How To Do Regular Cleaning On A Cowhide Rug

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Adding a cowhide rug to your living room or bedroom is a great way to bring complementary layers to a space. Not only are they tough and long-lasting, but their color schemes, which typically center around white, tan, or brownish hues, can smoothly blend in with so many color palettes — making it easy to find the perfect rug for your space. Like any other area rug, these ornamental rugs require maintenance to stay free of visible dirt and other elements that can dim their much-deserved light. But what's the best way to regularly clean a cowhide rug? Their care requirements are pretty straightforward and involve regular vacuuming and brushing. In many cases, if needed, these rugs can also be steam cleaned.

It's a good idea to choose a short-haired cowhide rug, as they typically have fewer maintenance issues than long-haired rugs and are considered to be of higher quality. It's important to note the manufacturer's care instructions for your specific cowhide rug. For example, while oil is commonly used to refresh and soften leather garments, it's not recommended for cowhide rugs made of chrome-tanned leather, as it can damage the finish. And if a spill occurs on the rug, it should be addressed immediately to prevent any stain from setting in, as this can make it harder to remove. Overall, you'll find that these thin, flat rugs are easy to maintain, which makes it a breeze to keep your home clean and tidy.

Keeping a rug clean around the clock can be a tough job. Thankfully, it's fairly simple for cowhides, and it'll largely depend on your personal preference. It could mean giving the rug a quick vacuuming or brushing at least once a week or every few days. Always go in the direction of the hair when performing these cleaning tasks, not against the grain. When vacuuming, it's best to avoid hose attachments with suction that's too strong or those containing rotating brushes, as they may pull out the rug's hair. 

You can also use a broom to sweep away any dirt from the rug or a Dura-Gold Leather Cleaning Brush to remove any debris that may be deeply buried in the hair. Taking the rug outdoors and shaking it is another way to remove dirt or other loose particles. If the rug is too heavy to hold, hanging it over a fence can be helpful. Also, rotating the rug after every cleaning is a good way to promote even wear and tear, especially if there are specific areas of high foot traffic.

In many cases, steam cleaning cowhide rugs on occasion can offer a great way to loosen tough grime, dirt, or stains that other cleaning methods simply can't. It can also help reduce allergens and remove odors that may be trapped in the rug's hairs. As with other cowhide maintenance tasks, always go in the direction of the hair when steam cleaning. Be sure that the steamer is constantly moving — don't allow it to stop in one area. This will help avoid oversaturation.