How Durable Is a Cowhide Rug?

The Hardwearing Cowhide Rug

• The tanning process thwarts cowhide’s natural course of decay and also imparts flexibility to the material, which further increases its durability. The wear resistance tanning provides cowhide means cowhide rugs can withstand use in high traffic areas; however, these rugs will last longest if cleaned properly, regularly brushed and occasionally rehydrated to prevent curling. If your cowhide rug gets a lot of foot traffic, rotate it to distribute the wear evenly and lay it out in the sun during spring cleaning to freshen it up.

Avoid Damage During Cleaning

• While remarkably resilient, cowhide can’t withstand too many interactions with water. Your rug will start rapidly deteriorating if you regularly expose it to water or excess moisture. This includes washing the cowhide in a standard washing machine, mopping it clean or using it in a bathroom or kitchen. Spot treat spills by first scraping away or soaking up as much matter as possible, following in your cowhide hair’s direction. Clean up any remaining material with a dampened, slightly soapy cloth.

Brush Cowhide to Increase Its Lifespan and Stop Hair Loss

• Incorporate your rug into your regular cleaning routine to get the longest lifespan out of it. Instead of rolling your vacuum across the rug, break out the brush attachment and brush in the direction of the rug’s hair. Routinely brushing your rug redistributes its natural oils and fluffs up the hair. While cowhide rugs never or infrequently shed, they will lose their hair if brushed or vacuumed against the hair’s direction.

Curtail Curling

• Over time or due to improper tanning, some cowhide rugs will lose their natural oils, especially around the edges. The tightening caused by the loss of these oils results in curling. Lightly mist the curing edges of your rug to rehydrate them, lay a towel on each side of the rug, and weigh everything down with a stack of heavy books. If your rug’s edges are still curling a bit, use gaff tape to hold your rug’s edges against the floor. After removal, its rubber adhesive surface won’t cling to the bottom of the hide or the floor the hide covers, leaving both areas clean and the value of your cowhide intact.