How to Clean Feathers and Feather-Covered Objects
Obviously, feather items that hang on a wall will collect dust and/or bugs quicker than feather items that are worn or handled frequently. But, all feather objects need a good cleaning every once in awhile, and it’s important to know how to clean them or you could destroy your feathered treasure.
Many people think feathers are waterproof, since they seem to protect birds okay, but once the feathers leave the live bird, they are no longer protected by the oils generated by the bird’s glands. Although down feathers are more apt to take a washing and come out looking good, contour feathers are quite different. Once wet, the contour feathers will no longer fluff out and have the same look as before they were washed. And, once the feather has gotten wet, there’s little – if anything – you can do to get back its previous appearance.
Feathers are very fragile and cannot withstand much tussling. Instead of washing contour feathers try a baby’s hairbrush to remove soil or tiny bugs. The hairbrush should be the softest type, meant for newborn babies. Hold the feathers at the quill and brush towards the tip, then flip the feathers over, and do the same to the backside. Start out holding the quill as you clean, then move your hand towards the tip as you move the brush towards the tip. If you hold the quill during the entire cleaning you could accidentally break the feather shaft as you work your way towards the tip. You should always be holding the feather just behind the area where you’re cleaning, but hold it on the shaft, not by the feathers themselves.
Don’t add anything, like water or hair spray, to the brush. Never brush against the natural growth pattern of the feather. Wear cotton gloves when handing feathers so as not to transfer oil from your hands to the feathers. The hairbrush should be washed with soap and hot water after each complete cleaning of a feathered object. It should also be completely dry when using again.
Another baby item that’s helpful in keeping dust off of feathers is a nasal or ear syringe. Point the syringe towards the feathers and squeeze the ball several times, quickly. The air from the syringe will blow off dust and cobwebs. This method should be used often to prevent accumulation of soil on the feathers. The syringe method is not too helpful once dust and/or cobwebs have been on it for some time.
An artist’s paintbrush can also be used to clean feathers. Use a natural bristle brush that’s not huge, like a house painting brush, but not tiny, like a paint-by-number brush. Use the paintbrush in a stroking manner, from quill to tip, holding the feather down while doing so.
Whether you have a collection of feathers, an abundance of feathered objects, or a closet full of feather boas, you’ll need to clean the feathers often. Taking them to a professional can be expensive, and the company will ask you to sign a waiver, clearing them from any wrongdoing, before the cleaning can take place.
Don’t trust your feathers to others if you can clean them yourself. Follow the above suggestions for cleaning your own feather objects and you’ll not only save a bundle of money, but you’ll be guaranteed that your feathers are well maintained.
