A fur rug centerpiece is one of the most striking and attractive ways to add a rustic touch to your home. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of bare feet on a fur rug!
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer looking to match up your home decor to your passion, or a city dweller looking for a stunning new design twist, natural fur rugs are a wonderful way to add warmth, coziness, and a down-to-earth touch to any space.
One of the best things about natural fur rugs is that they look great in any situation, and with the right treatment can last for many years. However they do require a little love and attention if you want them to stay in pristine shape over time, and learning how to care for your natural fur rug is an important and necessary thing to do.
Read on for our tips on what to do (and what not to do) to ensure your natural fur rug stays in perfect condition forever.
Caring for your fur rug
Brush it
One of the best ways to keep your natural fur rug clean and fluffy is to brush it regularly.
Head down to your local pet store, and pick up a wide-toothed metal brush. Gently brushing your rug separates the strands and prevents tangles and matting. It also helps keep it dust-free and fresh-looking.
Shake it
Giving your natural fur rug a good shake on a regular basis is a great way to keep it looking as good as new for as long as possible.
Allowing dust, grime, and dirt to work their way deep down into the fibers of a rug makes it really hard to clean, so shaking any loose particles off as soon as possible is an important part of natural fur rug care.
Keep it cool
Fur hates the heat. As a natural product it doesn’t do well in hot places or in direct sunlight, so try to keep your rug in cool, shady spots.
UV rays can discolor your fur surprisingly quickly, and heat will cause the leather backing to harden and crack. If you need to store it, keep it in a cool, airy place, and avoid folding it too much.
Keep it dry
Fur also hates being wet. It’s important to prevent moisture from getting into your fur, so keep it away from damp places as much as possible.
If you’re planning on mopping the floor, move your rug well away and don’t replace it until the floor is dry as a bone. If you can avoid placing your rug in particularly damp or humid rooms, that’s even better. Too much moisture can lead to the fur curling, or even worse, the development of black mold.
Protecting your fur rug
Avoid stains
Natural fur rug care is all about protecting your rug as much as possible and avoiding the need to clean it in the first place.
It might sound obvious, but do your best to avoid spilling your morning cup of coffee, or a large glass of red wine all over your beautiful fur rug!
More practically, aim to spot-clean small stains as soon as you notice them, and try to catch small specks or spots of mud and grime before they get trodden in. A quick brush can help with this.
Minimize wear and tear
Natural fur rugs, particularly buffalo hide rugs, are incredibly durable and long-lasting, but that doesn’t mean you can trample all over them without a care in the world.
We’re not suggesting you don’t ever step on your natural fur rug, obviously, but try to avoid putting it in a high traffic area where it will be walked on daily if you want to keep it looking newer for longer.
Keep it chemical-free
Less of a problem for fur rugs than fur clothes, but chemicals like perfume, hairspray, lotions, or chemical cleaners can be extremely damaging for your fur.
If you end up with a stain, or your fur rug is just a bit dirty, don’t be tempted to use chemical detergents. These will destroy the fur’s natural oils, and make it far more susceptible to wear and tear in the future.
Cleaning your fur rug
So what do you do if your natural fur rug does need cleaning then?
As you might imagine, natural fur takes best to natural cleaning products. For small stains, a little vinegar solution spray (roughly 5% vinegar in clean water) can work wonders. Spray a small amount on the stain, wipe with a sponge, and dry with a clean, dry cloth immediately.
Corn starch or potato starch can also be an effective way to remove dirt. Just dampen the fur a little, rub in the starch, then brush it away when it dries. Just make sure to go easy on the water.
For more stubborn stains, there are a range of leather cleaners and leather conditioners. If all else fails a dry cleaner may be the only solution. Just make sure you find someone who is experienced with handling natural fur rugs and you should be fine.
At Merlin’s Hide Out we absolutely love our buffalo hide rugs, and we are certain you will too.
Made with prime winter fur, they’re the perfect way to add texture and warmth to any room. Our customers love the soft feel of fur beneath their feet, and our quality craftsmanship is second to none. If you’re interested in bringing a more rustic feel to your home decor, take a look at our range and see why these luxurious rugs are so popular!
I have a Buffalo hide/rug for about 10 years. Have recently moved to Arizona and have questions about maintenance and possible safe storage. Thanks
David,
Thank you for your question regarding the maintenance and storage of your buffalo hide.
We are sending information in a direct email to you.
Have a great day!
I am in the process of relocating to southern Utah and would like you to share the maintenance and storage info for my beautiful buffalo hide. Thank you.
Jane,
Thank you for your comment!
The below link should answer your questions on how to maintain and store your beautiful buffalo hide.
Caring For Natural Buffalo Hides
Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
Have a great day!
Barb – Merlin’s Hide Out
How can I clean cat urine out of a bison rug? I wanted to rinse the soiled section with water, but my husband is worried that the leather will harden if it gets wet while cleaning. He’s afraid he might have to cut out the portion that has urine on it for fear of ruining the rug further.
Hi Amanda, Cleaning cat urine out of a natural bison fur and leather hide requires careful attention to avoid damaging the material. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
1. Act quickly: The sooner you can address the cat urine, the better. Fresh stains are easier to remove.
2. Blot the urine: Using a damp paper towel or clean, white cloth, to gently blot the urine from the surface. Avoid rubbing as it can push the urine deeper into the fur or leather.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Alternatively, you can use a specialized enzyme-based cleaner designed for removing pet stains and odors. Follow the instructions on the product label.
4. Apply the cleaning solution: Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution, wring out any excess liquid, and gently blot the affected area. Avoid oversaturating the fur or leather, as it can cause damage. Avoid getting the leather side of the hide wet at all if possible. Moisture – cat urine or water will change the PH of the tan and may cause the hide to become hard and/or brittle.
5. Blot and repeat: Continue blotting the area with the cleaning solution until the stain is lifted. Be patient and avoid excessive scrubbing.
6. Rinse the area: Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with plain water and gently blot the treated area to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
7. Dry the hide: Blot the area with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Then, allow the hide to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight. Avoid using a hairdryer or applying heat, as it can damage the fur or leather.
8. Brush the fur: Once the hide is dry, use a soft brush or a comb with wide teeth to gently fluff the fur and restore its natural appearance.
If the cat urine odor persists after cleaning, you may need to repeat the process or consider professional cleaning services specialized in fur and leather.
Someone gave me a deer skin, and it keeps shedding no matter how many times I shake it
Hi John,
It could be due to a couple reasons: If the the hide was improperly tanned, there’s likely no solution. But please keep in mind that deer have hollow hairs that have a natural tendency to break and shed. They are not recommended for use as apparel or decor except if left undisturbed.
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin
I have a buffalo hide that has developed a small area on it that smells a little mildewed/moldy after being stored near a mold problem during our wet winter. Is this treatable? I usually use the hide as a bedspread, so I’d rather not use harsh chemicals. Thanks for your helpful posts, and I hope that you might have some wisdom for me.
Hi Cozy,
If you can see a visible spot of mold on the leather side of the hide, at that point it’s best to trim out that affect area. Due to the unfinished nature of a natural hide, it’s best not to use any chemical treatment or you risk damaging the hide further.
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin