Any mention of reindeer usually evokes images of Santa and fond memories of Christmas past. Reindeer hide rugs have grown in popularity in recent years. The rugs come in a variety of sizes and color variations. They are often used as an accent piece in a room or office space. Reindeer hide rugs make quite the statement regardless of the room in which they are placed. Although these rugs can add to the aesthetics of your home or business, there are some steps that should be taken to guarantee that your reindeer hide rugs will stay in good condition. The following steps should be taken when caring for a reindeer hide rug.
Ways to Care For Reindeer Hide Rugs
Place the rug in a low traffic area- because reindeer hides are more difficult to clean and more fragile than other types of material, it is important that they be place in an area that has low foot traffic. The lower foot traffic will decrease the likelihood that the rug will be stained. In addition, the rug is less likely to be damaged from people constantly walking on the rug. A high traffic area such as a doorway or frequently used hallway is not suitable for a reindeer hide rug.
Keep your reindeer hide rug away from heat- interestingly enough placing a reindeer hide too close to a heat source will cause it to shed or molt. Additionally the hides can dry out and crack when exposed to too much heat. With this understood, reindeer rugs should be place away from heating vents, furnaces or fireplaces. Some experts even suggest allowing a reindeer hide rug to sit out side for one day each month.
Don’t use a powerful vacuum to clean your reindeer rug – if you must vacuum your reindeer rug, it is imperative that you use a gentle vacuum instead of one with a very strong suction. A vacuum with strong suction can damage the fragile hide and ruin your rug. To remove debris from your hide, it is recommended that you simply take it outside and give is a shake. The shaking will remove the debris without causing damage to the hide. A soft bristle boom can also be used to remove debris.
Spray with water to look in moisture- in addition to keeping your reindeer hide rug away from heat sources, it is important to mist the rug with water to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Dryness can cause irreversible damage to a reindeer hide rug. Dryness is the enemy of this type of rug and every precaution should be taken to ensure that the rug is not dry. Be sure to only mist your rug if it is silicone protected. Without the silicone protection misting the rug with water can cause damage.
Reindeer hide rugs are a significant investment, so it is important that they are cared for properly. Following the aforementioned care instructions will ensure that your reindeer hide rug will last for many years to come.