Proper cleaning can protect tying materials for years, whereas unclean materials may not last long. Clean materials also protect your finished flies from being cross-contaminated by insects from unclean materials. Cleaning is well worth the effort and the reasons are compelling.
Clean fly-tying materials are easier and more pleasant to handle at the vise. There is invariably a “texture” difference once materials are cleaned that will be surprisingly appreciated when tying with them. Dirt on materials matts down fibers and feather barbs making them more difficult to perform properly when tying, and may ultimately negatively affect the floatation of dry flies.
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