A cowhide rug can be a great addition to any space. While they are usually quite durable and are naturally stain resistant, accidents do happen and you must take extra care not to cause unnecessary damage.
How to maintain cowhide patchwork rugs
- Vacuum: Always include the cowhide patchwork rug in your regular cleaning routine. Don?t be afraid to vacuum over the rug; it is perfectly safe and will help keep it clean by preventing the buildup of dirt, dust, crumbs, etc. It is easiest (and safest for the rug) to use the hose attachments. Make sure you are vacuuming in the direction of the hair and the brushes are not spinning.
- Shake it out: Like you would with any kind of rug, shake it off from time to time to loosen anything that might have gotten stuck deeper in fibers. Of course, avoid beating the rug and only shake with enough force to loosen dirt from the cow hairs.
- Rotate it: Your patchwork rug will be vulnerable to wear and tear if it is placed on the floor in a highly trafficked area of your home. If it is never moved out of place, it could run the risk of wearing out unevenly, causing it to look older and more worn than it really is. Reposition the rug often and rotate it regularly.
- Brush it: The cowhide will benefit from regular brushing. This is one way to remove the dirt and clean in places that might have been missed by the vacuum. For the best results, use a brush or a broom with hard bristles. Always brush with the hair, not against it.
- Avoid water damage: Do not let your cowhide rug get wet. Water damage can destroy the rug, so keep water exposure to a minimum, even when cleaning. If it does get soaked, allow the rug to air dry and never put cowhide in the dryer.
- Clean up spills immediately: If any liquid is ever spilled on the rug, act quickly. Letting liquid soak in will result in stains that are nearly impossible to remove. Never wipe a spill. Rather, you should use a dabbing motion to absorb the liquid with a towel or sponge. If necessary, use a little bit of shampoo and water to break up the stain, but never use alkaline soaps.