Finding a beautiful bird feather can be an exciting experience. You may be tempted to pick it up and take it home. But before you do, it’s important to consider whether you should wash the feather or leave it as is. There are pros and cons to washing feathers that are worth thinking through.
Can you wash bird feathers?
The short answer is yes, you can wash bird feathers. However, there are right and wrong ways to do it. Here are some tips on washing feathers:
- Use a mild soap or shampoo. Avoid detergents which can damage the feather structure.
- Gently agitate the feathers in soapy water to loosen dirt and oils. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly several times to remove all traces of soap.
- Lay flat or hang up to air dry. Do not wring out excess water.
- Use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help feathers retain their shape as they dry.
- Add a few drops of glycerin to the rinse water to make feathers supple.
- Brush feathers gently with a soft toothbrush to align barbs if needed.
The proper technique is key for maintaining the integrity of the feather structure. Harsh handling can damage the tiny barbs and barbules that give feathers their fluffy fullness.
Why wash feathers?
There are a few reasons you may want to wash an feather you find:
- Remove dirt and debris – Feathers picked up outdoors could have mud, sap, parasites or feces on them from the bird’s natural behaviors.
- Eliminate odors – A musty or rotten smell could mean mold, bacteria or decaying organic matter on the feather.
- Kill microbes – Washing helps get rid of germs and bacteria that could be harmful for humans.
- Aesthetic appeal – Washing brightens feathers and brings out their true colors.
If you plan to display the feather in your home, washing makes sense to restore its natural beauty and ensure it’s hygienic to handle.
Why not wash feathers?
On the other hand, there are also good reasons you may want to leave a feather unwashed:
- Preserve oils – The feather’s natural oils provide water resistance and maintain flexibility.
- Avoid damage – Even with proper technique, washing risks breaking feather structures.
- Allergies – Washing may not remove allergens associated with feathers and dander.
- Smell – The bird’s natural scent may be lost after washing away oils.
- Craft uses – For projects like fly tying for fishing, the feather’s original state is preferred.
Being cautious about washing makes sense if you want the feather in pristine, natural condition for functions like crafts, rituals, or collecting specimens.
Best practices for washing feathers
If you decide to wash, follow these best practices:
- Be extremely gentle and limit handling. Feathers are fragile.
- Use lukewarm water to avoid damaging feather parts.
- Avoid scrubbing. Agitate carefully by swirling in soapy water.
- Rinse 3-4 times with clean water to remove all traces of soap.
- Pat dry with a towel. Don’t wring out excess water.
- Lay flat on a dry towel to air dry fully before using.
- Fluff and reshape carefully with fingers once dry.
Following these tips will help ensure the feather retains its beautiful form through the washing process.
When not to wash feathers
In some cases, it’s best not to wash feathers you find:
- Feathers used for ceremonies, rituals, art, or cultural traditions.
- Delicate, fragile feathers that could easily be damaged.
- Feathers being collected for scientific study or taxonomy.
- Feathers valued for their distinctive smell from preening oils.
Washing would destroy the inherent value of feathers in these situations. Leaving them in their natural state is recommended.
Storing unwashed feathers
For feathers you choose not to wash, proper storage is important:
- Let air dry fully before storing to prevent mold growth.
- Place in an airtight container like a plastic bin or zip-lock bag.
- Add silica gel packs to absorb excess moisture.
- Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap feathers individually.
- Keep out of direct sunlight to avoid fading colors.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
With the right storage methods, unwashed feathers can be preserved for years without deteriorating.
Drying washed feathers
Drying is a crucial step after washing feathers. Here are some tips:
- Gently squeeze excess water from feathers.
- Sandwich between towels to draw out water, but don’t wring.
- Lay feathers flat on a dry towel, gently opening up barbs.
- Let air dry completely for 6-12 hours or more.
- You can use a cool blow dryer to speed up drying.
- Fluff gently with fingers to restore shape.
Rushing the drying process can damage the feather’s structure. Take your time and handle with care.
Signs a feather needs washing
Here are some signs it’s a good idea to wash a feather:
- Visible dirt, mud, or debris stuck to the feather
- Greasy or oily residue along the feather shaft
- Crusty or flaky material coating barbs
- Sticky, clumped sections in the feather
- Strong, musty odor emanating from feather
- Signs of parasites like lice or mites on the feather
- Evidence of fungus or mold growing on the feather
Washing can make the feather more visually appealing and sanitary for display or handling when these issues are present.
Risks of washing feathers
While washing can restore a feather, there are also risks:
- Barbs and barbules can become tangled and matted
- Delicate tips may break off from handling
- Feather can lose its natural waterproofing oils
- Washing may remove some of the feather’s natural colors
- Soap residue can remain if not properly rinsed
- Uneven drying can leave stiff, misshapen areas
Washing requires a gentle touch and the right technique to avoid damaging the feather or altering its natural qualities.
When to wash newly acquired feathers
For new feathers, washing is recommended when:
- Storing long-term before crafting or displaying
- Feathers are excessively dirty or foul-smelling
- You need to remove loose dander or debris
- Sanitizing feathers before children handle them
- You plan to use feathers in edible crafts or recipes
Washing new feathers as soon as possible can protect their condition and prepare them for their intended use.
Storing washed feathers
To store clean feathers:
- Make sure feathers are 100% dry before storing.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush to redistribute oils.
- Wrap feathers individually in acid-free tissue paper.
- Place feathers flat inside an airtight container.
- Use silica gel packs to control humidity.
- Keep container in a dark, dry, temperate place.
- Periodically check feathers for pests or deterioration.
Proper storage keeps washed feathers in optimal condition and prevents re-soiling or damage.
How to wash feathers for crafts
For craft uses:
- Select feathers that are already cleaned and prepared for crafting whenever possible.
- Look for feather packs marketed specifically for arts, crafts, or fly tying uses.
- When washing feathers yourself, use mild dish soap and cool water.
- Rinse very thoroughly – at least 3-4 times.
- Gently shake or air dry feathers – no heat tools.
- Use a soft brush to realign barbs and barbules when dry.
- Consider spraying with a little hair conditioner for added softness.
Gentle handling preserves the integrity of feathers for creating beautiful crafts and DIY projects.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to wash feathers or not depends on the circumstances. While washing can restore beauty and remove contaminants, it also risks damaging delicate feather structures. For feathers used in rituals, crafts, or collecting, keeping their natural state may be priority. However, storage becomes critical to prevent deterioration. If washing, be extremely gentle and take time to fully dry feathers before use. With the right approach, both washed and unwashed feathers can be maintained for many years.
