What Is the Best Way to Clean a Cowskin Rug?
A genuine cowskin rug is surprisingly easy to look after. Most of the time, a gentle shake, light vacuuming and quick attention to spills are all it needs.
The key word is gentle. A cowskin rug is natural leather with hair attached, so it should not be cleaned like a synthetic carpet. This is a cowhide, not a bath towel. Best to keep it away from the washing machine!
Here is how to clean a cowskin rug safely and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. 🐄
How Often Should You Clean a Cowskin Rug?
For normal household use, follow a simple routine:
- Shake it outside every week or two.
- Vacuum it gently when needed.
- Blot spills as soon as they happen.
- Rotate the rug every few months.
- Use a professional cleaner for serious stains.
There is no need to deep-clean a cowhide rug regularly. In fact, too much cleaning can do more harm than good.
Can You Vacuum a Cowhide Rug?
Yes. Use low suction and a smooth floor head or upholstery attachment.
Always vacuum in the direction of the hair and avoid:
- Rotating brush bars
- Powerful suction
- Stiff attachments
- Repeatedly dragging the vacuum over the edges
Run your hand over the hide first to feel which way the hair lies. That is the direction your vacuum should travel.
Very technical, I know. Your hand is the instruction manual here, let it guide you. Remember that key word again 'Gentle'
Should You Shake a Cowskin Rug Outside?
A gentle shake is one of the easiest ways to remove dust, crumbs and loose pet hair.
Hold the hide firmly and give it a few controlled shakes. Do not beat it against a wall, fence or washing line, as this can place unnecessary stress on the leather and edges.
For a larger hide, ask someone to hold the other side. It is easier on your arms and rather less likely to alarm the neighbours than seeing a single person wrestling a cowskin in the afternoon.
How Do You Clean a Fresh Spill?
Act quickly.
- Blot the liquid with a clean, dry cloth or kitchen paper.
- Do not rub, as this can spread the stain.
- Wipe gently with a cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water.
- Work in the direction of the hair.
- Pat the area dry and leave the rug flat to air-dry.
Use as little water as possible. The leather underneath should never become soaked.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe?
For very light marks, a clean cloth dampened with lukewarm water may be all you need.
For routine care and more noticeable surface dirt, we recommend using our specialist Cowskin Rug Cleaner Spray. It is designed specifically for natural cowskin and cowhides and suitable leather-and-hair surfaces, acting as a light cleaner, hair conditioner and colour refresher.
Used carefully, it can help lift everyday surface dirt, freshen the hair and revive colours that have become slightly dulled by settled dust.
How to Use Cowskin Rug Cleaner
Always follow the instructions supplied with the product. As a general rule:
- Vacuum or shake the rug first to remove loose dust.
- Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area.
- Apply it sparingly rather than soaking the hair.
- Work gently in the direction of the hair.
- Allow the cowskin to dry fully and naturally at room temperature.
The cleaner is best used for controlled, light cleaning and occasional refreshing. It is not intended to saturate the rug or replace professional cleaning for deep, established or serious stains.
A little goes a long way here. The aim is to refresh the cowskin, not give it a bubble bath.
For unexpected spills, blot the liquid first before reaching for any cleaner. Never spray more product onto a wet area in the hope that enthusiasm will solve the problem.
Avoid using:
- Bleach
- Biological detergent
- Standard carpet shampoo
- Strong stain removers
- Solvent cleaners
- Disinfectant sprays
- Furniture polish
Even products described as natural can cause damage. Lemon juice may be natural, but it is still acidic and will bleach/lighten the hairs of the cowhide just the same as it does with human hair.
For stubborn stains, persistent smells or marks that have reached the leather underneath, use a professional cleaner experienced with cowhide and hair-on leather rugs.
How Do You Remove Different Types of Stain?
Food and Drink
Lift away solid food carefully with a spoon or blunt knife. Blot any liquid, then wipe the area with a barely damp cloth.
Use a tiny amount of mild soap only if plain water is not enough.
Grease and Oil
Blot the area without rubbing or adding water.
A light dusting of cornflour may help absorb a fresh oily mark. Leave it for several hours, then remove it gently.
For a large or established grease stain, contact a specialist cleaner.
Mud
Let the mud dry completely.
Once dry, loosen it with a soft brush and vacuum away the particles. Use a barely damp cloth for any mark left behind.
Cleaning wet mud usually creates a much larger brown smear. Nobody wants that drama.
Can You Steam-Clean or Machine-Wash a Cowhide Rug?
No.
Do not:
- Put it in a washing machine
- Use a carpet-cleaning machine
- Steam-clean it
- Tumble-dry it
- Iron it
- Dry it on a radiator
Too much heat or moisture can shrink, stiffen or distort the leather.
After spot-cleaning, lay the rug flat with the hair facing upwards and let it dry naturally at room temperature.
How Do You Remove Pet Hair?
Pet hair can usually be removed with gentle vacuuming.
You can also use:
- A soft clothes brush
- A rubber pet-hair brush
- A lightly damp rubber glove
- A lint roller used carefully
Always work in the direction of the cowhide’s hair.
Many pets seem to approve of cowhide rugs enormously. The slight drawback is that they may begin to regard yours as their personal chaise longue.
How Should You Deal with Pet Accidents?
Blot the area immediately and clean it with a barely damp cloth and a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap.
Do not soak the hide or repeatedly apply heavily fragranced products.
When urine has reached the leather backing, or an odour remains after cleaning, speak to a professional cleaner experienced with animal hides.
Can Sunlight Damage a Cowhide Rug?
Strong, continuous sunlight can gradually fade natural colours.
You do not need to keep your rug in a dark room, but it is sensible to rotate it every few months if one side receives more sunlight than the other.
Rotation also helps spread wear more evenly, particularly when part of the rug sits beneath furniture or across a walkway.
Designer Tip: Position It Thoughtfully
Place the fuller part of the cowskin beneath a coffee table or the front legs of a sofa.
This helps hold the rug in position while leaving its natural shape visible.
Your room needed something less square. That is rather the point. ✨
How Do You Store a Cowhide Rug?
Make sure the rug is clean and completely dry before storage.
Roll it loosely with the hair facing outwards. Do not fold it, as firm creases can mark the leather.
Store it:
- In a cool, dry place
- Away from direct sunlight
- In breathable wrapping
- Without heavy objects on top
Avoid sealing it in plastic for long periods, particularly if there is any chance of moisture being trapped inside.
When Should You Use a Professional Cleaner?
Professional help is best when:
- A large area has become wet.
- A stain has reached the leather.
- There is a persistent smell.
- Oil, paint or ink has been spilled.
- The hide has become stiff.
- The rug needs a full deep clean.
Choose someone with experience cleaning cowhide, sheepskin or hair-on leather rugs. A standard carpet cleaner may not understand how to treat natural hides safely.
Natural Marks Are Part of the Hide
Every genuine cowskin rug is unique.
Natural variations may include:
- Changes in colour and pattern
- Small scars or marks
- Different hair directions
- Slight changes in texture
- Uneven natural edges
These are not stains or faults. They are part of the hide’s individual character.
We photograph our own cowskins individually, so the rug shown in the product photographs is the exact hide you receive.
No two are quite the same, which is rather more interesting than ordering something produced by the kilometre.
Final Thoughts
The best way to clean a cowskin rug is to keep things simple.
Shake it, vacuum gently, blot spills quickly and avoid soaking the leather. Keep strong chemicals, steam cleaners and washing machines well away.
With sensible care, a quality cowhide rug will soften and age beautifully, adding natural warmth, texture and character to your home.
Very chic. Very natural. Very good decision. 🤎
Explore Our Cowskin Rugs
Browse our individually photographed cowskin rugs to find the exact colour, shape and pattern for your home.
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