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001-604-218-2008 (Canada)
5411 356 86409 (Argentina)
FaqFaq
Q - How do I care for my cowhide?
A - Cowhide hair-on-hide is best used in a low to medium traffic domestic area or on furniture that is used occasionally.
It's OK to fold your cowhide rug, but it will need some time to relax after it is unfolded. The creases will come out after a few days laying flat. You can also steam iron the hide on the underside or hairy side to reduce creases quickly.
Cowhide does not move much on carpet or wooden floors, the textured underside has natural grip. You do need to be a bit careful in bare feet on the soft and silky upper side. Discourage kids from running over a cowhide rug. Sometimes Velcro dots around the edge help stop the hide from being kicked up at the edges on carpet.
The sun takes its toll on all furnishing fabrics. We recommend keeping the dyed and printed hides out of direct sunlight to avoid any possible fading. We have been told that the printed mock zebra hides do lighten slightly if placed in full sun for a long time. For example, a zebra's stripes may change from black to dark brown; this actually adds to the realistic look of the zebra prints. Real zebras are not actually black & white, they are more beige & dark brown!
Q - How should I clean my cowhide rug or pillow?
A- Include your cowhide rug, furniture or cushions in your normal cleaning routine, simply vacuum or give rugs and cushions a shake outside to remove dust and small dry particles of dirt. Rotate your rug or move to a different location from time to time so that it wears evenly.
You can wipe smoothly in the direction of the hair with a damp (but not wet) cloth with mild soap and water. Do not soak the hide or get it wet. Do not wash in a washing machine or dry clean.
Brushing with a hard plastic brush helps to keep the hair soft and fluffy and helps to remove dirt.
For common spills like wine, coffee, tea, juice, food, soup, urine and vomit - soak up spills with a paper towel or sponge immediately. Remove solid matter with the blunt edge of knife by scraping gently in the direction of the hair. Then wipe with a damp (but not wet) sponge or cloth using mild soapy solution. You can wipe and rub the hair vigorously in any direction. Finally clean with a damp cloth using a diluted 1% white vinegar and 99% water solution, this balances the PH levels and helps to eliminate unpleasant odours.
Q - How do cats or dogs react to cowhide? Do they try to eat it?
A - This is a tough one to answer because every pet is different. In general, dogs love cowhides and will start sleeping in the middle straight away. I have not heard of trouble with dogs eating cowhide, it is tanned so has no flavour. However puppies do tend to chew on things including leather shoes so I can't make any promises. Most cats start off very wary of cowhide, the smell and texture is foreign to them. They walk around the edges. After they realise that a cowhide is no threat they either ignore it or start sleeping on it as well.
Q - Are cowhides animal and child friendly?
A - Yes they are. They are easy to keep clean and a lot more forgiving than other rug types. Kids love cowhide, they get down on their tummies and 'swim' around on them. I guess this is because of the soft and fluffy texture.
Q - Were the cows killed for their skins?
A - No, no, no! Cowhides are a by-product of the farming/meat industry. The cows were farmed for meat and milk.
Q - How are the hides tanned?
A - They are tanned using the chrome technique so the back of the leather is a blue grey colour. This is the best technique for a soft and floppy leather result. They have not been treated with, and contain no residues of PCP, AZO-colouring agents, Chrome VI, formaldehyde and nickel. The tanneries use an environmentally responsible method of waste treatment that exceeds industry standard requirements.