If you want to clean a feather lampshade, here is some guidance about how to get the best results with careful handling.

Our Feather Lampshade Cleaning Solutions

There are several ways you can do this. Whichever method is right for you, remember that feathers are remarkably resilient; they will spring back into shape if handled carefully. Avoid breaking the spine (see image) of a feather by handling carefully like you would a delicate fabric.

Taking Your Lampshade Down

If putting your feather light shade down, for example on a table, ensure that the feathers point upwards. Or, sit your feather lampshade on a cake tin or something similar with feathers pointing down, Make sure the feathers clear the table.

Sustainability Through Care

Taking care of your feather lampshade is part of the sustainable ethos we hope pass on to you. Your light shade can last for decades, moving with ease from one home to another without ever losing its colour.

Buy well, and by taking care of your possessions, buy less.

How to dust your feather lampshade

Use the brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner. I use a hand-held vacuum cleaner but any type with a nozzle will do. Gently remove any dust by gliding the nozzle or soft brush down the feathers in the direction shown below, from base to tip.

cleaning feather - example

Alternatively, use a hairdryer to blow any dust off your feather light shade. Of course, this is displacing the dust but may be a method you prefer.

Another option is to take your shade outside and give it a good shake.

How to wash your feather lampshade

Part of the allure of a feather lampshade is the delicate nature of the feathers and the textural interest that is so different from a fabric lampshade. Conversely, it is potentially easier to wash a feather lampshade than a fabric lampshade.

How to Easily Wash Your Lampshade

Simply use a soft damp microfiber cloth to wipe the feathers. Ensure that each stroke goes towards the tip end of the feather. Going with the natural direction of the texture as indicated by the blue arrow.

Deep Cleaning Your Lampshade

If you need to go a step further, for example in the unlikely case that your feather lampshade is accidentally sprayed with a sticky, fizzy drink, don’t despair! It is possible to simply wash the feathers in a bowl warm soapy water or a sink of soapy warm water.

Take care to wash only the feathers and to not get any of the metal parts or the trim wet. The feather lampshade can then be left to air dry naturally (on a cake tin or similar, as described above). Alternatively it can be dried carefully with a hairdryer on a very gentle warm setting.

Remember that you can preen the feathers back into place with your fingers if some have become dishevelled in the cleaning process. It almost feels like hairdressing.

I hope this has answered any questions that you may have about how to clean your beautiful feather lampshade. I sincerely hope that it will be a friend for life that brings you joy every time you look at it.