how to wash a cowhide rug

There are few things that are as satisfying as a beautifully prepared and presented cowhide rug. However, if you want to keep the beauty of the leather and its soft, supple texture, then you need to make sure it is cleaned properly before using it.

Washing a cowhide rug is not difficult, but it goes a long way in preserving its original look. If you do not clean the leather carefully, the oils will make it greasy which will result in an unattractive look. You will not only ruin the texture of the leather, but you will also make it less flexible.

If you are looking to clean your cowhide rug, then there are a few easy ways to go about it. Before starting, you should know that cowhides will clean easier if you use the natural grain of the leather rather than against it. Going against the grain will result in a less thorough cleaning which may not give you the beautiful results you are looking for.

Steam Cleaning

If you are using a commercial cleaning product, then you can use steam cleaning to get the job done. A steam cleaning machine will provide you with extremely quick and effective cleaning of a small area or of the entire rug. It uses high-pressure jets of water which result in better penetration and a more thorough cleaning.

To use a steam cleaning machine, you will need to prepare the leather beforehand by filling it with water and covering it with a cloth. This will help retain the original shape of the leather while allowing the water to soak in. While this may seem easy enough, the preparation of the leather can be tricky for someone who is not used to cleaning wet leather regularly. If you are looking for an easy way to clean your cowhide rug, then consider investing in a commercial steam cleaning machine.

Vacuum Cleaning

Another simple yet effective way of cleaning a cowhide rug is with a vacuum cleaner. You simply need to position the appliance on the floor and let it suck up the dirt from the surface. Make sure when you are done using the vacuum cleaner that the area is spotlessly clean. If there are any stubborn stains or dirt patches, then use a brush attached to the vacuum cleaner to give it a final clean.

For best results, use a combination of these two methods. First, prepare the leather as described above. Then, using the vacuum cleaner, suck up the dirt from the surface of the leather. Finally, use a brush on areas that are particularly dirty or difficult to clean.

Walking On It

If you are looking for a simple way to clean your cowhide rug, then simply walk on it. In other words, lie down on it and walk around on it for a couple of minutes. This may seem like a strange method, but it is one that has been known to work wonders on hard to reach areas like under the couch or behind the entertainment center. It is also useful for removing any stains that may have been previously cleaned with water or a towel.

The key to this method is in the fact that the carpet will warm up quickly due to your body heat, so make sure you are prepared for this before laying down on it. This way, you will be laying down on a sheet of plastic which will keep the original shape of the leather while allowing the moisture to escape.

If you want to keep the original look of your cowhide rug then you need to clean it properly. The easiest way to do so is with steam cleaning, followed by vacuum cleaning and brushing. If you are interested in doing this yourself, then all you need is a hose, some detergents, and some rags. With these items in your arsenal, you will be able to cleanse your cowhide rug in no time. Before laying down on it, cover your work area with a sheet to retain the heat and keep the leather flat and clean.