If you’ve ever opened up a couch pillow and discovered it’s filled with horsehair, you’re not alone. These cushions are often found in antique or high-end furniture, and while horsehair is durable and naturally springy, it needs special care. If you just toss the whole thing into the washer, you’ll end up with a clumpy, musty mess.
So, how do you clean a horsehair-filled pillow the right way? Let’s walk through it.
Step 1: Remove the Horsehair Filling
If your cushion has a zipper, carefully open it and take the filling out. Many horsehair pillows don’t have an inner liner, so the filling may be loose. Place it into a clean pillowcase or a large bag for safekeeping.
👉 Pro tip: If the horsehair is sewn into its own muslin cover, leave it in there. That liner keeps the fibers contained and makes cleaning much easier.
Step 2: Clean the Outer Cover
Now that the filling is out, you can focus on the fabric cover.
Sturdy fabrics (cotton, polyester, linen): Machine wash on gentle, cold water, and air-dry.
Delicate fabrics (silk, wool, or vintage upholstery): Skip the washer. Spot-clean with mild soap and water, or take it to the dry cleaner for a safer clean.
Step 3: Refresh the Horsehair (Optional)
Horsehair doesn’t usually need washing (in fact, soaking it can ruin its loft). Instead, freshen it up like this:
Shake it out outside to remove dust.
Vacuum with a brush attachment if it looks dusty.
Air it out in the sun—UV rays naturally sanitize.
Deodorize with a light mist of vodka and water (50/50 mix), then let it dry completely.
Step 4: Reassemble and Fluff
Once the cover is completely dry, return the horsehair filling by the handful, spreading it evenly so the pillow doesn’t get lumpy. Give it a good fluff, zip it back up, and your cushion is ready to go!
Bonus Hack: Add a Liner
If you want future cleanings to be easier, consider re-bagging the horsehair in a breathable muslin or cotton liner. Upholstery pros often do this—it keeps everything contained and makes it simple to remove the filling next time.
Final Thoughts
Horsehair cushions might seem intimidating, but with the right care, they can last for decades. The key is to wash only the cover, not the filling. A little sunshine, fresh air, and gentle cleaning will keep them looking (and smelling) fresh.
And if cleaning feels like more work than relaxation, let us handle it! At Dust Busters Cleaning Service, we love tackling the tricky stuff so you can breathe easy, Fargo-Moorhead.
📲 Call or text us at 701-388-7002
💻 Or get your free quote here.