This isn’t a “light smudge” situation. This is lipstick fully rubbed into a cowhide rug — on purpose to prove a point — and yes, it came out. Cowhides really are (virtually) indestructible.
If you’re searching how to get lipstick out of a cowhide rug, here’s the honest truth: it takes patience. It’s not instant. But it is absolutely doable.
What you’ll need:
• Dawn Powerwash (or Dawn dish soap)
• Paper towels
• A dishwasher brush with an edge
• A fine hair comb (optional but helpful)
Step one: spray with Dawn.
Lightly spray the lipstick area with Dawn Powerwash. Don’t soak it — just enough to break down the lipstick.
Step two: wipe in the direction of the hair.
Using a paper towel, gently wipe in the same direction the cowhide hair lays. This is important. Wiping against the hair pushes lipstick deeper into the hide.
Step three: repeat.
Spray with Dawn. Wipe. Spray again. Wipe again. This process can take 15–20 minutes, especially if it’s a bold lipstick color. Slow and steady wins here.
Step four: use a brush or comb if needed.
A dishwasher brush with a firm edge works well to gently scrape lipstick off the hair. A fine-tooth comb can also help pull color out of the individual hairs.
Important note:
You don’t want to scrub aggressively or mash the lipstick down — but you do have to wipe. Controlled pressure, always working with the hair.
Let it air dry.
No heat, no hair dryer. Cowhide naturally repels water, so the Dawn won’t soak in or damage the hide.
Knowing how to get lipstick out of a cowhide rug just proves what we already know: cowhides are tough, forgiving, and made for real homes — makeup mishaps included.
This is exactly why cowhide rugs work so well in everyday spaces. They’re not precious. They’re practical.
Shop cowhide rugs online or in-store — all orders ship for just $3.
Or stop by the shop and see them in person.
SHOP OUR COWHIDE RUGS
Black & White Cowhide Rug #2797
$350.00
Black and white spotted cowhide rug tanned in Brazil. It measures approx. 6'3 x 5'6 and ships for $3. The hide you see is the hide you get. We love to see these hides underfoot in a living room, study… read more
Black & White Cowhide Rug #2800
$450.00
Black and white spotted cowhide rug tanned in Brazil. It measures approx. 7' x 6'9 and ships for $3. The hide you see is the hide you get. We love to see these hides underfoot in a living room, study… read more
Dark Brown & Black Cowhide Rug #2823
$450.00
Dark Brown & Black cowhide rug tanned in Brazil. It measures approx. 6'4 x 6'3 and ships for $3. This guy looks almost completely black, but is a rich, deep, dark brown. We love to see these hides underfoot in… read more
Reddish Brown & White Cowhide Rug #3009
$450.00
Reddish brown and white cowhide rug tanned in Brazil. It measures 6'4 x 6' and ships for only $3. We love to see these hides underfoot in a living room, study or bedroom. They are so soft and smooth to… read more
Dark Brown & Red Brindle Cowhide Rug #3068
$400.00
Dark brown and red brindle cowhide rug tanned in Colombia. The hide measures approx. 6'6 x 5'3 and ships for only $3. We love to see these hides underfoot in a living room, study or bedroom. They are so soft… read more
FAQs
How long does it take to get lipstick out of a cowhide rug?
It can take 15–20 minutes depending on how much lipstick is on the rug. Patience and repeated gentle cleaning are key.
Can I use Dawn dish soap on a cowhide rug?
Yes. Dawn Powerwash or Dawn dish soap works well because cowhide naturally repels water and oils.
Should I scrub lipstick out of cowhide?
No aggressive scrubbing. Always work in the direction of the hair using controlled pressure to avoid pushing lipstick deeper.
Are cowhide rugs durable enough for real life?
Absolutely. Cowhide rugs are one of the most durable, forgiving rugs you can own — even with spills, pets, and makeup mishaps.
