Can You Vacuum A Cowhide Rug?
If you’re into a more rustic design aesthetic or love an eclectic vibe, a cowhide rug is an excellent addition to your space. But are you supposed to clean a cowhide rug like a regular one? When you stop to think about it, you might even wonder if you can vacuum a cowhide rug.
It’s easy to take care of your cowhide rug with regular weekly vacuuming. Stand in the middle of the rug and vacuum to the edge in the direction of the hair. Use the brush on your vacuum to brush the rug as you vacuum. For stubborn debris, use a bristle brush to loosen the dirt, then vacuum once more.
If you take care of your cowhide rug, it can last many years. The best part is you don’t need any special tools or products to clean a cowhide rug.
Are Cowhide Rugs Hard To Clean?
Luckily, cowhide rugs are relatively stain-resistant and easy to clean with nothing more than water. You can use some mild soap and water with a white cloth to clean tough stains.
Otherwise, regularly vacuuming your rug and shaking it out can help keep it free of dirt and debris. Another great tip is to rotate your cowhide rug periodically, so the same areas aren’t subjected to the most wear and tear.
Can You Use Carpet Cleaner On A Cowhide Rug?
Do not use a carpet cleaner or other harsh chemicals or cleaning products on your cowhide rug. Simply take care of spills immediately by soaking them up with a cloth, then dabbing them with a damp cloth. If the stain persists, use mild soap to work on the stain.
Why Should You Vacuum A Cowhide Rug?
Vacuuming your cowhide rug is a great way to keep it in tip-top shape. Not only does vacuuming remove dirt and debris, but it prevents the dirt from settling into the rug.
Regular vacuum sessions help avoid dust and dirt from becoming embedded in your rug’s fibers. Therefore, regular vacuuming can better maintain your rug’s texture and overall appearance.
Vacuuming is also an easy and quick way to clean your cowhide rug. The easier process means you’ll likely do it more often, meaning your rug will last longer.
Seven Tips For Vacuuming A Cowhide Rug
Luckily, it’s absolutely okay to vacuum a cowhide rug. But you don’t clean it the same way you would your carpet or an ordinary area rug. Here are some top tips to follow when vacuuming your cowhide rug.
1. Shake Out Your Cowhide Rug
To maximize your vacuum session, shake out your cowhide rug first. Giving your rug a vigorous shake outside can help get rid of much of the dust and dirt. Plus, it can also help loosen up some of the more embedded debris.
2. Start In The Middle Of The Rug
After shaking out your rug, replace it in its spot on the floor. Stand in the middle of the rug and vacuum from the center to the outer edge. Don’t pull back on the vacuum; only work in one direction. Working from the center helps prevent damaging the edge of the rug.
3. Vacuum In The Direction Of The Hair
You want to avoid using a back-and-forth motion when vacuuming your cowhide rug. It’s critical to vacuum in the direction of the hair to prevent breaking or damaging fibers. If you drag the vacuum back and forth across the rug, it can lead to hair loss.
Since you need to vacuum in one direction, this is another reason standing in the middle of the rug works well. Vacuum from the center to the edge. Then, turn your body and repeat until you’ve completed a 360-degree circle and vacuumed the entire rug.
4. Use The Right Vacuum
Make sure your vacuum has a brush roll with soft fibers. This type of brush can help tackle debris without damaging your rug. Avoid using vacuums with rotary brushes or beater bars.
If you’re able, look for a vacuum that allows you to adjust the brush roll height. You can adjust the roller to work with the fibers on your cowhide rug. Furthermore, don’t use a robot vacuum on a cowhide rug. Robot vacuums will move in multiple directions as they hit obstacles.
5. Adjust The Suction
If your vacuum comes with a suction setting, set it to the lower end. For tougher areas, adjust the setting up slightly, but go slowly. Use multiple passes with the vacuum to get a thorough clean.
6. Loosen Stubborn Debris With A Bristle Brush
If there’s stubborn dirt in your cowhide rug, use a bristle brush to gently brush these areas to loosen the dirt. Make sure to use a brush suitable for cowhide rugs. (Brush in the direction of the hair).
After dry brushing the rug, vacuum again. Make sure to regularly clean out your vacuum’s dust bin so you don’t end up depositing dirt back onto the rug.
7. Vacuum Your Cowhide Rug Weekly
Plan to vacuum your cowhide rug once a week. Don’t wait to break out the vacuum until your cowhide rug is filthy. Staying on top of the mess will keep it from getting out of hand, making it easier to clean.
Of course, in between these routine cleans, you may need an extra vacuum session. For example, if you drop anything on the rug or your kids run across it with dirty shoes.
Keeping Your Cowhide Rug Clean
Cleaning your cowhide rug is easier than you might think. Plan to vacuum your cowhide rug once a week. Shake it out first for best results, then vacuum from the center of the rug to the edge. Only move in the direction of the hair, avoiding back-and-forth motions.
Using a vacuum with a soft brush roller that you can adjust to the height of your rug is ideal. It’s also great if you can adjust the suction setting on your vacuum to only use a higher suction as needed.
With proper care and routine cleaning, your cowhide rug will look its best for many years to come.
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Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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