They have a luxurious texture, extraordinary patterns, and their durability is the features that help them stand out in any room. Nonetheless, cowhide rugs, like other rugs, require care and cleaning to maintain their beauty and longevity. Cleaning a cowhide rug may seem daunting. Yet with the right methods involved, it is quite easy and can even be carried out at home with little stress.
This guide will take you through the most effective tips for cleaning a cowhide rug, tips to keep it clean, as well as information on how to ensure your cowhide rug remains as fresh as possible.
Cowhide Rugs
Before getting into the cleaning process, we need to know what makes the cowhide rugs special. Cowhide rugs are made of cow skin and have a natural, durable, and simple to maintain when properly cleaned. Cowhide requires relatively less maintenance compared to traditional rugs. Because it lacks fibers, which might get matted or destroyed with dirt and debris. But in order to maintain the leather and avoid accidents, it has to be taken care of regularly.
Basic Cleaning Tips for Cowhide Rugs
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Regular Vacuuming
Vacuuming is one of the simplest and most significant things to do to take care of a cowhide rug. The surface may become coated with dirt and dust, and vacuuming will assist in keeping these particles out of the hide. Apply a vacuum cleaner that has one setting of suction only to prevent damage to leather. A vacuum fitted with a beater bar should not be used because it will attract the hair or fibers out of the hide. Vacuum slowly on the side of the hair to create lift of dirt without wear or tear.
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Spot Cleaning with a Damp Cloth
In case of minor spills and stains, the main requirement is to clean the affected spot immediately in order to avoid staining. Use a clean cloth that is slightly wet with water and blot the stain. Avoid rubbing the stain, which might drive it deeper into the leather. With a diluted quantity of mild soap in water, rub the spot where necessary. Once cleaned, remove the excess moisture using a dry cloth and leave it to dry naturally.
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Deep Cleaning
With time, you might need a deeper cleaning of your cowhide rug. Particularly in cases where the rug has been subjected to heavier staining or wet messes. Cowhide rugs are relatively low maintenance, albeit requiring deep cleaning every once in a while in order to maintain the luxurious texture.
When cleaning a cowhide rug for deep cleaning, the rug should be cleaned outside. Flick the rug to get rid of any dirt loosely stuck on the surface. Then, a brush with soft bristles can be used to brush the hide against the hair. This will remove any dusty specs left without harming the rug. A vacuum cleaner set to suction-only mode can be used after brushing to clean the surface further.
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Using a Professional Cleaner
When in doubt regarding cleaning your cowhide rug yourself, it is always worth getting the help of a professional rug cleaning service. Professionals will also be provided with adequate tools and know-how to ensure that cowhide rugs are cleansed thoroughly without getting damaged.
Your cowhide rug can be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of persistent stains, odors, and dirt without causing damage by professional spot rug cleaners. These individuals utilize special techniques to clean the leather in a non-abrasive way and very deeply.
Tips for Maintaining Your Cowhide Rug
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Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat
Cowhide rugs are also sensitive to direct sunlight and very hot temperatures. This may result in fading or drying out the leather. To avoid damage, ensure that you do not expose your rug to direct sunlight, such as along windows or even under heating systems like radiators.
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Rotate Your Rug Regularly
Turning your cowhide rug occasionally, every few months, will aid in its wearing relatively evenly and making sure that some parts of it do not become overly worn and others do not. This is particularly significant when your rug is in a high-traffic location.
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Protect Against Heavy Furniture
Furniture that has a heavy weight might leave depressions or marks on your cowhide rug. To avoid this, you may want to place furniture pads at the bottom of your chairs and tables. Shake things up by rearranging furniture at times, so you do not get any permanent marks.
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Clean Spills Immediately
When you accidentally spill something on your cowhide rug, you should clean it immediately. The faster you deal with the spill, the less the chances are of staining. Wipe using a wet cloth, and do not rub the soil, which may drive it deep into the rug.
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Maintain Proper Storage
In case you want to save your cowhide rug, roll it loosely and store it in a dry, cool place. Do not fold the rug because it will create permanent creases. Rather, roll the rug in a manner that the hide should face inwards so that any scratch on the surface is reduced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Cowhide Rugs
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Using Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals destroy the leather, remove the natural oils, and cause it to crack. Use only mild cleaners that are natural and do a little on a corner before using them all over the rug.
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Washing in a Washing Machine: Do not put the cowhide rug in a washing machine. The movement may make the rug lose its form, and the water may harm the hide.
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Using Too Much Water: Cowhide rugs do not soak up water. Excess water will make the hide tighten into its natural state and lose texture.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining and cleaning a cowhide rug need not be hard. Your cowhide rug can last a long time as long as it is taken care of and cleaned properly. Vacuuming regularly, spot and periodic deep cleaning will keep your rug looking great. In case you are ever unsure or encounter a particularly difficult stain, refer a professional to have your rug cleaned to its best care.
To find additional information on how to care for your rug or browse our range of high-quality cowhide rugs, check out our site.
Disclaimer
This blog is written to offer general guidance. Always practice whatever cleaning methods you intend to use on a small, unnoticeable spot of your rug before engaging in the whole cleaning activity. We suggest contacting the professionals in case you want to see whether it is advisable to clean your cowhide rug, or if there are some stains or damages you are worried about. Any accidents or damage incurred in the process of cleaning are not under the responsibility of MK Rugs.
