How to Care for Hair on Cowhide
Hair on cowhide rugs goes through a process called tanning, which softens the hide and helps remove any odors. While the most expensive hair on cowhide products represent the original colorings of the animal, other cowhide products may utilize a dyeing process to make the cowhide look like the hide of a completely different animal. Also used to make clothing, purses, boots and wall decorations, hair on cowhide requires special care to keep it looking its best. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum with brush or bare floor tool
- Plastic brush
- Paper towels
- Damp sponge
- Vinegar
- Clean cloths
- Plastic paint scraper
- Dry cleaning agent
- Dish soap
Instructions
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1
Vacuum the hair on the cowhide with the brush or bare floor tool of your vacuum. Either will lift dirt and dust out of the hairs of the cowhide without sucking up the whole rug.
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2
Brush the hair on the cowhide product. If you do not feel like pulling out the vacuum, a plastic brush will do. Just the same way that brushing your own hair straightens the follicles and redistributes the oils on your scalp, vigorously brushing will also condition the follicles and the hide.
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3
Soak up wet spills immediately. Use a paper towel to soak up the liquid on the surface of the hair on cowhide, and then wipe it down with a damp sponge. Rub vigorously to remove a colored stain. Wrap up the cleaning with a solution of 99 percent water and 1 percent white vinegar. Dab the vinegar solution on a clean cloth and rub it on the stain to balance the pH levels.
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Clean greasy stains and chewing gum from the hair on the cowhide item with a plastic paint scraper. Remove the bulk of the stain or gum with the plastic scraper and then follow it up with a dry cleaning agent dabbed on a clean cloth. Wipe the area down with a damp sponge and a drop of dish soap. Rinse with a damp cloth.
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Run a dehumidifier when the air feels damp or humid. The dehumidifier will help keep the room with the hair on the cowhide product at a constant 40 to 50 percent humidity. This will prevent the hair on the cowhide rug from smelling musty, or growing mold, mildew or fungus.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring the hair on the cowhide rug outside and give it a good shake. On a sunny day, you can also hang it over a clothesline and let it air out.
Rotating hair on cowhide rugs regularly will help ensure that it does not wear out in just one area.
Never soak the hair on the cowhide product with water or put it in a washing machine or dryer.
