I've got the pelt of a 2 year-old bison bull on my living room floor. It's just a pelt -- no backing, or padding. Over the years, it's of course become a bit dirty -- dog hair, dust, etc.

Any ideas on cleaning it?

Take it outside and go over it really well with an air compressor on a higher pressure. This will bring all debris and pet hair out from deep within the hair base. DO NOT brush a buffalo as it will take out that nice curl of the hair. I would then give it a light mist with febreeze, let that air dry, shake it out (you will need someone on the other end and shake it like a sheet) this fluffs the hair back to a natural state. This will clean your rug/pelt nicely and give it a mild, fresher smell.

Kind regards,
Mary

The natives used to use snow and brush it through....on a cold day of course. I think Mary's way would suit our more modern standards though.