When it comes to decorating, a cowhide rug is a great addition to anyone’s home. Not only they are luxurious and fashionable, but also they could be pricey.
So when it comes to maintenance, it makes sense to want to keep it nice and long lasting.
And with that being said a popular question is ” can I vacuum a cowhide rug?”
Today, we are going to answer this question along with how you can maintain a cowhide rug.
So, that it will last for years to come.
Can I Vacuum A Cowhide Rug?
You can vacuum a cowhide rug. In fact, regular vacuuming of cowhide rugs keeps them looking great for a very long time, allowing people to think that the rug looks brand-new.
That being said, you cannot just take out your vacuum cleaner and start cleaning a cowhide rug.
First of all, you have to turn off the beater brush if the vacuum has one because these brushes can cause the hair on the rug to shed.
When vacuuming cowhide rugs, only use the suction part of the vacuum cleaner and not the brush part.
If you own a vacuum cleaner with no suction or there is no option to disable the beater brush, you’ll have to use the upholstery attachment that comes with the vacuum to clean your cowhide rug.
In addition to these things, always remember to:
- Vacuum in the same direction as the hair in the rug so that no shedding occurs
- Try to vacuum starting in the middle of the rug, then move outwards toward its edges
- Make sure to vacuum both sides of the rug for the best results
How To Vacuum A Cowhide Rug
In addition to the tips mentioned above, there are a few other things that help you vacuum your cowhide rug more efficiently.
First of all, you’ll want to reduce the suction power as low as possible, and if there are different settings, choose the setting for curtains or upholstery.
And again, when you start to vacuum the rug, stand in the middle and push the vacuum towards the outer edge, running off of the edge once you get there.
Turn in a circle and repeat this step as many times as necessary. Your goal should be to continue changing positions until you’ve turned in a full 360-degree circle.
This will mean that you’ve vacuumed every single part of the rug.
If you finish and you feel as though there are things stuck in the rug, just take a large scrubbing brush with plastic bristles and loosen up the debris.
Afterward, use a different vacuum cleaner to suction up the debris. This will ensure that every tiny particle will be removed when you vacuum.
Will A Vacuum Hurt A Cowhide Rug?
A vacuum cleaner can hurt a cowhide rug if you use a beater brush or an extremely powerful brush.
The rougher the brush, the bigger the odds that the rug might be damaged somehow.
This is why your best bet when vacuuming a cowhide rug is to disengage the beater brush, or even better, use the upholstery attachment instead of the regular part of the vacuum.
While a certain amount of suction is acceptable and even necessary, you shouldn’t overdo it by using a strong brush that is too aggressive.
What Kind Of Vacuum Is Safe For A Cowhide Rug?
Any type of vacuum is safe for a cowhide rug as long as it’s used properly. While a cowhide rug is fairly sturdy and strong, that doesn’t mean that you can be as rough with it as you like.
As long as you’re using a good-quality vacuum and you’re using it properly, it is certain to be safe for your cowhide rug.
A popular vacuum that works extremely well for this is the Miele Complete C3 Vacuum for Soft Carpet and rugs.
People love that has flexible–handling and is very quiet.
There’s simply no comparison to other vacuums on the market.
Will A Roomba Hurt A Cowhide Rug?
Simply put, a Roomba or other robot-like vacuum cleaner will not hurt a cowhide rug.
Remember that most of these vacuums provide a three-stage cleaning process of loosening, lifting, and suctioning dirt and grime, which means they can accommodate all types of surfaces.
Not only is it good on cowhide and standard rugs, but it can be used on carpets, floors, curtains, and even furniture.
It recharges itself when it needs it, and you can program it to clean when you think it should clean. So, not only is a Roomba or similar vacuum effective on your cowhide rugs, but you can set the settings for a very personalized cleaning experience.
How To Maintain A Cowhide Rug
While cowhide rugs are pretty tough, they still require regular maintenance if you want them to last. To keep your cowhide rug even longer, here are some tips that you should follow:
- Vacuum your rug carefully, vacuuming in the direction of the hair so no damage occurs
- Shake the rug outside occasionally to get rid of any excess debris
- Brush the rug if you need to remove hidden debris, using a brush with hard bristles
A cowhide rug is an investment, so taking care of it regularly is a must.
How Long Do Cowhide Rugs Last?
If cared for properly, cowhide rugs can last you a lifetime.
To make sure that it always looks good, you might want to rotate it regularly so that it doesn’t get the chance to get a “high traffic” area but every part of the rug stays looking good.
Can A Cowhide Rug Get Wet?
You can get a cowhide rug slightly wet, but you should always blot it with a dry towel immediately afterward so that most of the moisture is removed and so it isn’t allowed to remain wet for a long time.
Likewise, never get a cowhide rug soaking wet because it can actually change the shape of the rug as it’s drying.
You can get it damp when spot-cleaning the rug, but never put the rug in the washing machine or bring it to the dry cleaners.
Final Thoughts
Vacuuming a cowhide rug regularly is not only acceptable; it is actually preferred if you want to keep your rug looking good.
As long as you use the vacuum cleaner properly and don’t allow the rug to get too wet, a weekly cleaning with the vacuum can help keep your rug looking good for many years to come.
Looking For Vacuum Guides?
If you’re looking for more vacuum resources, consider checking out our other posts on vacuums.
- Best HEPA Vacuums For Lead Dust
- Best Vacuums For Delicate Rugs
- Why Is My Vacuum Squealing?
- How To Stop Static Electricity While Vacuuming
References: Cowhide Wikipedia, leather-dictionary
(Author)
Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.
