How to Care for Feather Dusters
Feather dusters are usually gentler than synthetic dusters, and ostrich feathers in particular are used to make quality dusters as their feathers are naturally loose and soft, making them ideal for building up static electricity. This static is what picks up dust instead of just spreading it around. Just like any cleaning tool, feather dusters need to be cleaned and taken care of to increase their longevity. The methods for cleaning a feather duster depend on just how dirty the duster is. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Care
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Get your duster ready for cleaning. When you first get your duster, the feathers may be pressed tightly together or bound in plastic due to shipping. Remove the plastic and blow-dry the duster on low for a minute or two to fluff up the feathers.
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Use your duster on dry dirt and dust only. A feather duster will last for decades if used properly and they just weren't made to clean oils, sticky foods or liquids.
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Hang your feather duster by the handle with the feathers facing downward when you're not using it. This will help the duster keep its shape and prevent the feathers from breaking over time due to their own weight.
Cleaning
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Take your feather duster outside and give it a good shake after each use. This will help remove any loose dust or dirt sticking to the feathers. If you don't shake your duster off regularly, you may end up just moving dust around next time you clean, or worse yet create tiny scratches on your furniture from the dirt particles clinging to the feathers.
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Dry clean your feather duster if it becomes so saturated with dust that you can't shake it clean. Pour a box or two of cornstarch into a plastic bag large enough to hold the duster and place it inside. Twist the end of the bag and shake vigorously for a minute to coat the feathers. Remove the duster from the bag and shake it outside to remove the cornstarch, then your duster will be ready to use again.
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Give your duster a bath if it's very grimy or was accidentally used to clean something sticky or oily. Fill your sink with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Swirl the duster around to remove the grime. Rinse with cool running water and gently blot the feathers with a towel. Let the duster hang upside-down until dry and blow dry on the lowest setting to fluff the feathers again.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid pressing down on furniture when cleaning with a feather duster. Using light strokes will help gather dust and prevent the feathers from bending or breaking.
Keep your feather duster where household pets can't find it. Cats in particular enjoy playing with and tearing apart feather dusters.
