Cowhide rugs are surprisingly tough. They resist stains, hold up to heavy foot traffic, and clean up with things you probably already have under the sink. Because the hide is basically protein fiber, or hair, it shrugs off spills better than most floor coverings. That makes it a smart pick for busy spots like entryways and family rooms. Here's how to keep yours looking great.
Regular Maintenance
Shake, sweep, or vacuum the rug often to clear out dust, dirt, dander, pollen, and loose hair. When you vacuum, use suction only. A spinning brush attachment can rip hair out of the backing and leave bald patches, so stick with a nozzle or upholstery tool and always move in the direction the hair grows.
Light Cleaning
For a routine refresh, start by vacuuming or brushing the rug clean. Then fill a bowl with about 100 mL of water and add two or three drops of dish soap. Stir it with a sponge, dip the sponge in, and wipe the rug down. Go light on the water. Too much can stretch or warp the backing. Pull the slurry back up with a wet/dry shop vac, or just blot it dry with a towel if you don't have one.
Removing Stains
Treat spills fast. Blot up as much liquid as you can with paper towels or a clean rag. If there are solids, pick them up. If they've dried, scrape them gently from the fibers with the edge of a butter knife or spoon.
Next, put a little mild soap on a damp cloth and wipe over the spot, working with the direction of the hair. Baby shampoo, clarifying shampoo, or a foaming hand soap all work. Once the stain lifts, rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe the area again to clear out any leftover soap.
Removing Grease Stains
Grease needs a different trick. If it's fresh, blot up what you can with paper towels. Then pile a generous mound of cornstarch over the spot, almost like a little hill, and let it sit for several hours or overnight. The cornstarch pulls the grease up out of the hide. Vacuum it away, and repeat if the stain is still hanging around.
Removing Pet Urine and Odor
Pet urine can chemically burn the fibers and yellow the leather backing, so treat it right. Add about 50 mL of hydrogen peroxide to your dish soap solution. Peroxide usually bleaches, but cowhide fibers are stable enough that it generally won't, just test a hidden corner first if you're nervous.
Sponge the solution generously onto both the front and back of the rug, brushing with the grain. Let it sit 20 minutes, then pull the excess out with your shop vac or blot it dry. Hang the rug to air dry if you can. If there's a stubborn cigarette odor, add a splash of rubbing alcohol to cut the tar residue.
A Rug That Lasts
That's really all there is to it. The supplies cost next to nothing, and with a little routine care your cowhide will stay soft and look new for years.
If a stain has you stumped or you'd rather hand it to a pro, our area rug cleaning team can help. Call Safe-Dry of Franklin at 615-560-8384 or book online.