Can we talk about something dirty?

[steve white]

How do you clean things that cannot just be thrown in the washer. I'm talking about the armpits of tartan lined waxed cotton jackets, the lining of leather jackets, etc. Things that would be either a pain to send to just any cleaners, or in the case of heavily waxed garments, I don't want to have to go through a whole re-treat. Some garments even says, "just sponge off any mud." Well, that only goes so far.
I try to never wear dirty clothing under such a jacket, but we all sweat, and hunting camps are not always the Ritz Carlton, and actual bathing not an option....
What procedures or products do you use for such garments?

 

[grand veneur]

I have never cleaned leather jackets, leather trousers or wax jackets. I only wipe off local dirt with a sponge when necessary. After a certain amount of time, this clothing acquires a special patina that gives it its originality. Dirt should also protect against the cold. Joking aside, that are old-fashioned items of clothing from times when cleaning clothes was not the most important occupation. I also like such clothes, but I know that there are much better ones available nowadays, clothes that are more in line with our current habits.

 

[Challer]

Many cleaners can clean leather goods and the lining

 

[Russ16]

You mention the lining of leather and waxed cotton jackets. So I assume you’re worried about odor. For these I might spray them with some febreeze and hang them up inside out in a place with some air flow to air out. For the outside of these garments I just clean them with a mild soap and cloth maybe a soft brush for something stubborn.

 

[grand veneur]

As written, the dirt on the clothes also protect against the cold. The dirt and the bad smells have never killed anyone, but some people died from freezing to death.

 

[Lumaberpat]

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

 

[rookhawk]

How do you clean things that cannot just be thrown in the washer. I'm talking about the armpits of tartan lined waxed cotton jackets, the lining of leather jackets, etc. Things that would be either a pain to send to just any cleaners, or in the case of heavily waxed garments, I don't want to have to go through a whole re-treat. Some garments even says, "just sponge off any mud." Well, that only goes so far.
I try to never wear dirty clothing under such a jacket, but we all sweat, and hunting camps are not always the Ritz Carlton, and actual bathing not an option....
What procedures or products do you use for such garments?

Several products come to mind.

For leather, lexol is a classic "do no harm" lanolin that can rejuvenate leather and may bubble stink to the surface that can be wiped away. Saddle soap is another option.

For waxed cotton coats, if you can't gently sponge the stank away, you need to use warm dawn dish soap on it to remove the filth and the oil, then you need to apply wax once more after the cotton is dry.

For liners and any other cloth item you can't run through a washing machine, you can use fragrance free detergent and a sponge to hand wash. If you're worried about harming the article, do it lightly and let it dry, then do it again. (take small bites)

Or, ignore all this and do the bachelor / teenager trick for filthy things, cover it in febreeze and pretend it wasn't worn by a turkish prisoner doing a nickel for larceny.

 

[cajunchefray]

You mention the lining of leather and waxed cotton jackets. So I assume you’re worried about odor. For these I might spray them with some febreeze and hang them up inside out in a place with some air flow to air out. For the outside of these garments I just clean them with a mild soap and cloth maybe a soft brush for something stubborn.

@rookhawk suggestions are good. Living in the swamps here, mud, sweat, and clean air are the issues. Cleaning leather with Saddle Soap, treated with Mink Oil, and plenty of dry air ventilation. Waxed canvas, clean with mild Dawn soap solution, plenty of dry air, Ballistol treatment.
The smell takes on its own "patina" over time. I still have my dad's duck hunting vest from decades of use, cleaned with Ballistol.

 

[HankBuck]

How do you clean things that cannot just be thrown in the washer. I'm talking about the armpits of tartan lined waxed cotton jackets, the lining of leather jackets, etc. Things that would be either a pain to send to just any cleaners, or in the case of heavily waxed garments, I don't want to have to go through a whole re-treat. Some garments even says, "just sponge off any mud." Well, that only goes so far.
I try to never wear dirty clothing under such a jacket, but we all sweat, and hunting camps are not always the Ritz Carlton, and actual bathing not an option....
What procedures or products do you use for such garments?

@steve white: are you a “Hunter”? The sign of a good experienced Hunter is “well worn gear”. Anything New or too clean — is a sign of a rookie. Other then changing your underwear twice a week and a shower 2 to 3 times a week you should be good to go…only socks should be kept clean to protect your feet from blisters etc..

 

[Ridge Runner]

Not sure what kind of leather goods you are looking to clean.

My (F&I re enactment clothing): buckskins, leggings, woven gaiters (ties to hold up leggings, and linen hunting shirt all get washed in mild soap, then rung, stretched, and hung to air dry or the leather is worn till dry.

My full leather and lined car club jacket goes to the cleaners for dry cleaning. For light dirt I just use a damp sponge to clean it. Leather conditioner as needed throughout the year.

 

[rookhawk]

We didn't get specific on the type of filth we're addressing here, but here's a tip.

If we're talking about mold and mildew on leather, a q-tip with white vinegar, gently rubbing in circles, and you can remove the mold or mildew entirely. After it airs out to get the vinegar smell to dissipate, use an appropriate leather dressing.

I've found 150 year old gun cases that appeared badly damaged and stank like bad basement. A few hours of gentle conservation work would remove 98% of the damage and virtually all the smell.

 

[steve white]

We didn't get specific on the type of filth we're addressing here, but here's a tip.

If we're talking about mold and mildew on leather, a q-tip with white vinegar, gently rubbing in circles, and you can remove the mold or mildew entirely. After it airs out to get the vinegar smell to dissipate, use an appropriate leather dressing.

I've found 150 year old gun cases that appeared badly damaged and stank like bad basement. A few hours of gentle conservation work would remove 98% of the damage and virtually all the smell.

Describe the old gun case treatment in more detail, please.
Original post intent--underarm smell in fabric liners of waxed cotton/liners of leather jackets.
Wish I had known the vinegar trick--we threw away a nephews expensive leather coat due to mold and mildew stored at my mother's house.
Post also addresses more than just hunting clothing, tho that can have an about the town role as well.

 

[rookhawk]

Describe the old gun case treatment in more detail, please.
Original post intent--underarm smell in fabric liners of waxed cotton/liners of leather jackets.
Wish I had known the vinegar trick--we threw away a nephews expensive leather coat due to mold and mildew stored at my mother's house.
Post also addresses more than just hunting clothing, tho that can have an about the town role as well.

I was just pointing out whether it was an armpit or a gun case, if it stinks of mold and mildew and its made of leather, white vinegar kills it. Small amounts on a q-tip will remove it. When you're done, rejuvenate the now acidic but clean leather with pH neutral Lexol. (Lanolin)

Vinegar is an incredibly useful gun and gunsmithing tool of the trade. In addition to deodorizing and removing mold and mildew, its also used to create pigment for oil stock finishes. Put it on the "10 chemicals I need to own" list. It also makes a decent salad dressing.

 

[HankBuck]

I was just pointing out whether it was an armpit or a gun case, if it stinks of mold and mildew and its made of leather, white vinegar kills it. Small amounts on a q-tip will remove it. When you're done, rejuvenate the now acidic but clean leather with pH neutral Lexol. (Lanolin)

Vinegar is an incredibly useful gun and gunsmithing tool of the trade. In addition to deodorizing and removing mold and mildew, its also used to create pigment for oil stock finishes. Put it on the "10 chemicals I need to own" list. It also makes a decent salad dressing.

@rookhawk - I agree with you on the multi purpose usefulness of Vinegar regarding firearms AND as you said - great salad dressing (much better then Hoppe’s #9)