Hide rugs are great for use in all parts of your home and office and they can be both functional and decorative. Even though they look and feel great, caring for them can be difficult. Real fur is more delicate than synthetic fur and it falls off easily. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep your rug from losing too much hair. Some of them include:
- Identify the Cause of Hair Loss
The first and most important thing to do is to find out why your rug may be losing hair. One of the most common causes is insects eating at it. Fortunately, you can get rid of them using insecticides. Do not spray directly on the skin as it could make the problem worse.
- Do Not Vacuum
Avoid vacuuming your animal hide rug unless you have to. The best way to get rid of loose dirt is shaking it off. If your rug is already shedding, vacuuming will make it shed faster.
- Limit Exposure to Heat
Keep your animal hide rug away from sources of heat. Keep it away from direct sunlight or the fire place and hang it in the shade after cleaning. Animal hide rugs can get damaged when exposed to heat causing them to shed faster.
- Professional Cleaning
Send your animal hide rug out to professional cleaners at least once every year. They treat it with the right chemicals to promote durability and minimize shedding. Professional vendors like Hide Rugs may also give you tips to minimize damage to your rug.
- Avoid Water
Exposure to moisture may cause damage to your rug resulting to hair loss. If you need to use water to get rid of a stain or spill, air the rug out to dry immediately. If you use water or a wet cloth to clean your animal hide rug, it may form a temporary bond with the natural oils making it stiffer and drier. The rug may curl and shed.
If your rug needs some extra cleaning, consider using a light cleaning product. Different products are appropriate for different types of hide rugs. Mix 95% water and 5% vinegar and spray the solution on the stained area. It gets rid of bad odors and balances the PH.
- Proper Placement
The placement of your rug may be contributing to hair loss. Reindeer rugs, for example, are meant to be more decorative than functional. If exposed to too much foot traffic, they are likely to shed. They are best used as wall hangings or over your chairs.
If you have a new hide rug, you should expect some level of shedding. However, there may be a problem if the shedding continues for long and your rug seems to be losing too much hair. The rugs are statement pieces and they can be both functional and decorative. With the right care, they can remain in good condition for a long time. Some of the simplest ways to reduce hair loss include limiting exposure to heat and moisture and professional cleaning once every year.