How to Clean Your Zebra Hide Rug

Cleaning Do’s and Don’t’s

Do: Regularly brush your zebra hide with a broom (always “with the grain” of the hair)

Don't: Use a high powered vacuum (very gentle/low settings are okay, but brushing is preferred)

Do: Shake your zebra hide outside like you would a towel at the beach.

Don't: Shake your hide upwind of anyone else. Good manners, people!

Do: Spot clean with a lightly damp sponge or cloth

Don't: Excessively soak your zebra hide, resulting in it drying out

One of the most common questions asked about zebra hide rugs is how to clean them. Ironically, one of the best things about them is how easy they are to maintain and care for. The vast majority of all contaminants (whether soil, dust, or pet hair) come out with a simple brush of a broom. 

All zebra hide rugs are naturally resistant to stain and discoloration. Much like our own hair, a literal mud bath won't change the color, as natural oils on the hide will protect both the shine and color. The natural oils also help to keep major spills “pooled” and a quick response time can eliminate the need for spot cleaning altogether. 

While the majority of your zebra hide’s maintenance is simple and easy, when these dreaded spills occur, act quickly to soak up any excess amount of liquid. For more solid material, use the blunt edge of a knife and scrape carefully with the grain of the hair. Once you are satisfied with this first step, you typically need only a damp cloth or lightly damp sponge to restore it to its natural coloring. 

Please see the product note at the bottom of this article on our Zebra Hide Treatment Product, as it mimics these natural oils on your hide and help to keep it “self cleaning.”

For spot cleaning, simply dampen a sponge or cloth (damp, not wet!) and gently rub the affected area. If water doesn't seem to be enough, and don't have access to a hide-specific cleaning agent*, use a very mild shampoo (baby shampoo has the fewest chemicals!) and again, gently rub the area, going in the direction of the hair as much as possible. In our experience, this method can work on almost any contaminant. It really is best to use a hide cleaner, however, as they are natural, oil-based cleaning agents and won't dry out your hide. Think of a zebra hide rug like you would any other of your fine leather products; if you soak it or use harsh chemicals on it, the leather dries out, and it changes the texture and finish of your product.

*Note: A hide cleaner protects the color and shine, and will clean your zebra hide with the least harmful and most effective natural agents. Our hide treatment product is made with tea tree oils, lemon myrtle extract, and other naturally based elements that help to maintain the natural oil levels of your zebra hide, all while cleaning and adding anti-allergenic and anti-bacterial agents to it.