Is it salvageable?!

[frostedviolets]

Please help me 🙁

DS took his toys from the paddling pool and played with them on my rug, the toys leaked (quite a lot of) water and it’s stained my rug!!

All I can find on google is ‘treat stains with water’
That’s not helpful for me!
It’s water that has caused the stain!

Is it fixable?!
It was really expensive and DH has gone off on one at how the kids break everything and hundreds of pounds have been wasted as it’ll have to be thrown away as it’s ruined now.

Picture of one area of damage

[tobesuretobesure]

Maybe ring a carpet cleaning Co? I believe they're still working and practicing social distancing and good hygiene etc. I'd imagine it is salvageable, looks like the water we have where I am - super hard limescale. Good luck.

[Pelleas]

Hard to say without seeing the rug face to face but it looks more as though the water has removed the dye rather than staining as such. I think you'd either have to re dye it (if it was expensive do the manufacturers offer a repair service?) or try to soften the edges of the water stain so it blends in and is less noticeable.

[SoupDragon]

What is it made of?

[frostedviolets]

Hard to say without seeing the rug face to face but it looks more as though the water has removed the dye rather than staining as such. I think you'd either have to re dye it (if it was expensive do the manufacturers offer a repair service?) or try to soften the edges of the water stain so it blends in and is less noticeable

Removed the dye?!?!
It’s supposed to be natural cowhide!
It’s not meant to be dyed at all, the colouring is allegedly the natural colouring of the hide!

[frostedviolets]

READINg that back that sounds a bit like I’m attacking you pelleas
I’m not.
I’m just absolutely aghast that the rug may possibly be dyed.
We paid a lot of money for it under the impression it was a natural hide rug

[MysteryFrog]

If it’s cowhide have you tried brushing it with a soft brush? Also is it fully dry now?

[vanillandhoney]

Let it dry fully before panicking - give it at least 48h or so.

But I don't understand why it would have to be thrown away?

[frostedviolets]

I think it’s fully dry.
It feels dry.

I don’t know if I even have a soft brush lying around 😖
I only have the dogs combs, a pin brush and a rubber curry comb!

I don’t suppose any of those would work...?

[TheHighestSardine]

I'd just hose down the "rug", if it was mine. How much damage can water do to cowhide?

[fallfallfall]

Gently blow dry, don’t rub against the fur grain. Place a dry towel underneath. It may cause a ripple but color won’t be an issue

[frostedviolets]

But I don't understand why it would have to be thrown away?

Oh, my DH has a thing about perfection.
He can’t stand things looking out of place or keeping things that are broken or damaged.

[Pelleas]

Removed the dye?!?!
It’s supposed to be natural cowhide!

It's probably my screen - it looks pink/lilac in the photo to me!

[SoupDragon]

Has the water washed some dirt away rather than stained it?

Cows don't get stained by the rain!

[TheHighestSardine]

He can’t stand things looking out of place or keeping things that are broken or damaged.

He's going to be a joy for the next fifteen years as the kids grow up.

[SoupDragon]

Just get it professionally cleaned.

[MulticolourMophead]

Oh, my DH has a thing about perfection.
He can’t stand things looking out of place or keeping things that are broken or damaged.

So, basically your DH is the one wasting money here, not your DC.

Why are you buying expensive items when you have young children, when you ^know* your DH has this attitude? This is the real waste of money.

And most broken things can be repaired. I have a couple of small vintage wardrobes in my bedroom, that had some damage. I fixed them up and they look better than ever. Result being that they weren't wasted and give me pleasure.

I would suggest that you speak to the manufacturer of the rug, they would probably be able to give you advice.

[Hoggleludo]

If it's natural cowhide. Surely water wouldn't ruin it?

I'd brush it. And I would try a little water on a patch and a gentle rub with a cloth. See if it makes it worse

I mean right now it's damaged.

Also look towards your home insurance.

[CoffeeBeansGalore]

Found this:

What can I clean my suede sofa with?

Moisten a clean cloth with either a suede cleaner or white vinegar. Gently rub the affected area using small circular motions or in a cross pattern. Let the area dry and then polish with the suede cloth or brush with the napping brush.Clean spills as soon as possible to prevent further staining.

[Hoggleludo]

Plus. Kids. Expensive items

Don't mix at all. If he was that worried. I'd put the rug in a room with no kids. It's not the kids fault. They don't realise the value of things.

[BlueBooby]

How long ago since you discovered it was wet? If it only happened today I'd wait a while before panicking. It may feel dry but be wet in the middle.

[Bluntness100]

Hmmm. Is the rug dirty? Could that be why water has left lighter spots? Water shouldn’t mark cow hide like that, could there be other chemical in the water?

Personally I’d just give it a wipe with a damp cloth.

[Suzie6789]

Oh, my DH has a thing about perfection.
He can’t stand things looking out of place or keeping things that are broken or damaged.

This plus kids is a very bad combination.

Wait until you have huge, hulking clumsy teenagers bashing into everything, It feels like they are systematically destroying my house.

[TorysSuckRevokeArticle50]

www.citycows.co.uk/pages/How-To-Clean-Your-Cowhide-Rug.html

Have you tried the brush attachment on your hoover?

[pussycatinboots]

Hmm...It would be cheaper to keep the kids and the damaged rug and chuck the husband tbh

[frostedviolets]

Tried the brush attachment already.
I vacuum it every day.

I want to think it’s just dirty and the water has washed the dirt away, even though that makes me sound like a right filthy mare.

But, parts of the rug are beige/pale orange and it’s gone white there too!
So that can’t have been dirt, it’s literally bleached the colour out.

This is plain water btw.

Wondering if it really is dyed though it seems a crazy thing to do, it’s not a ‘patterned’ dyed rug, it’s an (allegedly) all natural, pure cowhide with the natural colouring.
It’s like a cream/pale grey with light orange/beige patches