How to Care for and Clean a Cowhide Rug

A natural cowhide is made for everyday life. Its short, dense hair, supple back and natural shape need very little care, as long as you know the right habits. Here are the ones we recommend.

Day to day

Give the hide a shake from time to time to loosen dust. To vacuum it, choose a low setting without a rotating brush, and always work in the direction of the hair. A soft brush, also used in the direction of the hair, is enough to restore its look.

A spill: what to do?

Act quickly. Blot the liquid with a clean cloth, without rubbing or soaking the hide. If needed, finish with a barely damp cloth, then let it dry flat. For a stubborn stain, or a product whose effect on the hide you don’t know, ask a specialist for advice before any deeper cleaning.

Light shedding in the first few weeks

This is normal, especially in high-traffic areas, and settles down afterwards. Vacuuming in the direction of the hair is all it needs.

On arrival: creases and smell

The hide travels folded. Lay it flat, hair side up, and let it relax for a few days: the creases disappear on their own. Never use an iron or direct heat.

A faint natural smell may be noticeable when unpacking, as with any leather. Leave the hide flat in a well-ventilated room: it usually fades within a few days.

What to avoid

• Soaking the hide or using harsh products.
• An office chair on castors for daily use: repeated friction wears the hair in the same spot. Under a desk, choose a chair with fixed legs.
• High, prolonged heat, for example on underfloor heating set very high.

Laying it well

A cowhide works on any floor: parquet, tiles, stone, polished concrete or low-pile carpet. On a smooth floor, a non-slip underlay keeps it firmly in place and limits friction.

Well cared for, a cowhide keeps its character for years. Discover our natural cowhide rugs or read how to tell a real cowhide.