​

​Everyday care

Regular, gentle maintenance is the most important part of keeping a cowhide rug in good condition.

​

• Vacuum weekly or as needed using a brushless attachment, always moving in the direction of the hair, not against it.

• Alternatively, take the rug outside occasionally and shake it to remove dust and grit.

• Rotate the rug every few months if it sits in an area with strong, consistent light so any natural color change happens more evenly.

• Avoid placing the rug in areas with persistent moisture or dampness (such as bathrooms or basements with humidity issues).

​

These small steps prevent dirt from working into the fibers and help the hair lie smoothly.

​

Spot cleaning and spills

For most spills, a calm, gentle approach is best.

​

1. Act quickly.

   • Blot the spill immediately with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.

   • Do not rub, scrub, or use a circular motion; this can push the liquid deeper into the hair and hide.

​

1. If more cleaning is needed:

   • Use a slightly damp cloth with a mild soap solution (a small amount of gentle dish soap or wool/cashmere detergent diluted in water).

   • Test in a small area first if you’re unsure.

   • Wipe lightly in the direction of the hair, then blot dry with a clean towel.

​

1. For oily spills:

   • Blot as much as possible.

   • Sprinkle a small amount of corn starch or talcum powder on the area and let it sit for a few hours to absorb oils.

   • Gently brush or vacuum the powder away, again following the direction of the hair.

​

1. Allow to dry naturally.

   • Never use a hairdryer or heater directly on the hide.

   • Ensure the rug is fully dry before placing furniture back on top.

​

If a spill is significant or you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s always better to stop and ask for guidance rather than continue experimenting with products.

​

Brushing and reshaping

Over time, traffic or furniture can flatten the hair or create small ripples.

​

• Use your hand or a soft brush to gently smooth the hair back into direction if it appears disturbed.

• If a corner lifts slightly, you can gently back‑bend it and smooth it down, or place a temporary, light weight on top until it relaxes.

• Avoid stiff bristle brushes that might scratch the surface.

​​

Things to avoid

To preserve the natural beauty and structure of the hide, avoid:

​

• Harsh cleaning products, solvents, or stain removers.

• Steam cleaners or soaking the rug in water.

• Bleach, ammonia, or strong household chemicals.

• Overly aggressive scrubbing or wire brushes.

• Long‑term direct sunlight in very intense climates, which may gradually lighten darker areas more quickly than the rest of the rug.

​​

If the rug does experience some natural softening of color over many years, this is normal for undyed cowhide and can be part of its character.

​

Professional cleaning

For more challenging situations—large spills, pet accidents, or many years of use—a professional cleaning may be helpful.

​

• Choose a cleaner with experience handling cowhide or leather rugs.

• Avoid services that treat the rug like a standard synthetic or wool wall‑to‑wall carpet.

​

If you’re unsure which route is best, you can contact us with photos and a brief description of the issue, and we can advise on next steps.

​

Questions about a specific rug

If you ever have a question about caring for a particular Lifestyle by Cara rug—whether it’s one of our patchwork designs, a woven leather piece, or a custom in‑stock rug—you’re welcome to reach out. Sharing a photo and a short description of the situation allows us to give more precise, case‑by‑case guidance tailored to your rug and how you use it.