The Mohair Protocol: Pile Management & Crushing
A system for restoring mohair pile without pulling fibers or locking in residue.
Pile management system
Mohair is naturally dirt-resistant, but it is sensitive to suction and heat. Most "stains" are crushed pile rather than contamination.
This protocol uses low-suction dusting and controlled steam to reset the nap without damaging the backing.
Asset card
Baseline material data before any intervention.
The forbidden list
These actions permanently damage the pile and backing.
Never use High-Suction Vacuums
Strong suction pulls the hair out of the backing, leading to bald spots.
Never Iron directly
This crushes the pile permanently, creating a shiny burn mark.
Never use "Foaming" Upholstery Cleaners
Foam residue attracts dirt, turning the fabric sticky.
The diagnostic: the crush test
Mohair does not usually stain; it shadows.
- Look at the "stain" from two different angles.
- If the spot disappears when you change your viewing angle, it is not dirty. It is crushed pile. The fibers are lying flat, reflecting light differently.
The step-by-step protocol
- Low-Suction Dusting: Use a specialized upholstery nozzle with reduced suction. Glide with the nap (direction of the hair), never against it.
- The Steam Lift (For Crushing): Hold a steamer 4 inches away from the surface. Do not touch the fabric. The steam causes the natural hair fibers to swell and stand up.
- The Brush: While the fabric is slightly damp from steam, gently brush the pile in the direction of the grain to reset the uniform look.
- Air Dry: Allow to dry completely before sitting.
Maintenance schedule
Weekly brushing.
Mohair is a living fiber. Brushing it weekly keeps the sheen uniform and prevents the fibers from matting down permanently.