A Guide to Cleaning your Barbour Jacket

A Guide to Cleaning your Barbour Jacket

Posted by John on 15th Oct 2012

#Cleaning Barbour Jacket

Whether you own a wax or a quilt jacket, at some point you will need to give some thought on how to clean it. But don’t worry, we’ll take the hassle out of this so you will know exactly what to do.

Cleaning your quilted jacket

Barbour quilts are very easy to clean, because many of the fabrics and materials used to make them are machine washable, or can be dry cleaned. For your own individual jacket it is always best to check the label as there are a number of different Barbour quilts, and each will have specific details relating to their washing temperatures and aftercare. The care label is often found in the inner security pocket if your jacket has one, or one of the main front pockets. Generally a low washing temperature with a non-biological detergent is always best, and then a very light tumble dry before hanging them in a warm place, such as an airing cupboard, to ensure the jacket is fully dry before you next wear it. Many people may prefer to hang them to dry straight after washing.

Cleaning and reproofing your wax jacket

Barbour waxed cotton cannot be washed in hot water, dry cleaned or machine washed as this will remove the waterproofing wax and oils which cannot be replaced. The only way to clean a wax jacket is to brush off any dirt, and then wipe it down using cold water only.

Barbour Wax Thornproof Dressing

There will come a time when your Barbour wax jacket will need to be reproofed, however this will depend on how much you wear your jacket and the type of usage you get out of it. Barbour suggests you reproof periodically to maintain the effectiveness of the wax. You can have your wax jacket sent back to Barbour to be reproofed, which will cost about £30 for a jacket, and £39 for a jacket and a hood.

If you prefer, you can reproof your wax jacket yourself, using Barbour Wax Thornproof Dressing. Firstly make sure your jacket is at room temperature, rather than just grabbing it out of the car or a draughty room in your house. Next place a tin of the Wax Thornproof Dressing in a pan of hot water with the lid of the tin removed, and once the wax has softened use a soft cloth or sponge to work the wax well into the jacket. Barbour advises that you pay particular attention to the seams, creases and dry patches to ensure these remain fully proofed against the elements.

For an extra smooth finish it is advised that you use a hairdryer to blow over the jacket, to ensure the wax is evenly spread out.

Barbour Repairs

Barbour’s repair service will also fix any rips and holes, will replace zips, repair linings, and fix frayed cuffs and edges on your wax jacket. The jacket will be sent to their factory in South Shields, where they will also do alterations. For more information on this, and the pricing, please visit the Barbour page here. Alternatively the jacket can be sent off for an estimate first if you prefer.

One of the best things about a Barbour jacket is that, if you look after it, it will look after you for years to come.

Add Comment


Comments

Jo Newland

Please can tell me how to clean a Barbour cotton jacket? It’s not a waxed jacket but black has a cotton feel to it, I can’t remember the style but it is black ladies jacket brought 18months ago, I have sponged down but looks like it could do with a good wash as looks a little dull and faded! Please help!

Briannie

There should be cleaning instructions on the label of the jacket (this may be in a pocket) – if it’s not a wax jacket it should be machine washable or be able to be dry cleaned. If you no longer have the label in your jacket please feel free to call our Customer Service department on 01432 377089 who should be able to assist you further.


Ann markham

I have just washed my gran sons jacket on a 40 wash it sead 100 per sent cotton and it as come up great.

George McGowan

Was this a wax jacket? Barbour tell us not to wash it.

Megan

Out of curiosity, how often do you rewax your jacket? Depending on the usage, wax jackets should be reproofed annually or every two years to maintain their condition. Rewaxing will not remove the marks as it will simply cover them and provide a waterproof coating as it is designed to do. We advise working the stains with a cold damp sponge and if failing that, try using a stiff brush to agitate the area and hopefully lift some of the stain but this may remove some of the jacket’s wax layer and will therefore require rewaxing anyway. We hope this helps but please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.

Megan

Wax jackets should NOT be machine washed or dry cleaned at all costs as this strips the wax completely and therefore the jacket loses its waterproof coating!


Michael L

Just purchased a Barbour Sapper waxed coat from Bloomingdales snd it was sent with a lot of lint. I’ve wiped off a fair amount but still does not look great and rather disappointed. Called store and no more in stock and got it for a great price. How best can I clean the lint off? Lint brush? Have already used damp cloth with cold water. Thanks for your advice.

Megan

With new Barbour wax jackets comes freshly coated wax therefore it will attract the most tiniest of fibres which we agree can be annoying! We advise avoiding using a lint brush as this may lift some of the wax coating leaving a patchy coat and continuing to wipe the garment with a damp cloth will cause the outer wax layer to strip therefore you would need to have the garment reproofed which should not be required this early in a jacket’s lifespan. It will require some patience but just continue to wear the jacket as normal and overtime the wax will become less moist and sticky so you will be able to simply brush off any fibres that it comes into contact with. If this is not a suitable solution then we advise contacting Barbour directly to obtain further aftercare advice. A link to Barbour and their repair service can be found in the post above.


Sally Burston

I was unfortunate enough to discover a dead rat nestled in my Barbour – it smells dreadful. Is it possible to remove the smell via washing, sponging or spraying with any substance you can think of??? It’s currently airing outside – should I cut my losses and throw it out?

Megan

We’re sorry to hear that you had an uninvited visitor in your Barbour jacket! An odour eliminator such as Febreeze should help remove the smell from the interior and we suggest continuing to air it outside to freshen up the jacket as much as possible! I hope this helps!


David Saunders

I’ve got a quilted type jacket,I’ve machine washed it and low heat tumble dried but the coat has never been the same,how much to repair it?

Megan

We’re sorry to hear that your quilted jacket is no longer suitable. Repairs with Barbour vary in price depending on what needs to be repaired. You can contact their customer care team to request a repair quote however due to the current pandemic, this service is unavailable. We have provided a link above in the post to their repairs page for when it is available to use again. We hope this helps!


Cherry Thorp

Please can you tell me if there is anything that I can do about my Barbour cotton quilted knee length black raincoat that I have left in my porch in the sun where it has faded despite not having worn it more than a few times.

Megan

Thank you for taking the time to comment on our blog. We’re sorry to hear that your Barbour jacket has faded in the sun! With regards to restoring the colour of your jacket, regrettably, we are unable to provide a solution and therefore advise contacting Barbour Customer Service to request further assistance.


Kat Evans

I had a mission trying to clean my Barbour jacket tried getting in contact with Barbour, decided to shop online in the end.


Ramon Villarruz

I bought a waxed jacket with cordoroy trim in the cuffs and collar and wore it a lot so I really need to wash it. I want it clean and fresh because I’ve sweat in it and wore it everyday. But since I can’t wash it, It can’t be worn anymore? This is so frustrating and makes me regret purchasing it.

Megan

The best we can suggest is to sponge the interior and corduroy areas with clean soapy water then leave the jacket to air out on your washing line and not near a heat source as this will dry the wax layer. A light spray on the internal fabric with some odour neutraliser spray should hopefully remove any remaining smell. We hope this helps!


Lyn

What is the best way to remove creases from a Barbour waxed jacket?

Briannie

Generally if you hang them up for an few days the weight of the wax will naturally cause creases to drop out. Otherwise try rewaxing the jacket, as the action of working in the wax will remove creases. Whatever you do don’t go near it with an iron!


Ken

What is the best way to remove creases from a Barbour waxed jacket?

Megan

We strongly advise against putting an iron anywhere near a wax jacket as this will ruin the condition, as well as the protective wax layer, permanently. An alternative method is to hang the garment in a warm area, such as a Bathroom during a hot shower, to allow the heat to penetrate and pull some of the creases out. Furthermore if this continues to show no signs of improvement then we advise contacting Barbour directly to obtain further aftercare advice. We have provided their details above under the Barbour Repairs section.


Simon

I rewaxed my barbour jacket last night & found it was hard work rubbing the melted wax in with a cloth as recommended especially getting into all the nooks & crannies! I’m a furniture dealer & when waxing furniture I use a clean paint brush, So I thought I’d give it a go on the jacket! I cut the brush bristles down to make them short & stubby! It worked a treat & wiped of any excess wax with a clean dry cloth. But remember the wax must be melted clear!!


Paul Jacobs

I rewaxed my barbour jacket last night & found it was hard work rubbing the melted wax in with a cloth as recommended especially getting into all the nooks & crannies! I’m a furniture dealer & when waxing furniture I use a clean paint brush, So I thought I’d give it a go on the jacket! I cut the brush bristles down to make them short & stubby! It worked a treat & wiped of any excess wax with a clean dry cloth. But remember the wax must be melted clear!!

Briannie

The best we can suggest is to damp sponge it with clean soapy water and maybe spray it with febreeze. Leave it to air out on the line, but not directly in the sun.


John R

I damp sponged it with clean soapy water and left it to air out on the line, but it still stunk. After taking outside every sunny day, last night I forgot to bring it in and now it is soaked right through. Going to give it a spin in the washing machine and drape it over the Aga. Obviously taking care to not let any of the fabric touch the oven.

Briannie

Washing a Barbour jacket will destroy it, and drying it on an Aga will dry it out. We suggest you contact Barbour directly to see if they can advise about the smell.


Max

That’s bullspit! I’ve washed 5 Barbour Waxed Jackets now and they all came out fine. Just set the temperature to 40degrees with a low spin cycle, using normal biological washing powder/liquid. Then let them drip dry outside for a day. You just need to re-wax them after that, which takes a good couple of hours unfortunately. You can then use a hair dryer to melt the wax and rub over with a sponge or lint free cloth, or leave as is and let the wax slowly melt in with the sun. Both methods work.

Briannie

We’re glad that your jacket wasn’t affected by the washing machine, however Barbour recommend that you sponge clean your wax jacket only. They also suggest that if you are still unsure, then you can check the internal care labels for further information. If you do wash in the washing machine you will lose the wax on the outer part of the jacket so you would certainly need to rewax it.


Ben Rosow

Now, wait a minute! I HAVE to wash my BARBOUR.jacket. Someone wrapped a small pumpkin in it and it sat in my car for several days while the fruit molded. The mold is on the outside but grew clean thru the lining. A wipe with a sponge will not do. It needs a thorough immersion cleaning.
Now jackets are meant to be worn IN THE RAIN, no? BARBOUR is claimed to be a rugged product. Don’t tell me it’s so delicate that it can’t tolerate a little wash…Ridiculous.
If I wash out the wax, then I retreat it. Several others here claim to have done it. I just want to know best WASHING advice, not hear that my expensive piece of kit is too fragile for a machine wash.

Megan

We’re sorry to learn that your Barbour jacket has had an encounter with a mouldy pumpkin! Whilst many people on this post have had successful results from washing their jacket, we stand by Barbour in advising to avoid machine washing your jacket. The problem faced with washing a wax jacket is that the wax coating will be stripped and in some cases it will be very difficult to re wax the garment as the wax may not sit properly on the cotton exterior and therefore will just seep through the jacket not providing a waterproof coating. Sponge wiping the garment with cold water is the only recommended care advice for cleaning Barbour wax jackets but obviously your circumstances and needs appear to be more specialised, so probably best have a chat with Barbour about it.


David

My Barbour has taken on the aroma of a dead sheep with a colony of moths living inside it and I’m wondering if a soak and a scrub in a tub of cool water with washing powder, followed by a tumble dry would sort it? My concern is whether or not the heat of the tumble dryer would do the same as hot water – i.e. melt the wax irreparably out of the cotton. So, my question: can you tumble dry a barbour?? Cheers!

Briannie

We definitely don’t recommend putting your jacket in a tumble dryer. A scrub with cool water will be fine, but washing powder or detergents could ruin the jacket. Maybe try hanging it outside for a bit of airing? Then spray the lining with a bit of febreze. You could always send it off to Barbour for a complete re-wax too.


Maddy

I was wearing my Utility Barbour jacket and got wet mud on it. I got home and wiped it off with a sponge and cold water. Now there is a color difference, I don’t know what this means.

Briannie

Did you use any detergents at all? The colour difference will probably just be down to the slight removal of wax in that area. You can buy a small pot of wax to re-proof it yourself if it’s really noticeable, or you can send it to Barbour for a professional re-wax.


Nick

I’m planning on rewaxing my Barbour for the first time. There is dull white mark on the that is probably paint – leaned against a wall! Any tips on how I can get rid of this?

Briannie

Unfortunately, other than scrubbing the jacket with clean cool water and a stiff brush before re-waxing there won’t be a lot you can do. Detergents can damage the jacket and make it impossible to re-wax in the future. If you are re-proofing it yourself, maybe add a few more layers of wax over that one area and see if it helps even up the colour?


John

I have had my Barbour Border jacket, which I use when fishing, for about six years now. I have re-proofed it myself once. I guess it needs re-proofing again because I get wet inside it in heavy rain. Recently after a real soaking, it started to smell quite badly (I was clean – honest!). How can I get rid of the smell? Can I machine wash it on a cold wash?

Briannie

Barbour doesn’t recommend putting wax jackets in the washing machine as it can cause irreversible damage. Tackle the lining with elbow grease/clean cold water and a spray of some odour neutraliser. Alternatively, you can send your jacket back to Barbour’s factory for a professional re-proof. It comes back with a new lease of life!


Mary Campbell

After working in the garden I found muddy marks on my jacket. I wiped clean with a damp cloth but after drying out the muddy marks reappeared. Also tried brushing but no joy. Help please.

Briannie

We advise our customers to lightly sponge the jacket clean, do not rub it, and then let it dry naturally. Unfortunately there isn’t a lot you can do. You can try waxing your jacket after to see if this improves it?


Irena Lentowicz

I’ve just picked up my daughter’s pinky red Ashby barbour jacket from my local Barbour shop where I’d taken it in to be cleaned and rewaxed. However, it was returned from Barbour with the comment that it had “Dried out” and they were sending it back untreated as the “wash will go through to lining”. Having read your very helpful advice above, I was hoping you could tell me how to proceed. The jacket is quite grubbyand definitely needs a clean. I know you advise not washing with detergent, but as it seems as though we can’t rewax it anyway would washing it in a cool wash be that harmful? She wore the jacket constantly for a winter, and though not fully waterproof it is warm and she would like to wear it again.

Briannie

Unfortunately, when the layer of wax has been completely removed, it cannot then be re-waxed as it will just seep straight through, as Barbour said. We recommend reproofing a wax jacket once a year to avoid this happening – for future reference. The main reason we tell you to avoid washing or using detergents is for that exact reason, because it will completely strip the jacket of wax and will therefore never be waterproof again. We still wouldn’t recommend using any detergents as it may affect the colour, but if there is no wax layer left already, I really can’t see any harm in putting it on a cool, gentle wash. However, I have never personally done this so I can’t guarantee your results.


Elizabeth buchanan

Just ready to put on my waxed jacked then noticed a thin line of paint on cuff. Can you help?

Briannie

Best thing to try is to get small stiff brush and some cold water (try not to use warm) and scrub the area. If you can try to concentrate the scrubbing to the paint area only, as much as you possibly can. Maybe use a stiff pipe cleaning brush (almost like a mascara brush). Then you can reapply a few layers of wax afterwards to even out any discolouration. Let us know how it goes.


Adrian Walters

Oh dear. My jacket has been in the damp shed and gathered a patina of mould. So what did this numpty do? Sprayed it with dettol mould and mildew remover, that’s what. Result: discolouration as the remover contains bleach. Not recommended and let this be a salutary tale to anyone else. But my question is: is there anything I can do to restore the colour? I don’t mind if there is some variation as this could be an ‘interesting patina’ but as it is the colour difference is too stark. Thank you!

Briannie

Oh dear, that doesn’t sound good! You could try sending it off to Barbour for a professional reproofing, which may restore discolouration slightly, but there’s a high chance they might return it to you if you have completely removed the wax layer; which I fear you probably have by using such strong chemicals. It may be worth a try though. You could also attempt to apply wax yourself to only the affected (lighter) areas, but you would need to make sure you lay paper underneath incase the wax does seep through. Add a layer of wax, blast with a hairdryer and repeat. It can’t get much worse, right? If it doesn’t work, it will just be a Barbour jacket with character! Who knows, maybe you will start a new trend…


Mandy

I have managed to get lipstick on my wax jacket, how do I get this off. Thanks

Briannie

Best thing to do is to try to scrub it with clean cool water. Concentrate the scrubbing to the effected area with a small stiff brush. If you have a pot of Barbour Wax, apply a small amount to the area when dry. It may be tempting, but try not use an chemicals or soaps as this can remove the waterproof layer completely.


MYPANTSAREALIVE!

I’ve just bought a Barbour Edderton for hiking in the highlands this new years – it’s ricockulously good; however this is my first Barbour and I have a couple of questions concerning the wax that I was hoping that you could help me with my dear:

Firstly, where the devil can I/we buy new wax to re-waterproof something ourselves? Do you sell to stockists or do we need to order from your website? Do you have a list of stockist available? Secondly, as my coat is very very new, the wax seems to be coming off on to my hand, it’s like a clear oily layer. How long will take for the wax to settle on the coat and not transfer in this way. I am wary of hanging it near anywhere near my Cashmir Crombie work coats just in case the oil transfers and ruins them.

Jess

The Barbour Edderton is a great choice! You can buy Barbour Thornproof Wax from us through the link in the post above. Barbour will have a list of stockists on their website too if you prefer to shop around. I know what you mean about the excess layer, it usually only takes a few months to settle. You could always try buffing it with a clean cotton cloth to remove the excess. But as you sai, it’s probably best to keep it away frpm cashmire for a little while, just in case! Hope you’re enjoying your new Barbour jacket!


Ricardo

I have just received my first Barbour waxed jacket as a Christmas gift. Absolutely love it, but what i have noticed are fine white lines and creases all over, as the jacket is black they do tend to stick out. I can assume its markings on the wax, but since it is brand anyway you can recommend i get rid of these and get that uniform black waxed look.

Jess

Unfortunately that can sometimes be the case on the black wax jackets. A good tip is to keep it somewhere warm for a little while, or take it in the bathroom when you have a hot shower, then when it is slightly warm just give it a buff over with a clean, dry cloth and see if that evens out the wax a little. The wax may have just dried slightly unevenly. I wouldn’t worry though, Barbour wax jackets are supposed to look slightly worn and rustic, it’s part of their character!


Holly

I have an olive waxy jacket, yesterday whilst putting oil in my car i managed to spill some on my sleeve… any ideas how i can get this off? it has just left a dark looking splodge.

Jess

Oh dear, you may struggle with oil as it is not easy to get that off anything. It’s difficult because you can’t use chemicals without jeopardising the waterproof effectiveness of the jacket. However, if it’s a small spot, you may value getting rid of the stain more so than keeping the protective layer. That is your prerogative, depending on how much the stain bothers you. If you do decide to tackle it with a chemical cleaner, make sure to keep it as concentrated to the stain as possible, putting newspaper (or such) underneath and around the area so none of the rest of the garment is affected. Try to even up any colour dicolouration with some Barbour wax, again protecting under and around the area when applying.


Albert Head

I just bought a used Balfour jacket on e-bay (from Italy of all places). It is in pretty good condition, although the lining is dirty and the coat smells (rather like the moth-ridden dead sheep as described above on this page). Having said that (and, yes, it does perhaps say something about me) I tried it on and loved it immediately. I shall give the lining a good sponge and then and airing/febreese treatment as recommended on this site. Actually, the sheepy smell is rather authentic, so I don’t particular care :-).
My question, though, is regarding the cuffs and pocket edges that are starting to show signs of wear. Can they be reinforced with leather or would you recommend something else? Is it, for instance, possible to buy strips of the same waxed cottong to reinforce the worn areas? I do want this coat to last me for years and years, so was wondering if it is also possible to reinforce the elbows?

Jess

I can’t say I’ve ever smelt a moth ridden dead sheep, and I’m quite happy about that! Glad you love it though; Barbour’s are supposed to have rustic authenticity aren’t they! Barbour actually offer a service where they bind the cuffs, hem and handwarmer pocket edges. Take a look at Barbour Repairs and Reproofing. It may be worth giving them a call and seeing if adding elbow pads is something they can offer too while it is there. They are really helpful and it normally takes around 4 weeks for your jacket to get back to you.


Jo

I have a vintage barbout international and got what i think was coal down one side. i straight away put it in the washing machine without thinking. i put it on a cool delicate wash but it hasnt removed the stains and has made the jacket slightly discoloured in places. i only had this at christmas and it was my favourite, what do you suggest i do?

Jess

I’d probably try re-waxing your jacket, or sending it off to Barbour for a professional re-proof, as you will have stripped a lot of the wax off in the washing machine. Hopefully, as you only washed it on a cool, delicate wash, you won’t have done too much damage and a re-proof will sort the problem, but Barbour will soon advise you of this if you do choose to send it off to them. As for the coal, try scrubbing it off with a stiff brush and some cool water.


Jo

I have a vintage barbout international and got what i think was coal down one side. i straight away put it in the washing machine without thinking. i put it on a cool delicate wash but it hasnt removed the stains and has made the jacket slightly discoloured in places. i only had this at christmas and it was my favourite, what do you suggest i do?

Jess

Ahh we all feel the same indignation for wire fences! Unfortunately Barbour only offer repair services for wax jackets, and not quilted. The only thing I can suggest is doing some research and finding someone who’s a dab hand with a sewing machine.


Scott

I purchased a Barbour international union jack wax jacket but want to replace the brass poppers/studs with black ones that i’ve seen on other barbour jackets. Can this be done?

Jess

Barbour do offer a service where then can replace studs if they come off, so I can’t see why they wouldn’t alter the colour for you. Give their customer service team a call on: +44 (0) 800 917 3000 to double check, and if they can, they will organise for you to send your jacket to them for this alteration.


Aaron Holloway-Jenks

I’ve had my mens navy waxed ashby jacket just over a year now and thoughout winter last year (2014) and now, I’ve worn it roughly 2/3 times a week, would you recommend re waxing the jacket or wait until maybe next year?

Jess

Barbour recommend re-proofing your wax jacket around once a year. This depends on the amount it’s worn and the way it is stored though. Only you will know whether your jacket needs a re-wax, you will be able to feel if it is starting to dry out, but ideally you don’t want it to get to that stage. Re-waxing once a year or so will keep the jacket at an optimum waterproof level, but if it starts to feel dry before a year, always treat it asap.


Pearl

I have left my Barbour jacket in the cupboard for many months (big mistake), and recently I took it out again and it got mouldy! I have sponged it with cold water and left the jacket out to dry for weeks. I tried reproofing it with the Barbour wax but the mouldy, musty smell still wouldn’t go away. I have read somewhere on the internet that using a water + white vinegar solution would help to get rid of the smell. Do you reckon it would affect the exterior fabric of the jacket? I don’t mind the effort of reproofing it again if that is what it takes…

Briannie

The only safe way to clean a Barbour jacket is to sponge them down with cold water and leave it to dry naturally, any other substance used on a Barbour could strip the wax off of the jacket.


Terryalanpowell

I have just but my dark blue barber in the shower hot water it has dryed in patches and looks terrible what do I do to get in back looking new only had the jkt 3 weeks.

Briannie

We have contacted Barbour and they have advised that you can send the jacket back to them to see if their team are able to reproof it, but as it has been in contact with hot water they cannot guarantee that they would be able to do this. The hot water may have stripped the wax from the fabric, which when reproofed would mean that the wax would seep through into the lining of the jacket. You can send the jacket back to Barbour via post, you can send it to us and we can forward it onto Barbour, or if you are local, you could bring it into our clothing department by hand and they will send it to Barbour for you.


Claire

Just re-waxed my Union Jack coat and it looks like I may have too much wax on it, its very shiney, although I only did it this morning. Will it be ok after a few days drying or is there a way I can remove some excess wax? I love my coat and will cry if its ruined.

Briannie

We have contacted Barbour and they have suggested two possible options:

1) You can send the jacket to Barbour’s Repairs and Reproofing Team, where they will be able to put the jacket on their heated reproofing tables and hopefully remove some of the excess wax. You can send the jacket to Barbour via Post, or you can bring the jacket into our clothing store and we can send it off to Barbour for you.

2) Sponging the jacket down with cold water and a damp cloth.


Christopher Lok

My Beauchamp Jacket is more than 10 years old and had never been re-waxed – my mistake. Plenty of dirty has been accumulated all over the jacket – especially the sleeves. I tried to wipe it down with cold water, but the dirty stubbornly remains. In its present condition, can the jacket be re-proofed at all? Or the new wax will take out the dirt? Your advice will be most appreciated.

Briannie

We have contacted Barbour, and they have advised the following options:

1) To wipe it down with a sponge and cold water, using anything other than this could damage the jacket.

2) Barbour have said that you can return the jacket to their Repairs and Reproofing team for reproofing, but they could not guarantee that this would remove the marks, although it may tone them down. You can send the jacket back to Barbour via post, or you could bring the jacket into our clothing store where we could send the jacket off for you.


Tris Clark

I’ve recently dug up my dad’s old barbour international from the 60s. I’ve cleaned and rewaxed it myself but it still has a bit of that vintage oily/waxed smell about it. I’ve used febreeze on the lining and it worked a treat, but I’m not sure if it’s safe to use on the outer. Do you know if it would damage the wax finish?

Briannie

The recommended way to clean the outside of a Barbour wax jacket is with water and a damp cloth. Any other product used may contain detergents that could damage the waxed layer.


Lauretta

I was bought my first Barbour wax jacket in October 2014. I wore it a fair bit over summer but haven’t worn it at all since April (weather is far too nice!). I’ve never owned a wax jacket before and it’s got a slight white mark on the sleeve. Cold water didn’t do much. However, I’m thinking it’s probably time to get it re-waxed (I’m terrified if I leave it much later, it’ll be too dry or something for Barbour to rewax it!). Do you think the professional rewax will fade the white mark out? Also, what am I looking for to see if my jacket is too dry to be rewaxed ever again?? I’m definitely going to be sending it to Barbour rather than doing it myself. Th jacket looks more rustic than when I bought it but I know that’s usual.

Briannie

I can’t guarantee a re-wax will get rid of the white mark. It shouldn’t be too late to send the jacket to Barbour for a re-wax, because it isn’t very old at all. Barbour wax jackets usually need re-waxing about once a year depending on how much you use it. What you can do is send the jacket off to Barbour for an evaluation, where they will look at the jacket and tell you what can and can’t be done, this will obviously take time to do depending on how busy they are. They will also tell you if the jacket is too dry (make sure you include all of your concerns in the information you send them). You can either send the jacket off to Barbour yourself, or you can pop into our store where we can send it off for you; speak to a member of staff for full details.


Scott

I bought my first waxed barbour last weekend while on vacation. To bring it home, I put it in a my suitcase which missed a connection and sat in an airport for a few days. When I finally got my suitcase back, my brand new barbour was incredibly wrinkled and creased. How can I get the wrinkles out without hurting the jacket/wax/etc.?

Briannie

Barbour advise customers to try to get creases and wrinkles out of their waxed garments by hanging the garment up and using a warm heat setting on a hair dryer along with a sponge on the effected area.


Kim L. J.

I bought a Ashby MWX0339NY92 last summer, have been worn periodical since, it is Navy colour, but my issue is that it has started to fade, can this be right? ….and it’s not the issues as I read about above regarding creases and wirkles!

Briannie

It all depends on how the coat has been stored & how often it was worn. When wax dries out it becomes patchy, especially if its stored in a dry room. Barbour advise you re-wax jackets between 12-18 months so it is probably due to be re-waxed.


Janie

I think it is very much works and provides spotless clothes, thanks for sharing it.


Sian

I have inherited my grandfathers very old Barbour jacket after his passing which is or was at some point a waxed one! He used it for fishing and as he got older and did less fishing the Barbour took up residence in his workshop, it smells pretty bad now! I’m not sure if I would wear and use it but it has incredible sentimental value and I am considering sending it away to be made into a memory keepsake. I don’t want it to be smelly regardless of what I do with it though, any ideas?

Briannie

The only thing we would recommend for the Waxed jackets is to sponge them down with cold water and allow them to dry naturally. In regards to the smell, you could use Febreeze on the lining but making sure the product does not touch the waxed outer.


Mel

I have a much loved black waxed Barbour jacket. I’ve rewaxed it myself several times in the last 5 years successfully but thought it could do with the professional touch and sent it to Barbour. Now it’s back it is pretty much unwearable:( it’s covered in black goo which gets under your nails and on everything you come into contact with. The jacket wasn’t muddy before I sent it off – I’m a city Barbour fan not an actual farmer. Any advice please?

Briannie

This is normal for a fresh re-wax. The residue should wear off in time. The jacket could be hung in a warm room for the wax to dry out. If you have any further queries then we advise that you should contact Barbour directly, as they will be able to provide you with more information.


Christina Henriksen

Is there any way I can get rid of the oily smell of my jacket? It is really strong and I can’t seem to focus on anything else while wearing my jacket :-/

Briannie

Barbour advise that their waxed jackets do have a characteristic smell that will diminish over wear. They advise customers the following to care for their waxed jackets:

– You can clean your waxed jacket using a sponge and clean cold water and allowing to air dry in a cold room or outside.

– You can use a fabric spray such as Febreeze on the inside lining of your jacket to remove any odours.

– They do not advise customers to have their waxed garments dry cleaned; machine washed or to use a detergent when cleaning as this can cause irreversible damage to the waxed outer and would subsequently mean any wax that is applied to the garment would seep through to the lining and would damage any clothing worn underneath.


Marlon

How can I remove Barbour wax from shirts and pants? I had my jacket rewaxed by Barbour and wore it right away. Now several shirts and pants have a brown stain!!!!

Briannie

I can advise you to wash your garments as normal in the washing machine, the wax should remove depending on how much wax is on the items.


Irene Pugh

When my husband removed his olive green Barbour jacket which he had not worn for about 9 months from the cupboard where it had been hanging on the door i noticed that the side of the jacket that had contact to the door had light streaky marks on it, the pocket, the pocket flap & up from the pocket. The jacket was in mint condition as it is less than two years old & has had very little use. What has caused this & can it be restored to the colour of the jacket?

Briannie

If the Barbour Jacket is a Wax Jacket the reason as to why it has become streaky could be due to it being stored in a warm environment – therefore the wax will then become streaky as the customer has stated. We can get the jacket back and send it off for re-waxing if you wish however it would cost a fee to have it re-waxed.


Claudine

I bought my first Barbour jacket last year. The inside is a bobbly beige wool fabric. This year it is looking grubby but I don’t know how to clean it. I can’t imagine that a cold wet sponge is going to help. Do you have any suggestions?

Briannie

Unfortunately Barbour wax jackets cannot be washed and the inner lining or fur of the jacket cannot be washed. Below Barbour have provided a guide line which you may find useful:

Cleaning:

Regular cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your garment but removes dust and dirt that can cause premature wear. Regular cleaning also prevents dirt build-up from becoming irremovable stains.

– REMOVE dried mud, sand and grit as soon as possible especially along inner sleeve seams, as these is abrasive.
– HOSE OFF or SPONGE WIPE with cold water only. If dirt is ground in, gently brush it off with a soft bristled brush and then rinse.
– HANG TO DRY naturally and completely for at least 24 hours in a dry, well-ventilated area.
– REPROOF the entire garment after cleaning.


Kelly

I have tried all the above on my red wax jacket, with no joy. My jacket is so grubby that I am actually embarrassed when I wear it. Any further suggestions?

Megan

We’re sorry to learn that the suggested methods have not proved successful with your garment. Regrettably there is no alternative way to revive the condition as this will only damage the jacket more. We suggest referring to the care label, which can be located in the security pocket of your garment, or alternatively contacting Barbour direct to see if they can provide any further advice.


Heather

I have a new Barbour wax jacket and I leant on a wall and got paint powder on the sleeve. I used a sponge and cold water to try and get it off, then I used warm water (I hadn’t read that you should only use cold water) now it’s dried it looks a bit lighter/worn on this section. I am so worried I have ruined it, what should I do, and will it be ok? (I didn’t use any detergent at least, thankfully). Should I rewax that patch – I have only had the jacket a few weeks.

Megan

Probably best to have the jacket re-waxed. You can either bring the jacket to us and we will send it off to Barbour for you, or you could re-wax the jacket yourself by using a tin of Barbour wax.

Heather

I have a new Barbour wax jacket and I leant on a wall and got paint powder on the sleeve. I used a sponge and cold water to try and get it off, then I used warm water (I hadn’t read that you should only use cold water) now it’s dried it looks a bit lighter/worn on this section. I am so worried I have ruined it, what should I do, and will it be ok? (I didn’t use any detergent at least, thankfully). Should I rewax that patch – I have only had the jacket a few weeks.

Megan

Probably best to have the jacket re-waxed. You can either bring the jacket to us and we will send it off to Barbour for you, or you could re-wax the jacket yourself by using a tin of Barbour wax.


Mario Portilla

I have 2 Barbour wax jackets, unfortunately I am having problems with damp and mould at home. I realise that both jackets started to have a disgusting smell I put them out to air them but again the smell came back and now the have mould all over them! I don’t really now what to do how to clean them and get rid of that horrible smell. So if you can help me that would be amazing!

Briannie

Unfortunately if the jacket is suffering from mould then there is nothing that can be done to save it. You can use Febreeze to remove the smell. Sorry we cannot be of anymore help in this situation.


Gerard

I’ve bought a new barbour wax jacket from the barbour shop online, the back of the jacket looks perfect but the front and shoulders look white and dusty/dirty looking, is this normal?

Briannie

The jacket shouldn’t be like that, we recommend that you return the jacket back to Barbour.


Henry Fernandez

I have just purchased a wax jacket, love it but I am wondering how long does it take the oil/wax on it to dry up/soak in? When i wear it with my bag to school it keeps staining the straps with oil or wax?

Briannie

It is hard to specify as it is dependent on a number of factors such as amount of wear etc. It is a wax jacket and having wax rub off on other things is to be expected unfortunately.


Iain

I’ve bought a used Barbour Border on ebay, and whilst it’s in very good condition, it is very waxy smelling. Not quite the mothy dead sheep smell mentioned above and certainly not mouldy, but it’s quite a strong waxy smell that would rub off on other clothes/car seats etc. It’s fine for country walks, or heading to the pub, but probably not idea on the tube or over a suit!

I’ve given it a good clean in cold water (currently drying) and I will hang it out to air for a few days and Febreeze the lining, however I have a few questions…

1-I’ve read that you can spray on a 50/50 water and vodka, yes vodka solution to help clean it and get rid of the smell, and then hang it in a bin bag with cotton wool with vanilla essence…is there any truth in this? I appreciate that the only factory approved way is cold water, but if alcohol was going to hurt the fabric in any way, most of the people I know who wear Barbours would have given up on them years ago!

2-Will reproofing it (either professionally or DIY) actually get rid of the smell? Surely unless you actually get rid of the original source of the smell, you’re just going to seal it in under another layer of wax?

3-Has anyone had any success with any clothes fresheners on hangers or in pockets?

Briannie

Hopefully we can answer some of your questions:

1) We have never heard of this method of cleaning, so unfortunately we cannot say if it will work or not. We strongly advise all customers to follow Barbour’s guidelines to cleaning a Barbour jacket, which would be to clean the jacket with a damp cloth and leave to dry naturally.

2) Re-waxing a Barbour jacket will not get rid of the smell, because this method only re-proofs the jacket.

3) We have been advising customers for years now on using Febreeze to get rid of odours in Barbour jackets, on a positive note we haven’t had anyone come back to us yet and say that it hasn’t worked.

Iain

For the lining, I’m very tempted to try some car foam upholstery cleaner…the whole point of this is that it sits on top of the fabric and wicks the dirt/odour up into it, rather than soaking through and making the seat foam (or outer wax part of the jacket) wet. The Febreeze thing is kinda working, but it’s not quite good enough…I want to remove the smell from the fabric, not hide it!


Mike

I have worn my barber out on boats for many years and it has now got salty which keeps it permanently damp. This seems to have affected the lining. Is there any way I can wash it including the lining to remove the salt? Any advice would be greatly appreciated !

Briannie

They only suggestion we can give is that you use clean water to clean the jacket, which isn’t really going to do much for the salt. Unfortunately there isn’t a way to wash it, as it would ruin the coat.


George Rix

I don’t understand…’Barbour waxed cotton cannot be washed in hot water, dry cleaned or machine washed as this will remove the waterproofing wax and oils which cannot be replaced’ …if I wash the wax (and dirt with it) out of my wax cotton surely it can be reproofed? To reproof it surely the remaining old wax needs getting rid of?

Briannie

When washed, the wax will seep through to the cotton liner. It will also wash the wax away, which reduces the waterproof nature of the jacket. When re-waxed new layers of wax are re-applied to replace the wax that gradually brushes off and sinks into the coat over time.


Alex Hepworth

I’ve had my Barbour wax jacket around a month and my girlfriend recently got some makeup on the shoulder. Without thinking I tried to removing it with a small amount of hot water and fairy liquid using a sponge. It has now dried and there is a small colour difference. I’m worried I may have compromised the jacket. Should re-waxing the area cure this? Thanks

Briannie

Unfortunately not a lot can be done about the colouring. Hot water and fairy liquid are definitely not recommended. Re-waxing could be tried, however we cannot say for certain if it will work. We recommend for you get in touch with Barbour directly, where they will hopefully be able to solve the problem.


Mickey Horner

I recently re waxed my Barbour jacket as instructed. I just wondered how long the wax took to dry? It’s been 24 hours and it is still greasy in places. An recommendations to speed up process?

Briannie

It is natural for a Barbour to be greasy in places after a re-wax. You can however rub the patches down with a non linting cloth, this should help reduce the amount of excess wax on the jacket.


Perdy

I was given the Barbour tors wax olive coat for Christmas, which I love, but sadly today I brushed up against a wet painted door! Hubby took the coat straight away and scrubbed it with antibacterial wipes, then I used a damp sponge with some washing up liquid on it to scrub it off. Stupidly we hadn’t read the instructions for cleaning first! Needless to say, there is now a pale patch – is it best to buy some wax and try and re proof myself? Terrified that it has been permanently damaged!!

Briannie

Unfortunately the wax is a neutral colour so it won’t improve the colour of the patch. The best advice that we can give you in this situation is to contact Barbour directly on 0800 917 3000 and see if they can suggest a solution.


Scarlet

I’ve had my waxed coat for a year and a half -its my only coat so has had a lot of wear-and it desperately needs a wax as it is no longer water proof. Is there a chance i have left it too long or will a tin of wax return it to its original waterproof wonder?

Briannie

It is normal to re-wax a Barbour jacket every 12-18 months depending on the wear and tear. I hope this helps.


PJ

I have just purchased a Barbour Stockman from ebay. It is 2yrs old and has been worn only 3 times and in dry weather. It still has the very even Sylkoil base coating and had not received it’s first waxing yet due to the extremely light useage by the previous owner.

I have this evening waxed it (a tough task as a Stockman is a LOT of coat to have to work with!!) although it probably didn’t need it as I said as it looks brand new and has only been worn 3 times in two years.

If a barbour is waxed and then not worn, does the wax deteriorate over time anyway, and if so (and without useage) when would it need to be re-waxed (if at all) if it has not been worn.

And finally, how do you store a recently waxed Stockman to ensure best care/practice..

Briannie

A Barbour wax jacket should be re-waxed every 12-18 months, depending on how much you wear the jacket. Don’t worry, the wax will dry after a certain period of time. The best way to store a Barbour jacket is to hang it up. If the jacket gets wet from rain, leave it to dry naturally. If the coat gets dirty, then clean it with a cloth and clean water. Do not use any cleaning products that contain chemicals, as this can ruin the waxed layer.


Sharon

Have a waxed Barbour jacket, got a small amount of salad dressing on the pocket…can I use cornstarch, and then rinse with cold water? I also am planning to have re waxed at end of winter.

Briannie

We advise that you only clean a Barbour waxed jacket with a cloth and clean water. Other chemicals can ruin the waxed layer on the garment.


Priscila

I bought a navy blue waxed jacket on Barbour.com two weeks ago and I love it, the only problem is that it’s all covered in lint (fluff), It doesn’t it stop me from wearing it as it’s very warm and comfy, but it annoys me a bit. What would you recommend? Thank you

Briannie

Please contact Barbour directly, hopefully they will be able to inform you on the best course of action.


Farbra

I was just wondering what is the best way to store a Barbour Wax jacket?

Briannie

A Barbour needs to be stored in a cool room temperature area and nowhere where it can dry out.


Martin L

I have a Barbour Liddesdale jacket which is now about 4 years old. The jackets has developed shiny patches from sleeve rubbing body, seatbelt etc. Is there any way to remove or reduce this please?

Briannie

Unfortunately there is no way to remove or reduce the patches. The only thing that we can suggest is to re-wax the jacket.


Garry

Can you advise the best way to get rid of just general white dust or small white hairs on a Barbour wax as is seems to attract them and make it look dirty but it’s new?

Briannie

The best way to get rid of the white dust and hair is to use a soft brush. We advise that you don’t use a lint roller, just a soft brush.


CAROLE

I have a quilted Barbour jacket which has discoloured all over the shoulders , looks like scuff marks, patchy and shiny maybe from waering a seat belt, it is only two years old and surely this should not happen. I was thinking of perhaps dying it black again in the washing machine but not sure if this would cover up the patches. I have not noticed anything like this on any other person wearing similar coats and wonder if it is an actual fault with mine?

Briannie

If it is a quilted jacket we suggest that you try laundering it first. Or if you wash it yourself, we suggest you put it in a gentle wash using a wool type setting on your machine. It could be from wearing a seat belt, or it could be hair product residue from a handbag (that is if you wear hair product).

CAROLE

It was worth a try but the washing has not changed the appearance at all, the fabric has gone whitish and very patchy but really is noticeable so it really must be from wearing a seatbelt both as a driver and passenger as over both shoulders. For the amount of money I paid for it this is certainly not expected and as I have said I have never seen this type of wear on anyone else wearing similar Barbour quilted jackets at all ever. I wonder if it is worth contacting the manufacturer to see if they also agree that this should not happen with general day to day wear, appreciate any further advice

Briannie

We are sorry to hear that it didn’t work. We suggest that you contact Barbour directly. You can contact them via: Telephone: 0800 917 3000 or through the contact page on their website.


Shirley

I have brought my husband a Barbour microfibre jacket the first time he has gone out in the rain it’s all marked and looks bad can anyone help with what to do?

Briannie

This particular jacket is only showerproof, not waterproof. If it has been in a light rain then allow the jacket to dry naturally. You could launder the jacket, which may improve it.


Sarah

When I hugged my boyfriend I managed to get my light pink lipstick on it. It seemed to leave a light mark and now after wiping again a light small patch has appeared. He hasn’t had it long so feeling pretty bad :0

Briannie

What did you use to wipe off the lipstick, and did it contain any detergents? The colour difference is probably due to the wax being removed in that area. You can buy a small pot of wax to re-proof it yourself, or you can send it away to Barbour for a professional re-wax. If you need any further advice, please give us a call on 01432 3770889.


Kristina WH

Have you got any advice for getting (and keeping) the fluff off my waxed Peninsula Down Coat. It’s brand new but the fluff just sticks to me like I’m a magnet. My black coat is not so black with fluff all over it.

Briannie

We suggested that you use a soft brush to wipe the fluff off. Unfortunately we don’t have anything that will prevent the fluff sticking to the jacket. You could contact Barbour directly, and see if they have any further suggestions.


Clare G

I have a red wax Barbour coat which I have had for a couple of years but only worn a few times. The coat is going black in places (especially around the seams) and is losing its vibrant red colour. When I first wore it, I got caught in a heavy rain shower which may have contributed to this. Would re-waxing the jacket bring back the red colour to the places that have gone black / even the colour out again?

Briannie

The coat needs reproofing after 12-18 months as it has dried out. The issue with coloured waxes is that the colour won’t always match. This is an issue for sandstone and bark waxes. The black marks are probably where dirt has built up during wear. Waxing will help the garment giving it a bit more umph! and get it waterproof again but, as the wax is a neutral colour it won’t necessary help with the colour of the coat.


Julie Willliams

My son sent you his jacket for reproofing as it had a ‘light patch’ where we had removed wax whilst washing off a stain. We quoted the style number when we sent it. He chose it as a present because the style was not heavily waxed. When it was returned it had a thick coating of wax and even after 2 months, if he wears the jacket with a short sleeve t-shirt the wax soaks through to his arms. It really is spoilt by too much wax.

Briannie

I’ve spoken to our clothing department about the wax seeping through the jacket as you have described. They’ve informed me that Barbour have said this can happen occasionally on the more lightweight jacket styles. They have told us that this will stop after a while. In the meantime we would recommend trying to remove some of the excess wax by heating it with a hairdryer and removing the wax with a clean cloth or sponge. If the problem does persist please contact us and we can arrange to have the jacket looked at.


Stacy

I sent my Barbour off to have it re-waxed and I’ve had it back for a about a month now. I have hung it up in my closet to dry, but it doesn’t seem to drying out. Where I live it can get pretty humid, any suggestions on how speed up the drying process?

Briannie

Don’t dry out a Barbour wax jacket completely. The drier the jacket is then the less effective its protective properties are. Your jacket should always have a slightly wet waxy finish.


Gareth

Can I wax Barbour Hardmarsh jacket it’s 100% cotton thanks?

Briannie

The Hardmarsh Jacket is just a hooded machine washable jacket, not a waxed jacket. So unfortunately it cannot be waxed. If you have a look inside one of the pockets you might be able to find one of the following:

– LWX or MWX (This means that it is a wax jacket and can be re-waxed)
– LWB or MWB (This means that it cannot be waxed, however you can use Nikwax product to reproof it)


Boo

I’ve found a Bedale A42/170cm in a charity shop a few days ago, smells rather musty, dirt-dirty and worn darkened wrinkles on the front and elbow areas (no dirt, thank goodness!). How do I clean this without the need to use a stiff brush as you say wipe down with a cold wet sponge, but I really can’t believe it would be that effective. Can you advise me step-by-step please. And can I dry in the baking sunshine and the slight breeze we have in Notts., or does it have to be in the shade?

Oh, one more thing: The sleeves are 4 inches too long, can I shorten them on a normal sewing machine?

Briannie

1) Clean the jacket of any dirt – Barbour jackets cannot be washed in hot water, dry cleaned or washed in the washing machine as these methods will damage your waxed jacket. To remove any dirt you can either wipe it away with a damp cloth or use a soft brush. It needs to be clean before re-waxing in order to maintain a smooth waxed surface.

2) To get rid of the musty smell you could always spray fabric freshener on the lining of the jacket – Only spray the lining, do not spray the waxed section of the coat.

3) Dry your jacket – To dry a Barbour jacket you should always leave it to dry naturally, preferably outside in the shade or hung up in a cool room. Harsh sunlight/temperatures may cause discolouration.

4) Re-wax your jacket – The discoloured patches on the surface of the jacket are most likely to be areas where the wax has worn away. To help improve the appearance of your jacket we suggest that you try re-waxing it. You can either do this yourself, send it to Barbour, or if you are in the area you could bring it in to us where we would then send it away to Barbour.

Sleeves can be altered on a Barbour, however we always suggest to our customers that they send their garment away to Barbour for any alterations, as heavy duty thread needs to be used on the stitching.


Kathy Marchetti

My boyfriend has a black waxed Barbour. We live in Hawaii and just discovered it’s covered in mold. Is there anything we can do to get rid of the mold? Bummer is he’s only worn it for about 2 weeks last time we were in England. I should also say he has a much older version of this jacket that is not moldy at all? We are thinking if it can be saved to store in England. Do you have any ideas for proper storage?

Briannie

To prevent mould from developing on the jacket we suggest that you store it in a dry, well ventilated and cool place. This will stop the jacket from getting damp. Unfortunately mould will develop if the jacket is kept in damp/humid conditions – and as mould is a plant, it will thrive on moisture and sunlight. The best solution would be to try and wipe the mould away using a dry lint free cloth. This will also help to wipe away any excess moisture from the jacket.


Emily

I re-waxed my barbour jacket 2 days ago and it is still wet and sticky. I’m not sure if this means there is excess wax? What would you recommend to get the excess wax off and get the coat dry?

Briannie

Your jacket may feel slightly tacky after being re-waxed, but don’t worry, this will only last for a couple of weeks.


Fergal

My Waxed barbour has a shine on the fabric in certain areas, like the cuffs. Is there an easy way to get rid of the shine? I have it about three years and not rewaxed it, so it’s not a waxing issue. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Briannie

We believe that the jacket has gone shiny due to the lack of wax and from contact in high friction areas, however without seeing the jacket we are unable to make an accurate diagnosis. Barbour waxed jackets should ideally be re-waxed every 12-18 months, depending on how much you wear it. You can either re-wax the garment yourself or send it directly to Barbour.


Chelsey

My Barbour is still in good condition although it has faded alot in colour, appearing more grey than black now. Will re-waxing it bring back the colour or just make it waterproof again? If not, is there any way I can dye it to get it back to its fresh black colour?

Briannie

Unfortunately a Barbour wax jacket cannot be dyed, as the wax will not allow the dye to soak in. Plus the dye could possibly damage the jacket overall. We believe that your jacket has gone a grey-ish colour because it is in need of a re-wax. If a re-wax doesn’t improve the appearance of the jacket, then we strongly suggest contacting Barbour directly.


Ian B

I have sylkoil Durham jacket do I re proof with thorn dressing or is there something else not as strong smelling.

Briannie

We strongly suggest that you use the  Barbour Wax Thornproof Dressing as it has been specifically designed for Barbour wax jackets.


Paul S

I have rewaxed my Ashby jacket using the Wax Thornproof dressing and it seems to have done the job however as the Ashby is made using sylkoil cotton was it correct to use the wax thornproof dressing or is there something different I should have used.

Briannie

The Barbour Thornproof Wax Dressing is the perfect thing to use on Barbour waxed jackets, as they are made from sylkoil wax.

Paul S

Okay – thanks for your help. Jacket looks pretty good


William

I have bought a new barbour ashby olive and am wearing it for two weeks to the office. On two occassions when it was pouring out I’ve let it hang in a cool garage to dry. Now there are spots on the arms that have coloured brownish yellow. How come?

Briannie

Unfortunately without seeing the jacket we cannot diagnose what has happened to it. If you live locally to Hereford you are more than welcome to bring it in to our store, where a member of staff can examine the jacket. If you live too far away from our store, you could always send it directly to Barbour for them to inspect.


Andy F

I have a barbour international fibre down padded belted parka jacket and ever since ive taken delivery of it struggled to stop the inner fibre bobbling on the surface through wear. Under the airpits is especially tricky to keep bobbly free, so i have to carry a clothes brush in my pocket. Not ideal! Is the coat faulty? Or is there a tip to stop the fibre from being pulled out from the inside through friction?

Briannie

It certainly doesn't sound ideal! I would recommend contacting the place where you bought the jacket from if possible, or speak with Barbour directly as they will be able to provide you with the information you are looking for, as well as tell you how to proceed if something is faulty.


James

I have a waxed Barbour and some thought it would be funny to tie the sleeves into a not how would you recommend I get the creases out.

Briannie

There are two options to try:

1) Hang up your jacket in the bathroom whilst washing – the steam from the shower/bath could help ease the creases out.
2) Re-wax the jacket to give it an even appearance all over – where the jacket was tied up it could have rubbed away some of the original wax, which could cause crease marks.


Virginia Kirchner

My dog got sprayed by a skunk in his Barbour jacket. I typically through in the was with some baking soap and peroxide and some detergent to get it clean. But that is not recommended. Do I need to toss the jacket? That would be a shame, please advise.

Briannie

We are not sure that anything can be done to rescue the coat. We suggest that you contact Barbour directly and see if they can advise further.


Mark B

I bought the beattock jacket in a sale and it has white lint/hairs(but not acual hair) on it, how is best to remove them?

Briannie

You can use a lint roller to remove the unwanted hair on your jacket.


ADIGUN OLA

How do I get super glue of my quilted jacket?

Briannie

Sorry I don't know the answer to this and if it is actually possible. I suggest that you contact Barbour directly on this one.


Tina

I recently purchased a Barbour international jacket in cream, which I absolutely adore but the lower arms have become a little dirty. The instructions say to machine wash on a 30 degree wash but I’m a little scared of doing this. Would I be able to have it dry cleaned ?

Briannie

You could wash the garment in the washing machine providing you follow the after care instructions exactly, but for peace of mind you would benefit from asking Barbour directly.


Hayley Taylor

I got the Carribena wax jacket for Christmas and unfortunately, I’ve managed to brush against some white satinwood paint. Could you let me know how I can remove this please?

Briannie

Unfortunately, we cannot advise on this situation, as we are not sure that anything can be done to remove the paint.


Max Odsbjerg Pedersen

I’ve just bought a new babour-jacket and a can of wax. The jacket is brand new, but Im very keen on doing my first own waxing. Is there any problem with re-waxing a new jacket?

Briannie

If your jacket is brand new then it won’t need re-waxing just yet, as it should be 100% waterproof. We recommend that you re-wax your jacket every 12 – 18 months (depending how much you wear it). When your jacket starts to look worn in certain areas and has a rough cotton-like texture, then this means it’s time for a re-wax.

You can watch our step-by-step guide on how to re-wax your Barbour jacket on YouTube: Video on how to re-wax your Barbour jacket. We hope this helps.


Andrew Geoghegan

I’ve had my Barbour wax jacket for about 2 years now and it’s in need of a good clean ( filthy in other words, cold water just isn’t cutting the mustard, if I send it off for a professional re-wax will it come back looking like new or will it just have fresh wax over a grubby coat?

Briannie

Unfortunately, cleaning a Barbour with detergent isn’t a good idea and it is recommended you clean with a damp cloth only. You can try sending it off to Barbour for a re-wax, however if it is too dirty then Barbour will not re-wax it.


Martin Collins

I re proofed my green Barbour jacket with Barbour Thornproof, following the instructions, but it has turned totally black. I stopped halfway through. Should I now remove the new wax or finish the whole jacket, in which case will it return to green eventually?

Briannie

It sounds like the jacket is very dry and has soaked up all the wax and gone a very dark green. We suggest that you finish waxing the whole jacket, as it will make it the same colour all over. The wax cannot be removed once it has been applied to the jacketand once it starts to dry it will look more like green again.


Lisa Kendrick

I must of put my Wax jacket away damp while I moved home and it has mold on it. I cleaned it with cold water and a sponge and that appeared to do the trick but now the weather has started to turn colder and damp (I live in the lake district) the mold has started to make a reappearance. Is there is anything you can recommend to remove it please?

Briannie

The only way to remove mould from your waxed jacket is to clean it with cold water and a sponge. To prevent the mould from returning you can hang your Barbour jacket up in a warm room to dry it out. Do not place the jacket near or next to a radiator as this could damage it. Before storing the coat away you will need to make sure that it is completely dry to help prevent the mould from returning.

Lisa Kendrick

I have given it a good wipe and hung it out on the sun to dry. I will keep it in a warm room over the winter and just keep a check on it Thank you for your help


Malcolm Mitchell

I am a very great fan of my Barbour collection, unfortunately for some resonance my better half found my duracotton quilted in the car. Yes you guest it she put it in the washing machine as it was a bit grubby, her words mind were it’s lived in. So as you will know it’s lost its sheen and just looks sad. I have rewaxed my Border and Beaufort over the years but was never sure about the quilt, do you wax them or use something else?

Briannie

Most Barbour quilted jackets can be washed in the washing machine in temperatures ranging from 30°C and below, using non-biological detergent. However, we strongly advise that the provided care instructions should be followed strictly when washing any garment. Unfortunately we cannot think of anything that will get the sheen back. You could contact Barbour directly and ask them for further advice.


Matchbox

Does Barbour recommend Nikwax cotton proof as that is specially made for cotton jackets. But I do not think it lasts as long as the solid wax. I think you could easily get away with using boot wax on a cotton jacket too, which has paraffin added to make it spreadable at room temperature. I think you could just brush on boot wax and then go over it with a hair drier to melt in the wax. I think most waxes would work on a Barbour jacket.

Briannie

Barbour Thornproof Wax Dressing is designed for a Barbour wax jacket, and it is reasonably priced. The care instructions can be found on a white label on the inside pocket. The use of other chemicals or sprays on the jacket could damage its waterproofing and appearance so it would be very much at your own risk.


Alex

My Barbour jacket had a large amount of candle wax spilled on it, I was wondering what you would recommend for cleaning? Obviously the standard approaches for cleaning wax off clothes for example parchment paper and a steam iron are not suitable in this instance…I definitely don’t want to risk stripping the base wax layer off the cotton. I want to get the jacket reproofed by Barbour but they explicitly state they do not offer a cleaning service so want to get this sorted before sending it off. Any advice you could offer would be much appreciated.

Briannie

Try and pick off as much of the candle wax as you can, then give the jacket a wipe with clean water and a sponge. Hopefully this will remove the majority of the wax from the jacket. However, we cannot guarantee that no marks will be left, as the hot wax may have damaged the surface.


Chris Devlin

I have a 100% cotton Barbour Autumn Trooper jacket. I’ve had it almost ten years and had plenty of wear from it. It is still in perfect condition but the colour has really faded and I was wondering if there was anything I could do to rejuvenate it so I can get another ten years wear from it.

Briannie

Re-waxing helps to restore your jacket’s waterproof layer, as well as helping with its overall appearance. Please keep in mind that re-waxing may not restore the jacket’s original colour, but it will help to increase the jacket’s longevity. If there is any marks or colour fading then a new Barbour jacket may be required.


Dale

Just bought my first Barbour jacket and it seems a little dry. Also there wasn’t any tags attached to it. I’m wondering should it be nearly moist when first purchased?

Briannie

Depending on which Barbour product you have purchased? There should be a small white label on the inside of the inner security pocket to help identify the model of garment. Barbour have recently introduced Dry Wax to some of their wax garments meaning that there is still a wax coating but without the sticky, moist texture which can sometimes be unappealing. Feel free to contact us via the email form if you need further information about a specific jacket from our customer service team.


Dale

Just bought my first Barbour jacket and it seems a little dry. Also there wasn’t any tags attached to it. I’m wondering should it be nearly moist when first purchased?

Megan Banks-Jenkins

Depending on which Barbour product you have purchased? There should be a small white label on the inside of the inner security pocket to help identify the model of garment. Barbour have recently introduced Dry Wax to some of their wax garments meaning that there is still a wax coating but without the sticky, moist texture which can sometimes be unappealing. Feel free to contact us via the email form if you need further information about a specific jacket from our customer service team.


Luke

I’ve just re-waxed mine and my wife’s Barbour jackets as per the instructions on the tin (mine is a brand new jacket, not yet worn, and my wife’s is a year old). That was a few days ago and now both jackets have been left with shiny streaks all over them. I wiped away any excess wax, went over both jackets with a hairdryer and left in a warm room over night as per instructions. Is this supposed to be the finished effect or is there something I can do to get rid of the shiny effect and streaks (maybe try re-waxing again??). Any help or advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

Megan Banks-Jenkins

We’re sorry to learn that your Barbour Jackets have been left with these shiny streaks. Please note that Barbour Wax Jackets are only meant to be re-waxed every year, if in heavy use, or up to 2 years with light use. As your jacket is brand new, there should be no need to re-wax this early unless there is clear signs of perish in areas as you will only be applying more wax over the current wax leaving a thick, shiny coating. We advise leaving both coats to dry for a few more days as it can take some time for wax to set.


Kelly Yeo

Any other tips on getting creases out of my barbour beadnell was Jacket? Would I be able to iron it inside out on a low heat and a towel over it. Hanging it in the bathroom when showering isn’t really helping and re-waxing hasn’t made them drop out either.

Megan Banks-Jenkins

We strongly advise against using an iron on your wax jacket at all as this will damage the garment permanently. It can be quite painstaking to remove the creases but we can only advise perhaps repeating the process of hanging it in a warm area for longer to see if there is any further improvement. Furthermore if this continues to fail then we advise contacting Barbour directly to obtain further aftercare advice.


Stephen

I have a quilted cotton wax Barbour jacket which I sent to Barbour for rewaxing. They said that because of the quilting stitches it couldn’t be re-waxed which seems like a major design flaw. I’m tempted to give it a go myself and test on a small area first. Any tips?

Megan Banks-Jenkins

If Barbour have informed you that the garment cannot be rewaxed then we strongly advise against attempting it yourself. Due to the stitching creating holes in the garment, we would be under the impression that the wax would just seep straight through and a protective wax layer would not be formed. Barbour themselves may be the best ones to talk to on this if you need further assistance.


Shem

I purchased a Beaufort for a 2 week holiday and wore it with my favourite heavy duty chinos for the most part. By the end of the trip I noticed that the top half (belt hoops, front and back pocket area etc) of my pants have been stained greenish-black. I initially thought it was the tartan that rubbed off but realised it was the wax cotton. I couldn’t wash the stains out of my trouser and am afraid of wearing the jacket again for fear that it would ruin other trousers. I’m wondering if others face the same issue? And how can we remove the wax from other clothing?

Megan Banks-Jenkins

This can be quite common due to the wax being very fresh, therefore it has not fully set into your jacket. Washing your other items of clothing as normal should remove the wax depending on the amount of wax transferred so they may require more than one wash. Over time the wax will become less moist on the jacket. Take care at the moment when wearing your jacket, it will eventually stop transferring wax with more wear.


Matthew Logan

It is a very advantageous post for me. I’ve enjoyed reading the post. It is very supportive and useful post. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks a lot for this beauty Enjoying article with me. I appreciate it very much!

Megan Banks-Jenkins

Thanks Matthew, there's plenty of comments here and guessing lots more to come. It should provide a great read if you are looking for help.


Bert

I had my barb our jacket hanged up and it got damp and now has mould/damp patches all over it, can this be removed?

Megan Banks-Jenkins

We’re sorry to hear that mould has developed on your Barbour jacket. The only safe way to clean a Barbour jacket is to sponge them down with cold water and leave it to dry naturally, any other substance used on a Barbour could strip the wax off of the jacket. To prevent the mould from returning you can hang your Barbour jacket up in a warm room to dry it out. Do not place the jacket near or next to a radiator as this could damage it. Before storing the coat away you will need to make sure that it is completely dry to help prevent the mould from returning.


Mark

My Barbour Bedale jacket has paint spots on it, I have re waxed the jacket and it is slightly better. Is there any other suggestions?

Megan Banks-Jenkins

It is incredibly difficult to remove marks such as paint spots and the only advice we would give would be to work the area with a cold damp sponge. However by doing this you would be removing the layer of wax and therefore would require another re-wax so this method would only been suitable prior to a re-wax.


Dan

My Barbour Jacket has developed what I can only describe as scratch marks on one side. The jacket is green and the scratch marks are a lighter green/yellow. Do you have any idea how it would have got these and how to get rid of them! The jacket is only a few days old so pretty upset!

Megan Banks-Jenkins

We can only assume the scratches have gone through the wax layer exposing the cotton below, however we cannot be certain. Try contacting Barbour directly to see if they can advise whether this is a defect with the garment or not.


Teally

I bought a second hand Barbour cheaply off eBay, it smelt quite musty, so I went against the advice of Barbour and tried the tip of someone on another forum and put it in a COLD machine wash, no spin & WITHOUT any detergent and hung it out to dry, it seems to have done the trick. I would not have done this if it was a full price one though!

Megan Banks-Jenkins

We do understand your reasons for trying this and that is great to hear that you have managed to restore your Barbour Jacket to a good condition. Although we do strongly advise against this method for all wax jackets and would suggest monitoring the wax layer on the jacket as this may have stripped during the wash therefore losing the waterproofness of the jacket. You may also find it difficult to reproof again.


Armin Yashed

I did the same, bought a ridiculously cheap Beaufort on ebay but it smelled very musty, like it had been in a loft for twenty years! Which is possible as it’s a 24 year old jacket. I agonised for a while then decided to wash it, inside out, on a short, luke warm wool wash with a hint of soap but I found that when it came out, the jacket smelt more musty than when i put it in. My reason for washing it was more to do with the lining as it was pretty grubby and this has improved no end. I have a heated drying room, so i shall leave it in there for a few days to thoughly dry and will then reproof it. Fingers crossed it should be fine, especially as I only wanted it for walking the dogs.

Megan Banks-Jenkins

That's great news, keep us posted.


Ivana

I'm not able to find any information about how to store a Barbour jacket (in my case Beaufort and Bedale) during the summer, or when not used. Is it ok to leave them on a hanger for a few months? Im worried they will stretch with gravity.

Megan Banks-Jenkins

The jacket will not stretch when left on a hanger so it is safe to do this during the summer months. We advise keeping it away from direct sunlight, radiators and other clothing just to prevent the wax from drying or transferring onto other clothes. Use a suitable and large enough hanger so the shoulders keep their shape.


Catherine

I bought a Barbour 2 weeks ago. Today was the 4th time I wore it and unfortunately i was caught in heavy down pour. Now the jacket looks like it has bleach marks all over it. Any ideas on what to do?

Megan Banks-Jenkins

Without seeing the jacket we can only presume that these are water marks which can be easily removed by sponge, wiping the garment with cold water.


Sara Ford

I have a waterproof breathable Barbour jacket. Been out this evening and it smells strongly of smoke. Is there anyway to clean this. Can I put it in washing machine?don’t want to ruin it as brand new for Xmas!

Megan

Providing the garment is not a wax jacket, you should be able to wash it. There should be a care label in the inside pocket with the appropriate care instructions for your jacket.


Naagorik

Wow. Very informative article. Thanks


Russell May

I have some make up and foundation I think on the arm of my wax jacket and I’m struggling to remove it with cold water is there a trick I’m missing?

Megan

Regrettably there is not much more you can do to remove the stain besides damping the affected area with cold water and a cloth. You could try using a stiff brush to agitate the area and hopefully lift some of the stain but please avoid at all costs resorting to using a washing machine as your jacket will be stripped of its’ wax coating completely and may prove difficult to reproof.


Home Plix

As a regular buyer from Philip Morris I appreciate the work you have put into this to provide so much information.


David

Got my first barbour yesterday for my birthday , love it I was out shopping and got coughs in some heavy rain, coat worked perfect and was dry as sticks Unfortunately it has developed some white marks? Can anyone explain what they could be? And how to cure them re-wax? With the coat being less than 24 hours old ( bought from a Barbour retail outlet) I’d assume it would have been ok.

Patrick

Presumably these are just water marks which can be easily removed by sponge wiping the garment with cold water. This can often happen in heavy rain.


Hn

My daughter’s jacket was waxed last week and looked amazing- then it fell in t sand on the beach and is covered in sand. We don’t know how to get rid of the sand, it is completely coated – like breaded. It is so frustrating. Any advice would be welcome.

Megan

When freshly rewaxed, the outer surface of the wax jacket will be very moist and very sticky so it is best to avoid things like sand that will stick to the garment like glue! You could try removing the sand with cold water and a damp sponge but as the garment has only recently been rewaxed, there may be a chance that it will need to be rewaxed again as wiping off the sand will remove some of the fresh wax coating. You could also try using a stiff brush but once again this method may affect the wax outer. Over time the wax will become less moist and sticky so you will be able to simply brush off any fibres that it comes into contact with.


Jon Constantine

I have a wax Barbour jacket (Steve McQueen range). It’s has what looks like oil stains on it but in reality I’m not sure what they are As the jacket was in the boot of my car. Rubbing with just clean water has done nothing so wondered what I can do? Can it be cleaned and relaxed? Or do you have any other advise? Please help!

Megan

It can be difficult to remove marks from a wax jacket and there is not much more you can do to remove the stain besides damping the affected area with cold water and a cloth. You could try using a stiff brush to agitate the area and hopefully lift some of the stain but please avoid resorting to using a washing machine as your jacket will be stripped of its’ wax coating completely and may prove difficult to reproof.


Andrew

I have a waxed jacket that I unfortunately took to the cleaners. I’m not sure if they machine washed it or dry cleaned it, but they completely removed the wax. Is it impossible to rewax at this point?

Megan

We’re sorry to hear that your wax jacket has become very dry. Wax jackets should NOT be machine washed or dry cleaned at all costs as this strips the wax completely and therefore the jacket loses its waterproof coating. If the jacket has been machine-washed, and the layer of wax has been completely stripped, you may find it extremely difficult to re wax as the cotton underlayer may be too dry to allow the wax layer to seep through. We advise contacting Barbour to obtain further advice and possibly arrange to send your jacket for a rewax.


Helen

So glad to have found this site. I have a brown William Morris Utility wax jacket which I have cleaned and waxed myself. However, now it black and brown. It looks shabby and discoloured. I’m not sure how to correct this. I would appreciate any advice.

Patrick

How often do you rewax your jacket? Depending on the usage, wax jackets should be reproofed annually or every two years to maintain their condition. The discoloured areas maybe due to the wax not taking to the cotton layer as well and therefore may require extra rewaxing.


Irene

I’d like to clean the rolled up sleeve lining of a barbour liberty with rose print. It’s the polyester part. Can I use soapy water? Or which product would you recommend? I have heard that wax can seep through to the lining?

Patrick

The best way to clean the interior of a wax jacket would be using soapy water and a sponge to gently remove dirt and any unwanted marks. There isn't a specific soap we would use on the inside, most soaps would be suitable for this. We advise not putting the soap on the outside or using any other chemical products, just in case they come into contact with the wax and damage the jacket.


Jenny

My daughter’s Classic Bedale is about 7 years old and has never been re-waxed. She wore it a good bit the first couple of years and not much since. How would we know if the wax is too far gone to re-wax now? I have a small tin of British Millrain Original Wax Dressing… can I use that? And is a small tin enough to do a small Classic Bedale?

Patrick

Barbour recommend rewaxing their jackets every 1 – 2 years depending on the usage. If the jacket appears to be very dry, rewaxing may prove to be ineffective as the wax will simply seep into the cotton and not provide a waterproof outer layer. We are not familiar with this brand of wax and can't be certain if it contains any chemicals that may react with your daughter's Barbour jacket. A full re-wax generally requires one or two 200ml tins of wax (depending on the condition of the garment).


Jenny Overbey

I wore my coat to church last evening and had it laying on the pew next to me. The person behind me dripped candle wax all over the arm of the coat. I now have white drips all over the sleeve. What can I do? It doesn’t peel off.

Patrick

We’re sorry to hear your wax jacket has had an encounter with some candle wax! I’m afraid it is incredibly difficult to remove marks such as candle wax and the only advice we would give would be to work the area with a cold damp sponge. You could try using a stiff brush to agitate the area and hopefully lift some of the candle wax but this may remove some of the jacket’s thornproof wax layer and might leave marks too. We have had someone tell us that they resorted to the washing machine to remove candle wax and this worked for them but it also removed the garment wax. It didn't leave marks behind from the candle wax on this occassion, but they were unable to rewax the jacket afterwards because of the machine wash.


Martin

Unfortunately my wax jacket has had a run in with some bleach. I currently have a number of discoloured patches (very yellow) and one very large discoloured patch on the back. Is there anything that can be done?

Megan

Regrettably bleach is an unforgiving chemical and there is not a lot that can be done to remove the discoloured patches. You could try rewaxing over the affected areas in hope that it will darken the patches but they won’t disappear I’m afraid.


Anthony Jeffers

Very informative article. It's helped me decide on the best course of action with my Barbour, thanks for sharing this with all.


John

I recently purchased a used Barbour Sapper on Ebay in great condition. I would like to wax it myself but do not know if it has been machine-washed. I asked the seller on Ebay but they bought it from a Nordstrom/Bloomingdales auction and are unsure.

My question is: are there any visual/textural indications that the jacket has been machine washed? There is a patch of the jacket (above chest pocket) that is a slightly lighter-green than the rest but I know I’ve seen that on other used jackets.

Secondary question: I waxed a small area on the back to test for seepage but I now realize I wouldn’t even know what that would look like (would the quilted lining appear or feel different?). Any help appreciated.

Megan

Firstly, wax jackets should not be machine washed as this will completely strip the wax layer making it very difficult to rewax again. If the jacket appears to be very dry, rewaxing may prove to be ineffective as the wax will simply seep into the cotton and not provide a waterproof outer layer. When rewaxing, the jacket should have a moist topcoat that would indicate the wax sitting correctly providing an even, and not patchy, coating.

John

Thank you! I gave it a shot and it came out great. It looks how it should and did not seep through to the lining.


Richard Owen

I have a Barbour Brompton wax jacket and have worn a couple of times in rain, no problems. Today I was outside in the very heavy rain, kept me dry, but having hanged to drip dry, I have noticed lots of areas of whitish blooming appearing, particularly heavy around backs of the armpits. The nice consistent colour has gone and it looks pretty mottled, grateful for any ideas what this may be and how to restore original look.

Megan

Without seeing the jacket, we would presume that these are just watermarks. Watermarks look white and can happen during heavy rain. These can be easily removed by sponge wiping the garment with cold water.


Sally-Anne Hunt

I bought a Barbour wax jacket a month ago. Last week l got caught in a rain shower and after it had dried, it was covered in blotches of light green, as if the wax had worn away. I was very upset. I contacted Barbour who said the rain can distribute the wax and l would need to put it in the tumble drier and it should put it right. I just thought my jacket must have been faulty as l couldn’t believe that my new jacket looked years old after one rain shower. What l find hard to believe is that you don’t get told this information. I would really value your advice.

Megan

When buying new wax jackets, the wax layer can sometimes be very fresh and therefore has not settled on the jacket fully yet so with a heavy downpour, you may find the wax shifts slightly. If Barbour themselves have advised using a tumble drier then we recommend following their guidance but haven't been told or done this before.


Charlotte

My apologies in advance if this is covered already but I have recently bought a second-hand Barbour jacket that is quite smelly and could likely do with a re-wax. Should I only use water and a sponge to clean it or is there something else I should consider (vinegar, soap, etc.)? Also, what temperature of water is best for cleaning?

Megan

The only way to clean a wax jacket is to brush off any dirt, and then wipe it down using cold water only. Should you wish to improve the smell inside the jacket then lightly spray some febreeze to remove the odour and leave it to air dry.


Carol

My son has tried to do the honourable thing by re-waxing (not washing) his stylish Barbour jacket, but unfortunately he has over-waxed it in some places and left it untreated in others … Any advice please for how I might be able to help rectify the pretty awful patchy outcome? Otherwise it’s jacket pretty much ruined.

Megan

Please do not despair, your son’s jacket is not ruined! Excess wax can be wiped off in places where there is too much. It might be worth trying to wipe off as much wax as you can and restart the rewaxing to ensure an even layer all over. However, if you’re not confident rewaxing it again yourself then we advise sending the garment to Barbour for professional reproofing.


Rhothgar Den Viking

Well I am going to take the plunge today and machine wash my very old Barbour Border.

Paraffin Wax generally has a melting point of 54-56 deg C but their wax has a percentage of bees wax added. Washing out 30-40 deg C with a biological powder or liquid is unlikely to fully strip the waxes out IMHO. As a test, I’ve not tried it yet but, fill a bowl with hot water and adjust the temperature to 40 deg C using a thermometer and some cold water and then ‘wash’ your hands in a bit of the Thornproof Dressing and then try to wash it out with some biological washing machine liquid or powder. I think you will find it is difficult to remove at 40 degrees. Mechanical scrubbing will obviously help to remove some wax as would leaving your hands to soak for a length of time in a biological mix.

The only thing I am slightly hesitant about is whether to use bio or non-bio. Biological washing powder and liquids contain enzymes. These help to break down fat, grease and proteins to get clothes clean. Non-bio doesn’t contain enzymes so is generally gentler, making it a better choice for sensitive skin. As modern non-bio liquids claim to perform as well as bio these days, I am tempted to try non-bio but the odours are more likely to be removed using a bio detergent. Decisions! Decisions! It’s a very old jacket bought secondhand to add to my collection of Barbours so I won’t be 100% upset if it doesn’t work out.

I also have a one crest trench coat in my collection with no lining so that will probably get the treatment too but the patina is beautiful as it is because it has lived so that is going to take some thinking about.

Dean

Wow! It sounds like you have made your mind up to go against the advice of putting your wax jacket in the washing machine. Some people who have made comments have also stated they are going for it and plunging for a machine wash. Many of these people can no longer re-wax the jacket properly afterwards. It is a decission against the recommended from the experienced and the manufacturer so we cannot comment on what powder or liquid to use and feel this also needs to be your choice. I hope it works out for you! Please let us know how you get on once done.

Rhothgar Den Viking

:-( I should have listened! My Border jacket has become lighter than it was originally and when trying to re-wax, it started to appear on the inside which is no good because wax will get on my clothes worn underneath. I spoke with Barbour and they said they think it is lighter because of the detergent I used, as most detergents have a small amount of bleach in them. I asked them if I can fix the wax from getting inside the jacket and they said no and I'm better off buying a new jacket.

Oh my days! Obviously all the decissions I made were not good one's. :-(

Dean

So sorry to hear that! I know this may not be of any consolation, but if you decide to buy a new Barbour Wax Jacket we do have some great deals on at the moment. Let us know if you need any help.


Kelly

How do I clean the inside of my Barbour ladies parka coat it’s wax all over but inside the hood is wool and is starting to look dirty?

John

Unfortunately Barbour wax jackets cannot be washed in the washing machine and the inner lining or fur of the jacket should be washed by hand in cold water and using a sponge. Regular cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your garment but removes dust and dirt that can cause premature wear. Regular cleaning also prevents dirt build-up from becoming irremovable stains. However, it's not advised to wash in the washing machine. Once you have hand washed the jacket, hang to dry naturally and completely for at least 24 hours in a dry, well ventilated area.