How to Clean a Cowhide Rug in 5 Easy Steps

Cowhide rugs add a lot of character and charm wherever they are added, and like natural fibre wool rugs, they are very resistant to dirt. However, they still need an occasional deep clean to keep their appearance and smell fresh. Here are the ways to clean a cowhide rug, as well as some ways you can keep it clean for longer.

How Often Should the Cowhide Rug Be Cleaned

Cowhide rugs are very durable and stain-resistant. As a result, they do not require frequent deep cleaning. Instead, vacuum regularly (at least once every two weeks, depending on foot traffic) and do a thorough deep clean every six months to a year.

However, if you spill liquid on a cowhide rug or notice a stain, clean the stained area immediately. The longer the stain stays on the material, the more difficult it is to remove.

What You’ll Need

Equipment/Tools

• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• Steam cleaner
• Clean towels
• Butter knives

Material

• Baking soda (optional)
• Mild detergent or shampoo
• Eucalyptus oil or cornstarch

How to Clean a Cowhide Rug

01. Shake off the Carpet

Start cleaning the cowhide carpet with arm exercises. Remove all furniture from the cowhide rug and bring it outside. Once you’re outside, shake the rug well. This will loosen any stuck dirt or debris and let it fall to the ground or bring it to the surface for vacuuming later.

02. Vacuum Your Carpet with a Vacuum Cleaner

Place the rug back indoors and lay it flat. Then, attach the brush attachment to the vacuum cleaner and move it along the surface of the carpet in the direction of the hair. This will remove any surface dirt, dust, and hair.

Warning: It is very important to use the brush attachment and vacuum in the direction of the hair on the carpet. Using a vacuum cleaner or running it against the hair texture with a vacuum cleaner may damage the surface of the carpet.

03. Steam Clean Your Carpet

It’s time to roll out another home helper: the steam cleaner! Slowly steam the cowhide rug with clothes or an upholstery steamer in the direction of your hair, taking care not to get soaked. At this point, you don’t need to use any soap or detergent next to the steam cleaner.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a steam cleaner. Instead, a generous amount of baking soda should be sprinkled on the carpet, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then vacuum with a brush or upholstery attachment.

04. Spot Clean Your Carpet

Now that your cowhide rug has been refreshed and deodorized, it’s time for a spot clean. Look for dirty spots or stains that are still present on the carpet. Once recognized, grab a mild cleanser or shampoo (such as baby shampoo) and some clean, damp cloth.

Start by wiping the stained area with a damp cloth in the direction of your hair. Since cowhide is stain resistant, this is probably all you need to do to remove stains. But if the stain or spill is particularly stubborn, use a cleanser or shampoo. Apply a small amount of detergent to another damp cloth, gently blot and wipe the stained area until the stain is gone. Rinse it off with another clean, damp cloth.

05. Remove Oil Stains

Do you have some grease stains? Start by removing any solid residue with a butter knife. Next, you have two options, depending on the supplies you have at home.

Apply a small pile of cornstarch to the grease stain and let it sit overnight before vacuuming it off so that it absorbs grease and oil, or apply the stain with a small amount of eucalyptus oil and wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.

How to Keep Your Cowhide Rug Clean for Longer

With proper care, your cowhide rug can last a long time. Here are two things to keep it clean for longer. First of all, remove any stains as soon as you notice them. This is done by simply absorbing the excess liquid and wiping it with a damp cloth. Second, turn the rug frequently to ensure that all parts of the cowhide rug are subject to even wear and tear, not just one or two corners.