Cowhide rugs are a beautiful addition to any room and space in the home. These natural-looking rugs are usually quite strong and resistant to stains. However, sometimes accidents can happen. If the cowhide rug at home gets stained, don't worry. There are a variety of methods you can use to remove stains from your rug so that it looks great.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Perform Routine Maintenance
Step 1. Clean the rug with a vacuum cleaner
Clean the rug while you do your cleaning routine. You can clean a cowhide rug with a vacuum cleaner just like any other rug at home. A vacuum cleaner will keep it clean and prevent dirt or stains from building up there.
- You can also attach a hose attachment to the vacuum cleaner when cleaning cowhide rugs. However, if the suction strength is high enough, you may just need to use a regular dust crusher attachment.
- Use the vacuum cleaner in the direction of the hair on the rug.
- Make sure the brush at the end of the vacuum cleaner doesn't spin.
Step 2. Shake the rug
You may need to take the rug outdoors and shake it occasionally. While the vacuum cleaner is capable of sucking a lot of dirt and dust from the rug, shaking it outdoors can remove any objects that are tightly stuck inside. Shaking the rug is a simple way you can keep the item clean and durable.
- Do not beat the rug to remove dust.
- Shake the rug as vigorously as necessary to remove dirt.
Step 3. Rotate the rug
If a cowhide rug is placed on the floor, it may have started to wear and tear over time. If you never change its position, the worn parts of the rug may appear uneven. This can make the rug look unbalanced or more worn than it should be. Remember to change the position of the rug to keep the shape even.
Step 4. Brush the rug
Your cowhide rug should be brushed regularly to keep it clean and tidy. Brushing is a great method of removing dirt from all areas of the rug, especially in areas where the vacuum cleaner can't reach. Brush the rug during your regular cleaning to keep it looking good.
- You can use a brush or broom with hard bristles.
- Brush in the direction of the rug's bristles, not the other way around.
Step 5. Don't wet your cowhide rug
While you can use a little splash of water to steam a cowhide rug, you shouldn't get it wet. If a cowhide rug is drenched in water, the material can be seriously damaged. Use only a small amount of water when cleaning a cowhide rug to keep it in good condition.
- Dry or allow your rug to dry if it comes into contact with water.
- Never put a cowhide rug in the dryer.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Liquid Stains
Step 1. Clean up spilled liquid immediately
If you spill something on the cowhide rug, clean it up immediately. Allowing the liquid to soak into the rug will create a stain that is much more difficult to remove. Immediately take the following steps when you notice a liquid spill on the cowhide rug to reduce stains:
- Use a towel or sponge to absorb the liquid. Do not wipe the liquid on the rug as this can spread it further.
- Use a patting motion to absorb the spilled liquid.
Step 2. Scrape off the dried material
The area exposed to the liquid may dry out leaving a solid material behind. The residue can be scraped off with a dull knife edge. Use the dull edge of a knife to gently crush the stain and scrape away the dried material until only the stain remains.
- Scrape the material in the direction of the rug.
- Do not use the sharp side of the knife.
- You can also use a coarse-bristled brush or spoon.
- Do not scrape or press the rug too hard. Press the rug just enough to remove any dried material.
Step 3. Use shampoo and water to clean the liquid stain
If there is a small stain on the cowhide rug from a spill, you can try using shampoo and water to clean it. Water and soap can help remove the stain and restore the rug to its original condition.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to rub the soapy water onto the cowhide rug. Make sure you use very little soap and only add it when absolutely necessary.
- You can rub and wipe the rag in any direction.
- Make sure the sponge or towel is not too wet.
- Do not use alkaline soaps or shampoos.
Step 4. Complete the cowhide rug cleaning process
After scrubbing the rug, you will need to rinse off any soap residue on the surface. Take a clean cloth and wet it with tap water. Use the rag to gently wipe off any soap residue or stain residue. Allow the rug to dry before placing it back in the room.
- If the stain won't go away, you can try cleaning it again to remove any remaining stains.
- If you can't get rid of the stain yourself, you may need professional help.
Step 5. Do not use dry-cleaning services or wash them in the machine
As tempting as it may seem, washing a cowhide rug in the machine or cleaning it with dry-cleaning chemicals can damage the accessory. Gently clean all stains and spills by hand. Never use a washing machine and dry-cleaning kit to remove stains from a cowhide rug.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Food or Oil Stains
Step 1. Scrape off any solid-looking stains
If food or oil gets onto the cowhide rug, clean it up as soon as possible. However, usually there will be residual stains on the surface of the rug. Wait for the stain to dry before scraping it gently with the blunt side of a knife.
- Do not use the sharp side of the knife.
- Remember to scrape the stain in the direction of the rug's fur.
- You can also use a spoon or a coarse-bristled brush.
- Don't scrape the rug too hard. Use sufficient pressure to crush the solid material in the rug.
Step 2. Apply eucalyptus oil to the stained area
Equaliptus oil can remove food or oil stains so that the dirty area can be cleaned again. Apply a small amount of this oil with a cloth to the stained area. Remember, you should only use a small amount of this oil and it should only be applied to the stained area.
- Gently rub eucalyptus oil onto the stained area.
- Don't rub too hard.
- You can buy eucalyptus oil online or in supermarkets.
Step 3. Wipe the rug with a damp sponge
After applying eucalyptus oil to the stained area, you can finish the cleaning process. Scrub the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining stain and eucalyptus oil. Wait for the area to dry, then check to make sure the stain is gone. If the stain is still visible, apply a small amount of dish soap to the sponge and wipe the area again.
- You should only use a dampened cloth.
- Let the cowhide rug dry on its own.
- If the stain is still visible, you may need to have it professionally cleaned.
Tips
- Clean the rug regularly.
- Clean up spills as soon as possible.
Warning
- Scrape the stain or other material in the same direction as the rug.
- Never wash a cowhide rug in a washing machine or dry-cleaning equipment.
- Do not use soap or detergent that is too strong to clean cowhide rugs.
- Do not wet the cowhide rug when cleaning it. Use a damp cloth or sponge.
