Cowhide rugs are more than just floor coverings. They are natural works of art that bring warmth, texture, and character to any living space. These timeless pieces, with their unique patterns and luxurious feel, represent a significant investment in your home's aesthetic appeal. However, there are times when you might need to store your precious cowhide rug, whether you're redecorating, moving, storing seasonal items, or simply rotating your home decor.
Understanding how to properly store your cowhide rug is crucial for maintaining its beauty, durability, and longevity. Unlike synthetic rugs that can withstand rough handling, cowhide requires special care due to its natural composition. The good news is that with the right approach, your cowhide rug can remain in pristine condition for decades, ready to grace your floors whenever you need it.
The Foundation of Proper Storage: Rolling vs. Folding
When it comes to storing your cowhide rug, there are two main approaches: rolling and folding. While many traditional guides recommend rolling, we've found through years of experience that folding is often the more practical and equally effective method for most homeowners.
High-quality cowhide rugs are remarkably resilient and can handle folding without long-term damage. The key is understanding that any temporary creases that appear will naturally disappear when the hide is allowed to lay flat.
Proper Folding Technique
When folding your cowhide rug, always fold with the hair side facing inward. This protects the beautiful hair surface from potential marks, stains, or damage during storage. The hide side is naturally more durable and better suited to handle the pressure of folding.
Fold your rug neatly along natural lines, creating clean, gentle folds rather than sharp creases. Take your time with this process and avoid rushing, which can create uneven pressure points. For storage purposes, you can place clean cotton fabric or acid-free tissue paper between the folds if desired, though this isn't strictly necessary with quality hides.
Addressing Fold Lines In Cowhide Rugs Quickly
If you need your rug to lay completely flat immediately after unfolding, there are effective methods to speed up the process. Allow the rug to lay flat for at least a week, and most creases will naturally disappear. However, if you need faster results, gentle heat application works wonderfully.
You can hang the rug outside in warm weather, ensuring it's not in direct sunlight (which could cause fading). Alternatively, use a hairdryer on low heat settings to warm the areas with fold lines. The gentle warmth helps the natural fibres relax and return to their original position much more quickly.
When Rolling Makes Sense
Rolling can be beneficial for very long-term storage where space isn't a concern, or for display purposes. However, it's important to understand that rolling creates its own type of friction as the hide moves against itself during the rolling process. This friction can potentially cause hair loss over time, especially with frequent rolling and unrolling.
For most homeowners dealing with typical storage situations, folding is the more practical choice that delivers the same long-term results without the space and handling challenges of rolling.
Choosing the Perfect Storage Environment
The storage location for your cowhide rug plays a vital role in its preservation. Temperature and humidity control are paramount to preventing damage. Ideally, your storage area should maintain a consistent temperature between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.
Basements, while seemingly convenient, are often too humid and can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odours. Attics, on the other hand, can experience extreme temperature fluctuations and may become too hot in summer or too cold in winter. The best storage locations are typically interior closets, spare bedrooms, under-stairway closets, or climate-controlled storage units where temperature and humidity remain relatively stable.
Consider the air circulation in your chosen storage area. Stagnant air can lead to moisture buildup and musty odours. If possible, choose a location with some natural air movement or consider using a small fan occasionally to promote air circulation around your stored rug. It is also advisable to add disposable moisture absorbers to the room to ensure moisture is kept at bay.
Protecting Against Weight and Pressure
Cowhide rugs are surprisingly resilient, but they can be damaged by excessive weight or pressure during storage. Never place heavy boxes, furniture, or other items on top of your stored rug, as this can flatten the natural hair texture and create permanent indentations in the hide.
When storing a folded rug, ensure it's placed on a flat, stable surface in a location where it won't be disturbed or compressed by other items. The natural resilience of quality cowhide means that normal folding pressure won't cause long-term damage, but additional weight from other objects can create problems.
If you have limited storage space and need to stack items, place your cowhide rug on top of other stored items rather than underneath them. This prevents unnecessary pressure while still allowing you to maximise your storage area efficiently.
Wrapping and Protection Materials
The materials you use to wrap your cowhide rug can make a significant difference in its long-term condition. Breathable fabrics such as cotton sheets, muslin, or canvas are excellent choices for wrapping. These materials protect the rug from dust and dirt while allowing air to circulate, preventing moisture buildup that could lead to mould or mildew.
Avoid plastic bags, vinyl covers, or any airtight materials at all costs. These materials trap moisture and can create the perfect environment for mold growth and bacterial development. Even seemingly harmless plastic can cause irreversible damage to your cowhide over time.
For added protection, consider using acid-free tissue paper between the layers of the roll. This prevents any potential colour transfer and provides additional cushioning. Some cowhide owners prefer to wrap their rugs in clean, white cotton sheets secured with cotton ties rather than synthetic materials.
Safeguarding Against Light Damage
Ultraviolet rays from sunlight can cause significant damage to cowhide rugs over time. Even during storage, exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading, brittleness, and deterioration of the natural fibres. Ensure your storage area is away from windows or other sources of direct sunlight.
If your storage area has windows, consider using UV-blocking window film or heavy curtains to filter harmful rays. Remember that even artificial lighting can cause gradual fading over extended periods, so choose storage areas with minimal lighting exposure.
Pest Prevention and Management
Natural materials like cowhide can attract various pests, including moths, carpet beetles, and silverfish. These insects can cause significant damage by eating the natural fibres or creating holes in the hide. Before storing your rug, inspect it thoroughly for any signs of pest activity.
Natural pest deterrents are preferable to chemical treatments. Cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or eucalyptus leaves can help repel insects without introducing harmful chemicals near your rug. Replace these natural deterrents every few months to maintain their effectiveness.
Ensure your storage area is clean and free from food particles or other attractants that might draw pests. Regular cleaning and inspection of the storage area will help you identify any potential problems before they become serious issues.
Climate-Specific Storage Considerations
Your local climate conditions significantly impact how you should store your cowhide rug. In high-humidity areas, such as coastal regions or areas with frequent rainfall, extra precautions are necessary to prevent moisture-related damage. Consider using silica gel packs or other moisture absorbers in the storage area, replacing them regularly as they become saturated.
In extremely dry climates, such as desert areas, the opposite problem can occur. Cowhide can become overly dry and brittle, leading to cracking or splitting. In these conditions, you might need to occasionally condition your rug with a leather conditioner specifically designed for natural hides before storing it.
Monitor the storage environment regularly, especially during seasonal changes when humidity and temperature levels can fluctuate dramatically. A simple hygrometer can help you track humidity levels and make adjustments as needed.
Regular Maintenance During Storage
Even the best storage practices require periodic attention. Plan to check on your stored cowhide rug every three to four months. This regular inspection allows you to catch any potential problems early and address them before they become serious issues.
During these checks, carefully unfold the rug and examine it for any signs of damage, pest activity, or moisture problems. Give it a gentle shake to remove any dust that may have accumulated, and brush it lightly with a soft-bristled brush to maintain the hair's natural texture and appearance.
Allow the rug to air out for a few hours before folding it back up for storage. This process helps prevent musty odors and gives you an opportunity to inspect the entire surface. If you notice any issues, address them immediately rather than waiting until the next scheduled inspection. The folding and unfolding process also helps prevent the hide from becoming too accustomed to one position.
Conditioning Before and After Storage
Before storing your cowhide rug for an extended period, consider applying a leather conditioner specifically designed for natural hides. This conditioning helps maintain the hide's flexibility and prevents it from becoming brittle during storage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and allow the conditioner to fully absorb before rolling the rug for storage.
When you're ready to bring your rug out of storage, reverse this process. Unroll it carefully, allow it to air out, and apply conditioner if the hide appears dry or stiff. This preparation ensures your rug is ready to resume its place in your home looking as beautiful as when you stored it.
Storage Duration Considerations
The length of time you plan to store your cowhide rug affects the storage method you should use. For short-term storage of a few months, basic rolling and wrapping may be sufficient. However, for long-term storage lasting a year or more, more comprehensive protection is necessary.
For long-term storage, consider investing in a breathable storage bag specifically designed for natural materials. These bags provide better protection while still allowing air circulation. Additionally, long-term storage requires more frequent inspections and potentially more aggressive pest prevention measures.
Preparing for Removal from Storage
When you're ready to use your cowhide rug again, the removal process is straightforward. Remove the rug from storage gradually, allowing it to adjust to room temperature and humidity levels. Unfold it slowly and carefully, checking for any issues that may have developed during storage.
Allow the rug to lie flat for at least a week, and most fold lines will naturally disappear. This settling time helps the hide relax and return to its natural shape. Quality cowhide rugs are designed to recover from folding, and patience is often the best approach.
If you need your rug to lay completely flat sooner, gentle heat application can speed up the process significantly. On a warm day, you can hang the rug outside in a shaded area where it won't be exposed to direct sunlight. The natural warmth helps the fibers relax and the fold lines disappear more quickly.
For indoor solutions, use a hairdryer on low heat settings to warm the areas with fold lines. Move the hairdryer slowly over the creased areas, keeping it at a safe distance to avoid overheating the hide. The gentle warmth encourages the natural fibers to return to their original position.
If the rug seems stiff or dry after storage, a light application of leather conditioner can help restore its suppleness. This is especially important for rugs that have been stored for extended periods or in very dry conditions.
Investment Protection and Long-Term Value
Proper storage is an investment in your cowhide rug's longevity and appearance. A well-maintained cowhide rug can last for generations, actually improving in character and beauty over time. The natural aging process of properly cared-for cowhide creates a rich patina that enhances its aesthetic appeal.
Understanding that folding is not detrimental to high-quality cowhide rugs gives you flexibility in how you store and handle your investment. Whether you need to fold it for shipping, moving, or simply to fit into available storage space, you can do so with confidence knowing that your rug will maintain its beauty and value.
The key is working with your rug's natural resilience rather than against it. Quality cowhide is designed to handle the stresses of normal use and storage, including folding. By following proper storage guidelines and using appropriate techniques for addressing fold lines when needed, you're ensuring that your cowhide rug retains its value for years to come.
Quick Summary : Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can damage your cowhide rug during storage.
- Avoid storing it in plastic bags or airtight containers, which trap moisture and promote mould growth.
- Never store it in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, such as unheated garages or non-climate-controlled storage units.
- Don't ignore the importance of pest prevention, as insect damage can be irreversible.
- Avoid storing other items on top of your rug, as excessive weight can create permanent indentations regardless of whether it's rolled or folded.
- While folding is acceptable when done properly, avoid creating sharp, harsh creases or folding the rug too many times in the same location. When folding is necessary, fold gently and consider using protective materials between the folds.
One common misconception is that folding damages cowhide rugs. In reality, with quality hides, folding is perfectly acceptable and often more practical than rolling. The key is proper technique and understanding that temporary fold lines are normal and will disappear with time and proper care.
Remember that shortcuts in storage preparation often lead to damage that could have been easily prevented. Take the time to fold your rug properly and create an appropriate storage environment, and your investment will be well protected.
Storing your cowhide rug properly ensures it remains a beautiful and valuable addition to your home for years to come. The key principles are straightforward: while rolling is the preferred method for long-term storage, folding is perfectly acceptable when done carefully. Choose a suitable environment, protect against moisture and pests, and maintain regular inspection schedules. Whether your rug arrives folded from shipping or you need to fold it for storage convenience, quality cowhide rugs are resilient and will return to their beautiful appearance with proper care.
With proper attention to storage methods and environment, your cowhide rug will emerge from storage looking as stunning as the day you put it away. Remember that each cowhide is unique, with its own characteristics and requirements. Pay attention to your specific rug's needs and adjust these guidelines accordingly. The time and effort you invest in proper storage will be rewarded with a beautiful, long-lasting piece that continues to enhance your living space for generations to come.