lay flat

If a cowhide rug has been packaged and delivered, then it’s bound to crease and fold. With use and over time, the creases will come out naturally. But if you want to get rid of the creases immediately and want the rug to lay flat, you can follow these steps:

  1. Place the cowhide rug on a hard surface over a towel. The towel will protect the surface from any possible damage that can be caused by the iron’s temperature. 
  2. Plug in the iron and set it to a medium heat setting. 
  3. Place a water-soaked towel or flannel over the rug and work the iron over the wrinkles within the cowhide. Now, press on the creases on the rug like you would while ironing clothes. 
  4. Move the iron quickly over the area you’re pressing, and only apply pressure for the bare minimum time required to get rid of the creases in the cowhide rug. 
  5. Allow the rug to cool before placing it back in the desired position on the floor.