Different hair on hide cowhide handbags, wallets and backpacks stacked together on the floor.

A Guide to Cowhide – Cleaning, Maintenance, and Storage

Add a touch of Western flair to your get-up with our hair-on-hide cowhide accessories. All of our hair-on-hide accessories are made with genuine cowhide.

Hair-on-hide is a natural product and will wear under normal conditions. Some pieces might showcase the hide's original markings. Each product will vary in shading, hair length and color making each item unique.

Specific requests for color, hair length and markings cannot be accommodated.

We encourage you to use our Find a Store tool if you want to purchase any hair-on-hide products in person.

Brown leather and hair on hide cowhide luggage bag sitting on a table with the text "cleaning".

Follow the steps below when cleaning your hair-on-hide accessories:

  • Cowhide items can be cleaned by gently wiping away any dust or grime with a dry cloth.
  • To gently remove dirt or mud, use a soft bristle brush once it has dried. Avoid rubbing back and forth, as this is a guaranteed way to rough up the hide.
  • When accidents occur, use a fresh dry cloth to gently wipe the area right away. The hair may become matted if you rub it.
  • If the stains are more difficult to remove, gently wipe the area with a damp cloth and mild soap, being careful not to soak the leather. Avoid washing with a moist cloth too often as this can cause harm.
Brown leather and hair on hide cowhide wallet with the text "Maintenance".
  • Using a soft-bristled brush on a regular basis will preserve the hair's vibrant and fresh appearance. This keeps the hair silky and helps avoid matting.
    • To prevent pulling or injuring the hair, always brush the hair on your item in its natural direction
  • Make sure to carry your item in different ways! Hair-on-hide will naturally wear, but by switching areas that are frequently held or rubbed against the body, you can maintain the hair easier and longer.
Brown leather and hair on hide cowhide toiletry bag with the promotional text "storage".
  • A little rain won’t hurt, but don’t soak your item. If your item gets wet, blot gently with a clean towel and let it dry. No heaters or hairdryers, just a little bit of patience.
  • Extended exposure to heat or direct sunlight can dry out your item’s leather and cause the hair to fade. Store and display hair-on-hide items away from heat sources or bright windows to preserve their natural color and texture.
  • When not in use, keep your item in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A cotton pillowcase or dust bag works well to protect it. Remember leather likes to breathe so don’t store your item in a plastic container.
Group of women standing outside holding hair on hide cowhide tote bags and backpacks standing in front of a teepee.

A little care goes a long way, and your cowhide item will thank you with many years of enduring beauty.

DISCLAIMER

Proceed with cleaning at your own risk. Always test any detergents or chemicals on a small section of the material first before cleaning the entire item. We are not responsible for any discoloration that might occur during the cleaning process.

*Before cleaning your item, there are a few things you need to consider. Not all leather is the same and you shouldn't treat certain types of stains. Some stains can look worse after you have applied a product on it.

Lastly, always perform a blot test before applying anything to the entire item. If in doubt, check with a local cleaning professional to see if they're able to clean your item. Note that any attempted repair may void your item’s product guarantee. 

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