How to Clean Dog Urine from Cowhide Rugs – Here Are a Few Ideas

Cowhide rugs are timeless decorative pieces perfect for any living space you choose. However, if by some misfortune, your dog has relieved itself on it, don't fret. Luckily for you, removing the urine and the smell is possible and easy.

As the term suggests, cowhide rugs are made from a cow's skin and hair, referred to as its "hide." The hides are taken from cows undergoing meat production and are typically cured using a chrome-tanning method or vegetable tanning.

Although each cow has its own distinct markings that make each cowhide rug unique, the hides can be re-dyed to create different prints. Cowhide rugs can also be made from genuine hides or, if you prefer, synthetically produced.

A cowhide rug in a modern living room | Source: Shutterstock

They are gorgeous, soft, durable decorative pieces you can place in your living room, office space, bedroom, or wherever you feel is better suited. But, if you have a furry friend like a dog, they might misbehave and relieve themselves on your cowhide rug.

If that misfortune has befallen you, follow these tips on how to remove dog urine from a cowhide rug.

A cowhide rug in a modern living room | Source: Shutterstock

How to Remove Dog Urine from a Cowhide Rug Step-by-Step

What You'll Need:

• paper towels or a clean cloth
• water
• sponge
• liquid dish detergent or baby shampoo

What to Do:

1. As soon as the incident happens, take paper towels or a clean cloth and blot the affected area to absorb as much urine as possible. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as that might spread the urine and push it deeper into the rug. Continue blotting until the paper towels or cloth come back almost completely dry.
2. If there's any solid waste, carefully scoop it off using a spoon or spatula.
3. In a small bucket, combine warm water with the liquid dish soap or baby shampoo.
4. Dip your sponge into the soapy solution and blot the affected area. Ensure you don't oversaturate the rug.
5. Rinse the affected area by dipping another sponge into a bucket of clean water to remove the dirt and soap residue.
6. Use paper towels to blot away the moisture and continue until they come back almost completely dry.
7. Allow your cowhide rug to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Alternative Method 1: Vinegar Solution

What You'll Need:

• white vinegar
• water
• spray bottle
• paper towels

What to Do:

1. Take paper towels and blot the affected area to absorb as much urine as possible. Continue blotting until the paper towels or cloth come back almost completely dry.
2. Mix 9 oz of water with ½ oz vinegar in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the affected area and allow the solution to sit for a few minutes.
4. Take more clean paper towels and blot the affected area to absorb the moisture from the solution.
5. Continue spraying and blotting with paper towels until the odor is gone.

Clean dog urine from your cowhide rug with a vinegar solution | Source: Shutterstock

Alternative Method 2: Baking Soda Paste

What You'll Need

• baking soda
• water
• vacuum

What to Do

Clean your cowhide rug using a baking soda paste | Source: Shutterstock

Some sources have recommended mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to clean dog urine off a cowhide rug; however, this solution might have an unsightly bleaching effect. Therefore, if you're considering it, do a patch test first on an inconspicuous area of your rug to be sure.

Another method for removing dog urine from a cowhide rug is using an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to break down urine stains. For more cleaning tips, check out how to clean a faux fur rug.