How To Clean A Bearskin Rug

After cleaning a custy's carpets and upholstery last Saturday, the custy pulls a bear skin rug out of the closet and asks me about cleaning it later. So I laser measured it to roughly 48 square feet. That is not a completely accurate measurement as the rug dimensions are jagged of course. Anyway, any advice on cleaning it on both sides? I don't want to take it to my usual rug spa where I sub the expensive stuff out at, as he only paid 500 dollars for the bear skin rug he says.

out of curiosity, do you think the hide will stiffen up if it got wet? My guess is yes.
I'm interested to see reply's to this post. Most everything I clean for natural fibers is woven or tufted. Never on the hide.

out of curiosity, do you think the hide will stiffen up if it got wet? My guess is yes.
I'm interested to see reply's to this post. Most everything I clean for natural fibers is woven or tufted. Never on the hide.

Yes, I am worried about the hide. The custy even mentioned his concern about it. I hope I get some good advice here from someone who has cleaned alot of these before. Maybe the Canadians on this forum can help with some good advice.

I used my internal jet PMF upholstery tool and never got the hide wet.

That is the key.

Yes, I am worried about the hide. The custy even mentioned his concern about it. I hope I get some good advice here from someone who has cleaned alot of these before. Maybe the Canadians on this forum can help with some good advice.

Ask canuk Troy how he takes his showers! He's a genuine Silverback Gorilla/Orangatang mix breed! Those apes hate the Wa Wa! Tom could probably chime in here...TOM! :cool: :eek:

If it were me personally I would call a taxidermy shop and ask them

A couple of thoughts:

One: When we think of all the bear probably put the coat through; as well as he probably got it soaked a few times..
Two: It is a natural fiber so we would treat it as such
Three: check it carefully and see how stable the hair is in the skin, do a pull test on the hair in a small area and see how well it is attached
Four: I would clean through a screen if there is a lot of concern with distortion.

I have cleaned numerous rugs and mounted heads of animals. Simply applied the principles of dry soil removal, soil suspension and extract. If the case warranted it, toweling is a very acceptable means of extraction after the soil is suspended. One can also extract with an upholstery tool through the screen, which stabilizes the piece being cleaned.

Just some thoughts. Remember, testing is everything with something we are not sure of.

SAA

Steve.......can you post a pic of that screen you use? If not, describe it. And what kind of mild cleaning solution do you use? I am thinking of using a spray bottle to very lightly mist the solution onto the hair, then extract with my upholstery tool. the thing that most concerns me is any discoloring happening and also too much suction of the upholstery tool sucking up some hair and leaving spots.

After cleaning a custy's carpets and upholstery last Saturday, the custy pulls a bear skin rug out of the closet and asks me about cleaning it later. So I laser measured it to roughly 48 square feet. That is not a completely accurate measurement as the rug dimensions are jagged of course. Anyway, any advice on cleaning it on both sides? I don't want to take it to my usual rug spa where I sub the expensive stuff out at, as he only paid 500 dollars for the bear skin rug he says.

Just ask the Bear! He'll 'Maul' it around for awhile and give you the best choice! :eek:

What Scott said.
I have cleaned some fragile rugs before and lay'd a screen over it to extract water without tearing the rug. Without it I am sure it would have torn due to bad mold and mildew...actually rotten in a couple spots.

Hi Larry,

Just got back in and sent you an email back with the information and videos you requested.
Hope they help you.

SAA

Hi Steve
I did receive both from you and am very impressed with your knowledge and expertise! Much thanks to you for showing me those methods you use and helping me through my predicament! Everyone should learn how to repair and clean area rugs correctly as there is a growing demand for that and a real money maker too!