Expert: Mark H. Miller - 2/18/2005

Question
Hi there. I bought an ottoman at a thrift store a couple of years
ago and have finally opted to make a new cover for the thing. It
is stuffed with what seems to be straw. I would like to clean the
straw before stuffing it into the new cover. Is that possible? If so,
how? If I could afford it, I'd buy new stuffing or a whole new
ottoman. Alas.
Thank you.
Kathy

Answer
Hi,  highly unlikely that it is actually stuffed with straw, but possible,  no matter it can't be very good.  Be concerned about flamability,  a bale of straw in your room would not be good in a fire.  Unless there is an odor there should be no reason to clean the stuffing material when you reupholster.  I know of no way to clean the inside material and advice against doing so because it would loose it's shape.  

Mark. Miller.