nAs I stood in the rain for my train, I couldn’t help but notice the man next to me wearing a worn-out Barbour jacket. It looked like it had been through a lot, but it was still as strong and stylish as ever. That’s when I realized how important it was to take proper care of my beloved Barbour jacket, which has been with me on many outdoor adventures.
The Barbour jacket is a classic piece of British outerwear that is known for being long-lasting and stylish. If you want your Barbour jacket to last for years, you need to clean and take care of it the right way. This article describes how I cleaned my Barbour jacket and offers tips for doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
To take care of your Barbour jacket, you need to know what makes it special, get it ready for cleaning, and use the right cleaning methods. I’ll show you step-by-step how to make your jacket always look great. I’ll talk about how to dry and store your Barbour jacket correctly, as well as give you tips on how to make it last as long as possible.
You will know how to take care of your Barbour waxed cotton jacket with confidence by the end of this article. It will be ready to accompany you on all of your future adventures.
Understanding the Unique Qualities of Barbour Jackets
To really understand how well-made and long-lasting a Barbour jacket is, you need to learn about the brand’s long and fascinating history. By learning about the materials used to make these classic jackets and how to take proper care of them, you can make sure that your Barbour jacket stays a beloved and long-lasting friend.
The History and Heritage of Barbour
Barbour is a British company that has been making excellent outerwear since 1894. It is run by a family. For more than a century, Barbour has been synonymous with quality, durability, and classic style. The brand’s dedication to quality and deep connection to the British countryside have made it popular with both outdoor enthusiasts and people who care about fashion.
Materials Used in Barbour Jackets
Many people are aware that high-quality materials, such as waxed cotton, go into making Barbour jackets. Cotton and a paraffin-based wax combine to create this unique fabric.
This makes a material that doesn’t absorb water and lasts a very long time. Barbour jackets use waxed cotton, which comes from the best cotton and goes through a careful waxing process to ensure it works well.
More premium materials than just waxed cotton go into making Barbour jackets. Additionally, they incorporate corduroy and wool into their construction. We carefully selected these materials to enhance the warmth, comfort, and style of Barbour jackets. This implies that you can wear them in a variety of weather conditions and situations.
Why Proper Care is Essential
When you buy a Barbour jacket, you’re committing to quality and durability. However, it’s important to take excellent care of your jacket so that it keeps its waterproofing, excellent looks, and overall performance.
If you don’t clean and take care of your Barbour jacket properly, the wax coating could wear off, making it less effective at keeping you warm in harsh weather.
Cleaning and re-waxing your Barbour jacket as needed will help keep the waxed cotton in excellent shape and extend its life. By following the care instructions, you can ensure that your jacket remains a reliable and beloved friend for years to come. It will accompany you on a variety of outdoor adventures and special occasions.
Preparing Your Barbour Jacket for Cleaning
Before you start cleaning your favorite Barbour jacket, you need to do a few things to make sure you get the best results. Preparing your Barbour jacket for cleaning is a simple yet crucial step that enhances its longevity and quality. Let’s go over the important steps together.
Checking the Care Label
Read the care label on your Barbour jacket before you start getting it ready for cleaning. You can usually find this label inside the jacket. It provides cleaning instructions and safety precautions. If you read the care label and follow the steps, you should be able to clean your jacket without damaging it by accident.
Emptying Pockets and Removing Detachable Parts
The next thing you should do is empty all of your sweater’s pockets. This step ensures you don’t accidentally leave anything inside that could break during cleaning or damage your jacket.
Additionally, remove any removable parts, such as hoods or liners. Cleaning these parts separately allows for a more thorough cleaning of your jacket and prevents damage to the attachments.
Closing Zippers and Fasteners
Before cleaning your Barbour jacket, close all zippers, snaps, and buttons. This simple step ensures the jacket maintains its shape during the cleaning process and prevents any damage to the hardware. By securing these closures, you also make sure that the cleaning process works better because the cleaning solution can reach all parts of the jacket equally.
Making time to prepare your Barbour jacket for cleaning will go more smoothly. To achieve the best cleaning results, make sure to check the care label, empty the pockets, remove any detachable parts, and close all zippers and fasteners, ensuring your jacket looks great and lasts for years to come.
Cleaning Your Barbour Jacket at Home
There are a few important things you should remember when you clean your Barbour jacket at home. If you need to clean your jacket more thoroughly or just want to get rid of some small stains, these steps will help keep your beloved Barbour in excellent shape.
Spot Cleaning with Cold Water and Mild Soap
Spot cleaning your Barbour jacket is an effortless and effective way to get rid of small stains or dirty spots. First, use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the area with cold water and mild soap.
Make sure you don’t scrub too hard, because that can damage the wax coating. After you’ve cleaned the stain, run cold water over the area to get rid of any soapy residue.
Handwashing Your Jacket in a Bathtub or Large Sink
In order to get your Barbour jacket really clean, you should wash it by hand. Put cold water in a bathtub or large sink, and add a small amount of mild detergent made for delicate fabrics.
Carefully put your jacket in the water and agitate it, paying extra attention to places that are very dirty. This method of hand washing is ideal for cleaning your Barbour jacket at home because it allows you to get it clean without damaging it.
Rinsing thoroughly and refraining from wringing or twisting
After washing your Barbour jacket by hand, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly with cold water until all the soap is gone. Do not twist or wring the jacket to get rid of extra water. This could damage the fabric and wax coating.
Instead, gently squeeze the item to remove any remaining water. These simple steps will help your Barbour jacket look excellent for years to come, whether you just want to clean a few spots or wash it completely by hand at home.
How to Clean a Barbour Jacket Using Professional Services
If you’re not sure how to clean your Barbour jacket at home or would rather have a professional do it, you might want to use a professional cleaning service. A lot of barbour stores offer professional cleaning and reproofing services for waxed cotton jackets.
These services have the skills and tools to clean your jacket thoroughly and re-wash it if needed. This will help restore the jacket’s water resistance and make it last longer.
If you’re looking for a professional service to clean your Barbour jacket, you should ask how long they’ve been cleaning jackets like yours and what methods they use. This will make sure that your jacket gets the best care possible, since professionals who know how to handle Barbour jackets properly will be able to do so.
If you use a professional service to clean and reproof your Barbour jacket, here are some of the benefits:
- We thoroughly cleaned the jacket to remove all dirt, stains, and smells.
- I am applying wax again to protect the fabric and restore its water resistance.
- Professionals with extensive experience handle the jacket with care.
- Maintaining the jacket’s appearance and extending its lifespan is crucial.
Cleaning your jacket at a professional service may cost more than cleaning it yourself, but you can rest easy knowing that your beloved Barbour jacket is in excellent hands. A professional service is definitely something you should think about if you have a stain that won’t come out or think your jacket needs a deeper clean and reproofing.
Drying and Storing Your Barbour Jacket Properly
To keep your Barbour jacket in good shape and last longer, it’s important to dry and store it correctly after cleaning it. The important thing is to keep the jacket away from direct sources of heat that could hurt the fabric or wax coating while it cures. Hanging your jacket on a strong wooden hanger will help it dry evenly and let air flow through it.
Reshaping and Brushing the Jacket
While your Barbour jacket is still slightly damp from washing, gently reshape it to maintain its original shape as it dries. Take a soft-bristled brush and go over your jacket once it’s completely dry. This will help get rid of any dirt or dust that’s still on the fabric and bring back its texture, making your jacket look new again.
Storing Your Jacket in a Cool, Dry Place
You should keep a Barbour jacket somewhere cool and dry to keep it in good shape. Don’t put it in wet or humid places because mildew can grow there, and the fabric and wax coating will wear down over time.
The best way to store your jacket is on a wooden hanger in a closet or other designated area. If you want to store it for a long time, you might want to put it in a garment bag that lets air flow through it so that it stays dust- and bug-free. Proper storage helps maintain the shape and condition of your jacket, ensuring it remains wearable for years to come. This is especially important if you’re trying to build a capsule wardrobe, as each piece should be timeless and versatile. Taking these extra steps will keep your jacket looking its best, allowing it to seamlessly complement the rest of your wardrobe staples.
Whe you follow these straightforward steps to dry, reshape, brush, and store your Barbour jacket, it will stay in excellent shape and be ready for your next outdoor adventure. If you take good care of your trusty Barbour, it will stay in your closet for years.
FAQ
How often should I clean my Barbour jacket?
I think you should clean your Barbour jacket once or twice a year, depending on how often you wear it and how much dirt and stain it gets. On a regular basis, spot cleaning the jacket between full cleanings can help keep it looking good.
Can I machine wash my Barbour jacket?
No, you shouldn’t wash your Barbour jacket in the washing machine because it can damage the fabric and wax coating. Always read the care label, wash your jacket by hand, or have it cleaned by a professional.
Is it necessary to re-wash my Barbour jacket after cleaning?
If you clean your jacket and then notice that it’s not as water resistant as it used to be, you may need to wax it again. You can do this yourself with Barbour’s wax dressing, or you can have it reproofed by a professional.
How can I remove stubborn stains from my Barbour jacket?
For stains that won’t come out, I recommend working gently on the stain with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap. Do not scrub too hard or too quickly, as this can damage the wax coating. If the stain doesn’t go away, you might want to get your jacket cleaned by a professional.
Can I use any type of hanger to store my Barbour jacket?
To store your Barbour jacket, I suggest using a strong wooden hanger. Do not use wire hangers or hangers with sharp edges because they can damage the fabric and make the shoulders look funny.
How long does a Barbour jacket typically last with proper care?
If properly cared for, a Barbour jacket can endure for decades. Generation after generation has passed down well-maintained Barbour jackets, demonstrating their durability and classic appeal.