The Best Way To Remove Stains From A Cowhide Rug

Once reserved for rustic ranch houses and log cabins, genuine cowhide rugs have handsomely made their way into contemporary homes over the past few years. Even though they're covered with hair, they're surprisingly stain resistant in most instances. That doesn't mean you won't have to deal with a spill requiring spot cleaning occasionally, though. Believe it or not, everyday household products will take care of most stains that may plague this type of rug. One of the best, in fact, is the tried and true mixture of vinegar and water applied with a clean rag. 

Of course, the best methods to clean stains from cowhide rugs can vary a bit depending on the type of dirt and grime you're dealing with. For instance, you might find the best way to go is using the vinegar and water method for food or beverage stains, yet, investing in a bottle of eucalyptus essential oil may be better for cleaning up greasy stains.

Depending on where you decide to place a cowhide rug, the types of stains you may have to deal with will differ. Regardless of the type, it's best to clean up a spill as soon as it occurs if that's feasible. That means immediately soaking up beverages with a damp towel. Then stir up a batch of cleaner made from 95% water and 5% white vinegar. Dampen a rag with the solution and wipe up the rest of the stain. Some cowhide rug owners prefer to use clear shampoo as an alternative to vinegar in order to create a mild cleaning solution. You can try whichever product you have on hand, just remember not to get the hide too wet either way.

If food is involved, remove any residue with a blunt item like a butter knife. Then use the same type of vinegar and water mixture to wipe away the rest of the stain. Grease stains, however, require a different approach. Removing as much of the grease as possible with a stiff-bristled brush is the first step. Next, apply a small amount of eucalyptus oil to the stained area and gently remove it with a rag that is clean and dry. These methods should do the trick, but if stains persist in your cowhide you may need to call in a professional rug cleaner for assistance.

Aside from being handsome focal points, cowhide rugs are naturally durable. When they get dusty, you can take them outside and give them a good shake or even hit them against a hard surface without worrying about damaging them. If your rug is large, though, that might not be feasible, so vacuuming it regularly is a perfectly fine way to keep it clean.

If you feel the need to deep clean your rug every now and then, steam cleaning is the way to go. You can hire a professional company to do it for you or make a DYI project out of it by renting a steam cleaner if you don't own one. Just be sure to vacuum as a first step, and then run the steam cleaner in the direction of the natural growth of the fur. Again, take care not to get the hide too wet as you're working. Air dry the rug afterward, and it should end up looking as good as new.