Baking horsehair to eradicate carpet beetles
I'm an upholstery apprentice in Richmond, VA and hoping to learn more about traditional methods. My mentor has a great deal of horsehair that he has removed from projects and hasn't had the chance to use (He's past-retirement age, slowing down and the shop could use a big clean...) I've noticed carpet beetles and took some home to clean and process. I first vaccum sealed the hair then realized that probably wasn't enough. With the help of my dad we made an insulated box and heated the inside to over 120°F with a lightbulb! Read that the heat reliably kills the bugs, eggs and larvae. Feeling optimistic I'll be able to clean and wash the hair and re-use it for projects!
Side note: I've done my best to gather resources but I'd love to hear how anyone in the US has learned traditional upholstery methods. PLEASE reach out with any online resources if you know if them, I am an admirer of Upholstery Education in the US but I sadly couldn't afford their October course and travel costs. Or reach out if you'd be willing to tutor me online! I'm happy to discuss rates for tutelage. )