CLEANING GUIDELINES

Treat these hides with care and they will last for a long time, although some hair may be shed from the hide over a period of time. Care should be exercised when cleaning. Include your cowhide rug in your normal cleaning routine, simply vacuum or give rugs and cushions a shake outside to remove dust and small dry particles of dirt. Rotate your rug or move to a different location from time to time so that it wears evenly.
If using a damp cloth, wipe with the hair and not against it. You can wipe smoothly in the direction of the hair with a damp (but not wet) cloth with mild soap and water. Do not soak the hide or get it wet. Do not wash in a washing machine. Dry using a towel running along the nap. Avoid vigorous rubbing, do not use saddle soaps, or other leather creams as these may in fact do more harm than good. Protect from direct sunlight and avoid sharp objects and excessive heat.

For common spills like wine, coffee, tea, juice, food, soup etc - soak up spills with a paper towel or sponge immediately. Remove solid matter with the blunt edge of knife by scraping gently in the direction of the hair. Then wipe with a damp (but not wet) sponge or cloth using mild soapy solution. Finally clean with a damp cloth using a diluted 1% white vinegar and 99% water solution (this balances the pH levels) Alternatively to clean spills or extra dirty areas, use a very small amount of shampoo on a damp sponge. Sponge along the nap repeatedly. Rinse the sponge to remove the shampoo and dirt and repeat until the hide is cleaned.

For fat, grease, lipstick, tar and chewing gum - Remove solid matter with the blunt edge of knife by scraping gently. Then apply dry cleaning fluid directly to the affected area on a soft cloth by dabbing gently. Finally wipe with a damp (but not wet) sponge or cloth using a mild soapy solution. We can not guarantee that this will remove your stain, but it the best method of trying. This is done at your own risk.

Finally, Cowhides do not like to be damp or wet, please avoid this. If you have a dehumidifier, use it regularly to remove moisture from the room. On a sunny day you can put your cowhide outside with the underside facing the sun.