Originally posted by magnus: With the commercial feathers I've done it wasn't necessary to wash them. You can just do the water and vinegar. Just make sure you soak them twice as long so they get good and wet. Worked like a charm for me. The shaving might not have worked well because there is not acid in it. Kool-has an acid base to it so that might be the reason why. I don't let the kids drink kool-aid!!!