Q&A for How to Clean a Feather

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What percentage of hydrogen peroxide do I need?

Community Answer

It doesn't really matter, as long as it's for medical use, it should be fine. Just make sure it's for medical use and not lab use, as the latter has a much higher percentage.

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What are some parasites that ducks carry?

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Ducks usually carry mites and lice. Mites are kinda like spiders as they are eight legged and kind of jump, lice are itchy and like to hop into other fabric or hair.

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Do I have to use mothballs if I use the peroxide and rubbing alcohol for a long time and then wash the feather with soap and water?

Community Answer

Probably not, as most things can't survive in alcohol and peroxide for long. However, I would leave the feather in the solution for longer to be certain.

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Question

Can the mentioned methods chemically harm the feathers?

Community Answer

If you use these methods, they won't be chemically harmed. I have cleaned multiple feathers using both methods, and they weren't ruined or damaged.

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Would freezing them work just as well?

Community Answer

Yes, for mites, freezing works instead of the mothballs.

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Question

Do do eagle feathers found on the ground have mites?

Zhi Wang

Community Answer

Yes, they can contain mites. To get rid of the mites, you can soak the feathers in hot water and wait for 12-24 hours.

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Question

How do you know when it is completely clean?

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

To know if your feather is totally clean, after washing, it should feel smooth, not greasy. When dry, the feather should be fluffy and the individual strands (barbs) should separate easily. If it still looks dirty or feels oily, give it another gentle wash.

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Can we put feathers in a freezer to kill any mites or lice instead of using mothballs?

Community Answer

Yes. Three or four days in a plastic bag inside a freezer should do it.

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