It's essential to clean any feathers you pick up outdoors, whether for a collection or crafting. Using mothballs can help eliminate any potential parasites. After that, you can disinfect the feathers with alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. To remove dirt, rinse them in soapy water. Dry the feathers with a hairdryer on the lowest setting or let them air dry.
Preparing Feathers for Safety
Step 1. Remove Parasites with Mothballs Before Bringing Feathers Inside.
To get rid of parasites, place mothballs in a ziplock bag or a food container with the feathers. Leave the bag outside for 24 hours — this will help eliminate all unwanted guests. Ensure that the mothballs contain paradichlorobenzene.
Step 2. Destroy Bacteria with Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide.
After treating for parasites, the feathers need disinfection. Mix alcohol and hydrogen peroxide in equal parts and soak the feathers in this solution for half an hour. The higher the concentration of the components, the better.
Step 3. Disinfect the Shaft of the Feather in Boiling Water.
If the shaft looks dirty, it should be disinfected. Boil water in a pot and dip the feathers in for a few minutes to kill all microbes. Afterward, lay the feathers on a paper towel to dry. If any dirt remains, gently wipe the shaft with a soft cloth.
Cleaning with Soapy Water
Step 1. Prepare a Solution of Warm Water and Mild Soap.
Fill a bucket, sink, or bathtub with warm water and add a bit of liquid dish soap, such as Fairy, or laundry detergent like Tide. Stir to create a uniform solution.
Step 2. Rinse the Feathers in the Soapy Solution.
Place the feathers in the soapy solution and gently rinse them. Do not rub the feathers to avoid damage — just gently rinse until they are clean.
Step 3. Rinse the Feathers in Clean Water.
Prepare a second bucket with clean water and take the feathers one by one out of the soapy solution, rinsing them. If you've soaked many feathers, you may need to change the water several times.
Step 4. Dry the Feathers with a Hairdryer on Low Heat.
Lay the rinsed feathers on paper towels. Turn on the hairdryer to the lowest setting and gently blow air on the feathers until they are dry. Do not hold them too close to the hairdryer — keep them a few inches away to maintain their appearance.
