How to Clean Cowhide Leather 
There are several ways to clean cowhide leather, including using a vacuum cleaner. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or natural oils to clean the leather. But it’s important to remember not to use heat or expose cowhide to excessive moisture or liquid.
Vacuuming cowhide leather
Vacuuming cowhide leather is easy, and you can avoid leaving it wet or dirty by using a brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner. For stubborn dirt, you can use a wire brush or a blotting cloth. After vacuuming, use a soft brush to comb out any remaining hair.
Use a soft new brush to vacuum cowhide, not an upholstery brush, as the rotating brushes on regular vacuums may pull out the hairs. Use mild soap with warm water to clean the leather. Always test cleaning products on a small patch first, so you can be sure they won’t harm the cowhide. You can also use a vinegar and water solution to create a mild cleansing solution.
Cowhide is prone to creases. The cortex is the softest layer of leather, and is responsible for its toughness and wear resistance. To avoid creases and wrinkles, make sure you don’t expose the leather to excessive pressure, or dry it in direct sunlight.
Using a soft-bristled brush
Using a soft-bristle brush to clean cowhide leather is an effective method to remove dirt and grime. However, you should always be careful while cleaning it. To avoid damaging the material, you should clean it in a well-ventilated area. For instance, you should not expose the leather to direct sunlight or use a cleaning solution that contains alcohol. Instead, you should use neutral to slightly acidic water-based products.
WD-40, a citrus-based solvent, or an old toothbrush are other alternatives. To clean the leather properly, be sure not to over-saturate the brush with the solvent. You should also avoid allowing the solvent to dry on the surface too quickly. You can also use an old towel or a newspaper to clean the leather.
Before using any cleaner or conditioner on the leather, it is best to test a small patch first. Never use a leather cleaner that contains alcohol as it can lift the original color out of the leather. If you must use a chemical cleaner, make sure you wear chemical resistant gloves.
Using natural oils
There are a few important things to consider before using natural oils to clean cowhide leather. First, you should always test a small amount of the oil on a small area of the leather before applying it to the entire piece. This will ensure that the oil does not soften the leather.
Next, you should thoroughly vacuum the cowhide. Do not use a regular vacuum with rotating brushes as this can pull out the hair. You should also mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid with warm water to clean the surface of the cowhide. Afterward, use a clean rag that is damp but not wet. If necessary, you can use a fine-toothed comb to remove any mud or dried crusty stains from the leather. To comb the leather, use the comb in the direction of the hair growth.
When cleaning cowhide leather, remember to let it dry naturally – if you hurry up the drying process, the leather can crack.
Using a leather conditioner
Leather conditioners are similar to skincare products, which can be applied to leather to make it softer and smoother. They can also help the leather resist water and other environmental effects. Some conditioners contain lanolin, a fatty substance found in sheep’s wool, which prevents the leather from shrinking. Different conditioners are intended for different types of leather, so it is important to use the right product for each item.
Before applying a leather conditioner to clean cowhide, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface of the cowhide. If it is too dirty, it can become dry and brittle. To remove dirt and other debris, use a soft brush or saddle soap and warm water. Then, rinse the cowhide with warm water.
A good conditioner should also contain lanolin, which softens the leather. However, you should always test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it will not affect the colour of the leather.
