Should dirty feathers on an artwork or object be cleaned? 

What materials and tools do conservators use to clean feathers? 

What is the best way to store artworks with feathers? 

Storing feathers the right way is key to keeping them in good shape for a long time. Using a storage box is great because it shields the feathers from light and dust, and it helps keep the temperature and humidity around them steady. The box should be just the right size—not too big and not too small—and made of materials that won’t turn acidic over time. 

It’s better to use special archival boxes and tissue, which you can buy, instead of regular cardboard or wooden boxes. That’s because ordinary boxes might release gases or become acidic, which can harm the feathers (Figure 6). 

If you can, try to keep the area where you store your feathers between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 45% to 55%. This helps ensure that the feathers stay in the best condition possible. 

Standards for Care and Preservation of Feathers