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Care Info

Cowhide Rug Care & Maintenance Guide

Natural cowhide is one of the most durable and low-maintenance materials for your home. With a little bit of regular attention, your rug will remain a centerpiece for decades.

1. Routine Cleaning

  • The "Shake" Method: The best way to refresh your cowhide is to take it outside and shake it vigorously to remove trapped dust and allergens. You can also hang it over a rail and give it a gentle beating with a broom.

  • Vacuuming: Vacuum your cowhide regularly to keep it clean. Use the suction-only setting and always vacuum in the direction of the hair growth. Avoid using a rotating beater bar or "power head," as this can cause premature balding or damage the edges.

2. Spills and Spot Cleaning

Cowhides are naturally stain-resistant, but spills should be handled immediately:

  • Blotting: Soak up liquid spills with a clean paper towel or sponge. Do not rub.

  • Soap and Water: For more persistent marks, use a soft cloth with a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap (like Ivory) and lukewarm water. Wipe with the grain of the hair.

  • The "Scrape" Method: For dried-on food or mud, use the edge of a blunt spoon or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrape in the direction of the hair to break up the debris before vacuuming.

3. Deep Refreshing

  • Steam Cleaning: If the rug becomes heavily soiled, it can be professionally steam cleaned. Ensure the technician uses a low-moisture setting. The pelt should never be fully soaked through.

  • Sun Exposure: Occasionally hanging your rug in direct sunlight for an hour or two can help naturally deodorize the hide and kill bacteria.

4. Drying & Storage

  • Air Dry: If the rug gets damp during cleaning, lay it flat to dry away from direct heat sources like radiators or heaters, which can cause the leather to become brittle.

  • Avoid Folding: If you need to store your cowhide, roll it rather than folding it. Folding creates creases that can take a long time to relax.

Important Precautions

  • No Machine Washing: Never put a cowhide in the washing machine or dryer

  • No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid alkaline cleaners, bleach, or solvents.

  • Rotation: To ensure even wear, rotate your rug every few months if it is in a high-traffic area.

Pro Tip: If your rug develops a curl at the edges, you can lightly mist the area with water and place a heavy book on it overnight to flatten it back down.

Sheepskin Care & Cleaning Guide

Natural sheepskin is remarkably durable and soil-resistant due to its lanolin content, but regular care will keep it soft and beautiful for years.

1. Routine Maintenance

  • Shake it out: Regularly take the sheepskin outside and give it a vigorous shake to remove dust and debris.

  • Brushing: Use a metal-toothed sheepskin brush (or a wire pet slicker brush) to restore the loft of the fibers. Brushing helps prevent matting and keeps the wool fluffy.

  • Vacuuming: You can vacuum your sheepskin using a suction-only attachment. Avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar or revolving brush, as this can damage the natural wool fibers.

2. Spot Cleaning

For minor spills or "accidents," act quickly:

  • Blot: Use a clean, dry cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Do not rub, as this can push the stain deeper into the wool.

  • Damp Cloth: Use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a tiny amount of pH-neutral wool detergent. Gently wipe the area in the direction of the wool.

  • Rinse: Wipe again with a clean damp cloth (water only) to remove any soap residue.

3. Deep Cleaning (Wash with Caution)

While small rugs can technically be washed, it is generally recommended to dry clean high-quality natural hides to preserve the leather backing (the "pelt"). If you choose to wash:

  • Hand Wash Only: Use cool or lukewarm water (never hot) and a specialized wool skin shampoo.

  • Avoid Submerging: Try to keep the leather backing as dry as possible.

4. The Drying Process (Crucial)

This is the most important step for maintaining the hide's integrity:

  • Air Dry Only: Lay the sheepskin flat on a clean surface in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

  • No Heat: Keep it away from direct sunlight, heaters, or radiators. Heat will cause the leather backing to shrink and harden.

  • Flex the Leather: While the rug is drying, occasionally stretch and "work" the leather backing by hand to keep it supple.

Important "Don'ts"

  • No Bleach: Never use bleach or harsh biological detergents.

  • No Tumble Dry: Never put a sheepskin in the dryer.

  • No Ironing: High heat will permanently damage the wool and the pelt.

Pro Tip: For a quick refresh without water, sprinkle a little baking soda on the wool, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then shake it out and brush it.