How to Clean Feathers and Feather-Covered Objects

Feather Cleaning Without Water

Do you own feather earrings, a feather boa, or even a dream catcher? If so, you know how quickly feathers can gather dust - even bugs! Water is not a good choice for cleaning feathers, since it will leave them virtually destroyed, but there are methods you can use to keep your feather-covered items clean and dust free.

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.