How to Clean Feathers

Dirty feathers are easy to clean.

Feathers are used to adorn many craft and art pieces. Over the years, these art pieces collect dust and dirt that prevent the feathers from looking their best. Antique pieces purchased from a yard sale or store may be coated in a thick layer of dust and grime. But don't let that deter your from picking them up. As long as the feathers are not damaged or stained, they can be cleaned and restored.

Things You'll Need

• Hair dryer
• 2 soft brushes
• Dish soap
• Water

Instructions

1. Set your hair dryer on its coolest setting and blow all of the loose dust and dirt off of the feathers.

2. Use a soft, small brush (the soft brushes used to brush newborn baby's hair, sable paintbrushes and other, cleaner feathers make ideal choices) to brush the dirt off while following the direction of the feathers.

3. Dip the utensil you used in Step 2 in a bowl of water in which a drop of liquid dish soap has been mixed. Then gently brush the feathers with the mild detergent solution (working in the direction of the feathers) to remove embedded grime. Rinse the utensil thoroughly and brush the feathers with just water to remove any residue. Then blow them dry with a hair dryer and brush them back into shape with a dry utensil.

References

• Tocatta: How to Clean Feathers
• Hat shapers: Hat Care