FLYMPH FORUM

Some of the feathers on one of the hen capes I got feel like they got some chicken fat on them and they feel and look a little greasy. Can I wash them to remove the greasiness? If so, what is the best way to do it? Thanks!

Tom

Yes. I would recommend washing them in Woolite or Dawn dish washing liquid, and then thoroughly drying the cape with a hair drier. You will need to make sure that the skin is bone dry before placing it back into a plastic bag. If there is any moisture, the cape will likely mildew or rot. If you can leave it out over night, lay it on a couple layers of news paper and let it air dry. This time of year, the relative humidity is fairly low (northern climate anyways), so it should dry well.

If you have pets, be careful not to leave it where they would be tempted to play with it (or eat it).

Good luck.

How greasy?
I am not a fan of wet washing feathers, mainly because I am inpatient when it comes to the drying and you have to be thorough before placing any cape in a plastic bag/container.
You could try rubbing powdered Borax through the cape and let is dry wash/absorb any grease.

Thanks guys! I'll let you know what I do and how it turns out. I might just clean feathers as needed. The area is fairly small and right along one edge of the cape. I could just pick out a few feathers, give them a quick wash and dry, and be good to go.

Tom

What Ray said. Dawn works absolutely fine for this situation, tried and tested. Just don't use really hot water.