Every buffalo hide we choose has its own story; no two hides are the same, highlighting the uniqueness of each animal. Made from prime winter fur, our hides are known world wide for their quality and natural beauty.
We are often asked the best practices for caring for these one of a kind pieces. It’s easy, we promise! Here are some product care tips and tricks to ensure that your buffalo hide maintains all the uniqueness and elements that you love for generations to come.
How to Store Your Buffalo Hide
We recommend keeping your hide outside of direct sunlight. Too much sun can damage or discolor the hair. The hide should be kept loose – compressing the piece could also cause damage. Never use plastic containers to store your hide, or wrap it in plastic. Plastic will not allow the hide to breathe, potentially causing the hide to dry out and crack.
How to Clean Your Buffalo Hide
Your hide is made for everyday use. If your piece takes a spill, spot clean as much of the liquid as you can. Then, simply use a clean damp cloth to blot the area. Cleaning solutions are too harsh for the fur, so avoid using them or saturating the piece in water. If your hide becomes matted, a heavy metal comb can be used to brush it out.
If you are using your hide as a rug, we recommend vacuuming at least once a week. To avoid getting the hair tangled, we use the vacuum hose instead of the vacuum brush. If you prefer your hide as a wall hanging, bedspread, wrap, or throw, vacuum as needed.
What to Avoid
Your buffalo hide will naturally absorb odors or dyes. Due to this, we recommend that you avoid using insecticides, moth proofing, or other chemicals around your hide. Consider also limiting the use of perfumes or sprays around your hide. Many sprays and perfumes contain alcohol, which can also cause drying.
Much like other natural fur products, proper care of your buffalo hide is simple and doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. Following this advice will keep your hide in pristine condition.
Thanks for being so wonderful to Isaac and Rebekah on their recent trip. They had a great time and Steve and I enjoyed all the photos. You live in a beautiful part of America. And you both seem like great folks! The items we ordered from you are of great quality and are unique! God bless you both!❤️????
hello, BARB this is CINDY ROAN EAGLE I bought my buffalo robe a few years back it’s a craft grade hide but I love it I use it as a blanket and a wrap I want to thank you for letting me make payments it still looks great since the day I bought it.
What is the best comb or brush to use to get out tangles in a buffalo hide
Hi Debra – we recommend using Scotch Comb for livestock. You can find these at many different supply stores.
Hi Debra,
We now stock the scotch combs we recommend for buffalo furs on our website. If you’re still in the market, you can purchase it here: https://www.merlinshideout.com/shop/care-cleaning/bison-fur-comb/
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin
If you want the skin side to be softer, what is the best way to accomplish a softer leather hide side? Thanks
Hi Tucker,
What makes a hide softer is tumbling it during the tanning process. The best way would be to take the hide to a local tannery who can assess the reason the hide is stiff. If it is too thick, or improperly tanned, then it would require professional refurbishment.
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin
How do I clean raw hide part of buffalo fur coat?
Hi Eileen,
Our fur coats and jackets do not have any raw hide. If you purchased it from us, please reach out via email or phone and we will help directly. Otherwise, I would reach out to the manufacturer for help.
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin
Is it possible for biting bugs to nest in a Buffalo hide? I’m using mine as a blanket and getting bites during the night and have cleaned everything else on the bed. My bites look like spider bites.
Hi Steven,
It would be highly unlikely, however, you could mist the hide with a pesticide and let it air dry. I would consult a pest control specialist on the best options. It’s most important to avoid saturating the leather side of the hide or you risk damaging it permanently.
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin