Discolored Feathers

[SELFBOW19953]

I picked up a bunch of feathers not long ago that are discolored, especially the white ones.  They are more ivory or light tan than white.  They also have a very disagreeable odor (possibly from a smoking environment).  I opened the box in the house and had to open the windows and doors to air it out-it was about 30 degrees outside (the feathers are now in my shop and are not suitable for hunting).  Any ideas or suggestions how to get the feathers back to something approximating original-no odor and white?

[Jerry Jeffer]

You shouldn't use those. Just send them to me.    
Seriously, you can wash them.

[SELFBOW19953]

Jerry,

I would send them to you, but don't want to chance spreading some horrible illness.  If I do contract some dread disease from them, I'll leave them to you in my will.

Phil

[killinstuff]

I'd wash them in soap and water, let them dry then stream them to fluff them up.

[killinstuff]

Steam them, not "stream" them. Sorry

[acolobowhunter]

Check out 3 Rivers catalog and get a packet of dye and redye them.  This would also take care of the smell, as you are putting them in nearly boiling water for about 1 minute.  I make all my feathers from turkeys I have shot.  I dye them then let them dry.  Works good, just DO NOT spill any of the dye ( mixed in water) on anything.  Might want to do it out in your shop, your wife will kill you if you spill any in the house.  Use a old roaster pan for heating the mix and dying that has an enamel coating.  A small packet makes one gallon of dye.  Several colors to choose from.