A cow skin or sheepskin is best used indoors. It doesn't matter where. And that includes in direct sunlight. Artisanal skins like those offered by SKIN.LAND are naturally resistant to sunlight and never lose their colour. These tips will help you get the most enjoyment out of an animal skin in optimal condition.

GENERAL

An animal skin can be placed on a wooden floor, tile floor or tapis square. Due to the fine finish and the biological properties, the underside of the skin forms a natural anti-slip. If desired, secure the corners of the skin to the ground with double-sided tape – or Velcro in the case of tapis plein – to prevent the corners from curling.

PREVENTING DEHYDRATION

A cow skin is a 100% natural product. To keep the skin in optimal condition, it is recommended to dampen it with water, from time to time. Especially if the skin is on a floor with floor heating. That way, you prevent the corners from curling up. This can be done in a number of ways:

• Dampen the skin with a small sprayer or nebuliser.
• Briefly hang the skin in a humid bathroom.
• Go over both sides with a steam iron. Always put a damp cloth between the skin and the iron.

CLEANING

A cow skin is exceptionally easy to maintain. All you have to do is vacuum the skin - in the direction of the hairs - or beat out the dust and other debris outside. Dried up dirt is easily removed with a damp cloth.

REMOVING STAINS

Had an accident? Accidents happen. There are two ways to remove stains from a natural animal skin, depending on the type of stain.

• Moisture stains from wine, food, etc. First dab the stain with a towel or sponge. Carefully scrape any hard substances with a knife, in the direction of the hairs, and then use a damp cloth with a bit of natural soap. To remove unpleasant odours, finish up with a damp cloth soaked in a water/vinegar solution (95/5 ratio).

• Oily stains from grease, chewing gum, lipstick, etc. Scrape the remains of the material of with a knife, in the direction of the hairs. First use a soft cloth with eucalyptus oil, and then rub in all directions using a damp cloth with natural soap.

REMOVING IMPRINTS

After a while, furniture or other heavy objects will leave a visible imprint in the cow skins. Removing the imprints can be done in two ways:

• Put a damp cloth on the imprint and carefully iron it using a steam iron.
• Put ice cubes in a plastic bag and put the bag on the imprint. Leave it for a while and then use a soft brush to remove the imprint.

STORING

Natural animal skins are highly durable. They last for years and can be stored for decades. The best way to store an animal skin is to roll it on a tube and then store it in a dry, properly ventilated space. Preferably, protect the rolled-up skin against dust with a cotton cloth. When it is used again, the skin will return to its original, flat form.