how i cleaned my barbour waxed jacket
Barbour Women’s Winter Defense Jacket
DISCLAIMER: This method is totally unauthorized
Barn Jackets and chore coats! They’re cotton! They’re quilted! They’re waxed! They’re everywhere! they’re oversized, They’re Cool, They’re continental, they get dirty.
Maybe it’s an heirloom, Dirty, smelly or mildewy, because you purchased it second hand. they’re beautiful when they have some miles. Maybe it’s just time, because Hygiene.
I own a Barbour Winter Defense Waxed Jacket. it was time, so I sealed it in a plastic bag while I researched.
Every post and video and commenter emphatically says to avoid the washing machine, detergent, chemicals, warm water, and dry cleaner. Barbour instructs to wipe it down with a damp cloth. I wanted to really get in there.
Finally I threw up my hands and decided to throw it in the machine. I opened all the exterior pockets and pulled out the interior one. I washed it in the front loading washer on a 15 minute speed cycle, cold water, with vinegar in both the detergent and rinse cups. Then I pulled it out and I hung it on a hanger to air dry. It had some marks and lines. A hot hairdryer melted the wax back into the jacket and disappeared any fading.
The end result was a softer, roomier jacket! Clean inside and out, no imperfections. I could not be happier. One day, I may try the rewax, for which there are tons of online tutorials, including on the Barbour webite. I have since done the same process on my Men’s Bedale and achieved the same result. Judging from the slightly bendy zipper (still functional) There may have been the tiniest bit of shrinkage but i love it. A yummier jacket overall. I could have left the initial discolorations because it looked fab, but i wanted to try the dryer.
Given different fabrications, this may not work on all waxed jackets, or even all Barbour waxed jackets. But I went for it and it paid off. If you’re feeling adventurous or desperate, here’s what I did…
REACAP:
Un-snap and open all pockets
Pull out interior pocket
Machine wash in front loading machine only
Instead of detergent, fill both the soap & the rinse compartment with vinegar
cOLDEST WATER
15 minute speed cycle
Hang dry (hang it inside-out too)
treat faded areas with blow dryer set on high speed/high heat, to melt wax back into fabric (This step is optional)
Voila!
Jackets, etc..