I have a very old Indian head dress. The feathers are dirty. How can I clean them?

Question

I want to clean feathers on a headdress without ruining them. Is there something that will clean feathers?

Answer 1

Sounds like an item that could be quite valuable as an antique and therefore much too risky to take the chance of damaging.

I'd suggest first of all taking it by a professional dry cleaner and get their opinion. The Indian headdress is usually considered a costume garment which are always recommended to be dry cleaned.

Once it's cleaned, store it in the plastic bag from the dry cleaners (perhaps also stored in a box) depending on how much you treasure it and want to maintain it's condition.

You could try just vacuuming the feathers carefully with a vacuum cleaner just far enough away to suck off the dirt and dust.
Don't use any chemicals or other liquid cleaner...and certainly, don't throw it into a washing machine.

Answer 2

In order not to ruin feathers on a headdress, you can use this idea to clean try using a Hairdryer on medium but do not hold close to the feathers you could end up causing them to split, or you can use a soft paint brush and gently brush the dust away do each feather separately. Good Luck !

Answer 3

Indian Headdress Feathers

Answer 4

Well, the best I can suggest is Air in a Can. It's used for delicate electronics and can be found at places like Best Buy and Circuit City. It should be able to get the majority of the dust off without ruining your headdress.

Answer 5

I would contact your local Native American Tribal office in your area. They can tell you how to preserve and clean and care for this beautiful peice.
I would be careful using anykind of heat you may melt some of the adhesive and get it all over the feathers and they can also fall out.
If you use soap or liquid..The feathers may mat together.
the Heard Museuem in Phoenix Arizona may be able to help. I am sure you can do a search and get their number. good luck.

Answer 6

If your headress is old, and treasured I would not attempt ot cleanit at home I would take it into a local Dry Cleaners most dry cleaners will not do that type of cleaning on the premisies, but they have people that they contract out to who know how to clean leathersand feathers

Answer 7

I was always told by my Elders that if your have a piece of regalia like that, you take it out into the woods, or someplace else that is in nature, smudge it down, say a prayer and bury it so it can return to Mother Earth. When you are done, put down tobacco.

Answer 8

Have you tried the pressurized air in a can? The type they sell to dust electronics....The air may be enough to blow the dust off of it. I would not try anything else and would probably seek professional help on this one.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 9

This is strange. People through away old things except monuments. Through it away and purchase a fresh one of the latest design and fashion.
Sandeepa

Answer 10

DON'T TOUCH IT if it is that old take it to your local museum and they can tell you how to safely clean and protect them.