How to Clean a Zebra Rug??

[Arty0802]

Hey All,

As some of you have probably read in previous threads, my wife and I recently received our African trophies from 2023 in a pretty sorry state. I won't rehash the details here, but I am looking for some advice or helpful tips.

My wife was so excited to harvest a zebra (her first African animal) and we were very disappointed with the filthy, dingy state of the full rug when we finally received it. I was hoping to clean it for her so she can display it in her office as was her original plan. My original thought was to lay it flat on the driveway and gently scrub/brush it (in the same direction as the hair grain) with a shampoo/water mixture, rinse gently then hang to dry. However, after some research on the internet and consulting with ChatGPT it sounds like this may be risky. I absolutely don't want to damage the hide or cause hair slip...

Have any of you ever washed a tanned skin rug? What do you recommend?

 

[uplander01]

I'd take it to a good taxidermist in your area and ask them what can be done,..at the very least call them and ask, use that info to make your decision. But make sure it's an outfit that has skill with African animals

 

[migrabill]

If I had that same issue, I would take mine to a good local taxidermist and see what they can do.

 

['68boy]

Did you order a rug or do you only have a hide? There is a difference. The hide is, well just a hide. If you lay it down and walk on it it will be kinda lumpy and will slide and start to bunch up. A rug will have a backing and will be easier to walk on and won’t bunch as much. I have had both. A rug looks and functions better. My advice is similar to the previous members take it to a taxidermist for cleaning advice and also to get it converted into a rug if it isn’t already.

 

[Arty0802]

Did you order a rug or do you only have a hide? There is a difference. The hide is, well just a hide. If you lay it down and walk on it it will be kinda lumpy and will slide and start to bunch up. A rug will have a backing and will be easier to walk on and won’t bunch as much. I have had both. A rug looks and functions better. My advice is similar to the previous members take it to a taxidermist for cleaning advice and also to get it converted into a rug if it isn’t already.

You're right, I should have clarified. It's a full tanned hide. No rug backing/trimming/etc.

 

['68boy]

Get it converted. You’ll be much happier even if hung on wall.

 

[Rhoyland4]

Do not soak it with water! It will curl up on the edges unless you let it dry in a stretcher. It will also get stiff, and you will have to recondition it. A rug cleaning company can probably clean it for you.

 

[Arty0802]

Do not soak it with water! It will curl up on the edges unless you let it dry in a stretcher. It will also get stiff, and you will have to recondition it. A rug cleaning company can probably clean it for you.

That's what I was seeing in my research. Would a rug cleaning company know what to do with a tanned animal hide with hair though? That would make me pretty nervous.

 

[Wyfox]

Take it to a large taxidermy shop. Most have a fur tumbler, clean and tumble in sawdust should clean it up nicely. This is what fur tanneries do.

 

[Rhoyland4]

That's what I was seeing in my research. Would a rug cleaning company know what to do with a tanned animal hide with hair though? That would make me pretty nervous.

I was told Aladdin Carpet Cleaning here is San Antonio would do it a couple of years ago when I needed a cow hide cleaned, but never called them and confirmed. I ended up hanging it over the fence for several months because my puppy had peed all over it. It got the smell out, but it will never lie flat again.

 

[Rare Breed]

Did you order a rug or do you only have a hide? There is a difference. The hide is, well just a hide. If you lay it down and walk on it it will be kinda lumpy and will slide and start to bunch up. A rug will have a backing and will be easier to walk on and won’t bunch as much. I have had both. A rug looks and functions better. My advice is similar to the previous members take it to a taxidermist for cleaning advice and also to get it converted into a rug if it isn’t already.

My zebra rug has a felt lining and is still looking awesome after 10 years in my office under my desk and chair. I just have to vaccum. It sounds like something is seriously wrong with what I suspect is a hide not a rug

 

[Arty0802]

My zebra rug has a felt lining and is still looking awesome after 10 years in my office under my desk and chair. I just have to vaccum. It sounds like something is seriously wrong with what I suspect is a hide not a rug

You are correct, sir. I failed to specify in the OP that it was a full hide and not a rug. I do think converting it to a rug is the way to go, though. First I need to get it clean, which sounds like it will require a trip a taxidermist/tannery.

 

[dchum]

My zebra rug has a felt lining and is still looking awesome after 10 years in my office under my desk and chair. I just have to vaccum. It sounds like something is seriously wrong with what I suspect is a hide not a rug

Your zebra rug is 10 years old?

 

[Ridge Runner]

Ask our forum's most revered taxidermist @gizmo. He should be able to assist you.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Rug vs a flatskin. Two completely different critters

That said, paid $1800 for a freaking rug from a reputable taxidermy company that you’ve heard of for an eland rug. It is nice. But I supplied the damn skin. Kinda got bent over on that one. I ain’t been back.

 

[coreydb]

Contact a local taxidermist

 

[buck wild]

Dirty, like how? Hair feels oily? Dirt etc on the hide?
Who did the tanning?

 

[Hyde Hunter]

you might try a carpet cleaning company that does waterless cleaning service

 

[Hyde Hunter]

You are correct, sir. I failed to specify in the OP that it was a full hide and not a rug. I do think converting it to a rug is the way to go, though. First I need to get it clean, which sounds like it will require a trip a taxidermist/tannery.

if you make a rug out of it make sure a heavy backing is used, not the cheap felt that the African Taxidermists use

 

[migrabill]

You're right, I should have clarified. It's a full tanned hide. No rug backing/trimming/etc.

Well... no offense buit if you didnt order a rug... it's not a rug. A "hide" is no where near a treated rug. Thats why a rug is $2000.