Recently, I switched out my living room target rug with a Hereford cowhide rug. While I made the decision to switch because our living room is the “cow” room, I have come to realize that this has actually been a much larger benefit than I originally thought.
Besides providing added value to the beef cattle industry and contributing to a less wasteful food supply by utilizing by-products, cowhide rugs have many benefits.
Cow Hides Direct listed all the reasons why on their website:
HYPOALLERGENIC QUALITIES
If you suffer from allergies, the idea of putting a rug that is essentially the skin and hair of a cow into your home might not sound very appealing. Fortunately, cowhide rugs are renowned for being extremely hypoallergenic and can actually help to reduce the allergy pathogens floating around your home.
For example, let´s say that you have a synthetic rug with thick fibers. These rugs (and carpets as well) are known to trap a number of different allergens in their fibers, including dust, dander, pet hair, pollen, etc. Every time you open the door or walk into your home with dirty shoes, your synthetic rug or carpet is basically sucking up a number of pathogens that will stay trapped in your home.
Cowhide rugs, however, differ from their synthetic counterparts in that the individual hairs don´t trap allergens. Like any rug, it can become dusty over time. However, a simple vacuuming or taking your cowhide rug outside to shake off the dust will get rid of the dust build-up. While synthetic rugs have a thicker mat of fibers that allow allergens to get “stuck”, the hair on cowhide rugs repels allergens. Whatever dust does settle within the fibers is easily dislodged through vacuuming or shaking out.
While most homeowners invest significant time and money to deep clean their carpets or rugs every couple of years, cowhide rugs won´t need this type of treatment, especially if you take care of your rug with weekly vacuuming.
EASY TO CLEAN
There is nothing worse than having a child or a guest spill a cup of bright red cranberry juice onto your newly bought white rug.
Rugs made from cowhide do not contain synthetic materials and are also unlikely to be treated with volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), such as pesticides and flame retardant chemicals. Trying to scrub out stains from these types of rugs is usually a losing proposition, and if you do try and clean your rug, you will most likely be using extremely toxic chemicals that probably shouldn´t be in your place.
Furthermore, many synthetic carpets are impregnated with other dangerous chemicals that act as flame retardants and/or stain repellents. Do you really want to be walking over potentially dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals every day?
Another benefit of cowhide rugs is that they are naturally stain repellent. Both the cow skin and the cow hair on the rug have repellent properties. As long as you clean up spills shortly after they happen, virtually nothing will penetrate a cowhide rug nor stain it. Remember to take your rug outside for drying in the sun (or with a hairdryer if the weather isn´t permitting) to avoid any sort of long-term damage due to over-soaking.
DURABILITY
Lastly, cowhide rugs are known to be some of the most long-lasting household items out there. In a typical home, most people usually plan to replace their rugs or carpets every decade or so. Even with yearly deep steam cleanings, carpets and synthetic rugs do wear down from normal use.
Cowhide rugs, however, are much more resistant to constant foot traffic and use. As we mentioned above, the natural ability of cowhide rugs to repel liquids, also allows them to maintain their natural shine and colors for the long term.
THE INTANGIBLES
If all these benefits weren´t enough to convince you to purchase a cowhide rug, we shouldn´t forget the most important thing of all: cowhide rugs are naturally beautiful additions to any home. As far as interior decorating goes, you would be hard-pressed to find another item that is as versatile as a cowhide rug.
They can be placed in virtually any room in your home and even hung up on a wall for added decorative purposes. The variety of colors they come in allow for a cowhide rug to fit into the existing interior decoration of any home. With proper care and use, your newly cowhide rug will be impressing visitors for decades to come.
Cowhide Imports, an online vendor for cowhide products, agrees, and adds some extra reasons why these are the best kind of home decor:
EXTREMELY VERSATILE
Cowhide rugs are not only suitable for the floor but they can also be hung on the wall. A guest can enjoy a full view of nature’s tapestry when it is hung up or framed. Since cowhides come in a variety of colors, both natural and solid dyed, you are sure to find one that matches the decor of your home or office. If you are looking to make a bold statement, the solid dyed cowhide rugs would be an excellent choice. Not only do they maintain the natural feel of cowhide, but they can also stand as the centerpiece of your arrangement. Leather chairs or sofas are accented perfectly with a cowhide rug used as a throw, adding a rustic air to a room decorated in a country flavor.
EASY MAINTENANCE
To clean your cowhide rugs, simply vacuum or shake to remove dust and loose debris. Brushing with a hard plastic brush helps keep the hair soft and fluffy and helps remove dirt. For common spills like wine, coffee, tea, juice, food, soup…etc, first, absorb the liquid with a paper towel or sponge. Liquid substances will rarely penetrate our hides.
NATURAL
For those looking to bring a more organic feel to their decor, cowhides are just the answer. Our natural cowhide rugs appeal to people for their unique combination of shapes, colors, and sizes. Cowhides are as unique as the person who owns them. Some may contain similar tones of brown, black, or white, but no two are the exact same. Each breed tends to have its own set of colors that distinguish them from others. Cowhide rugs are perfect for those who wish to add a touch of natural beauty to their homes.
LONG-LASTING
Cowhide rugs are extremely durable since they are made of leather. Owners are often able to enjoy their rugs for a lifetime with just some simple care. Cowhide rugs are able to maintain their soft and pliable feel making them very soothing for the feet.
I have an old dog and two other indoor pets who shed and have occasional accidents. It has been a Godsend to have this rug, and it creates a unique look in my living space. I also found mine for a very affordable price on Etsy, and it was delivered straight to my door! If you aren’t sure about getting a cowhide rug after this article, then I don’t know what would convince you!
