Every country lady and country gent needs a wax jacket in their wardrobe (we don’t make the rules). Perfect for relaxed weekend walks, heading to the stables, or meeting friends for a drink at the pub, it’s an all-rounder in the world of country fashion.
But there’s just one conundrum – how to clean a wax jacket. With very specific care instructions (and a host of dos and don’ts) to maintain the luxe wax coating, you might want to bookmark our wax jacket maintenance guide.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning Your Wax Jacket (the Proper Way)
Even professional dry cleaners aren’t fit for this task, but don’t let that scare you – it’s not really as complicated as it sounds. Although you do need to get it just right to not ruin your favourite outerwear piece (and you also need the right materials).
Materials Needed to Clean a Wax Jacket
- Rydale Wax Cotton Dressing – our signature tub of reproofing wax, perfectly matched to your jacket’s finish.
- Rydale Proofing Spray – for a quick touch-up on seams and hard-to-reach spots.
- Mild bristle brush – to loosen stubborn grit without scratching the fabric.
- Sturdy hanger – to support the weight of a wet jacket without distorting the shoulders.
You should also always check the instructions on your jacket’s care label. Although we (obviously) know what we’re talking about, the specifics for your jacket might actually be slightly different.
How Often Should You Clean Your Wax Jacket?
If you’re trekking through muddy fields every week, give it a light wipe-down after each adventure and a full sponge-wash every couple of months. For more occasional wear, like weekend strolls or pub runs, a thorough clean and reproof once a year will keep it performing at its best.
Step 1: Wipe Down the Jacket to Remove Dirt
Rule number one in how to clean a wax jacket: don’t get it filthy in the first place. But we know that’s pretty much impossible, whether mucking out or exploring the countryside. So, if your jacket has loose dust or dirt covering it, it’s best to take a clean, dry rag to get it looking a little less like it’s been dragged through the mud.
Step 2: Sponge Wash with Cool Water
As gentle as possible is the key takeaway here. Always use cool water – not warm, and especially not hot – with a soft sponge. If your jacket is slightly muckier than normal, you can place it in a cool shower or spray it with a hose (avoiding the most powerful setting).
And if it’s totally drenched in mud or dirt, soaking it in a bucket of cool water will loosen the particles. Then, just follow with a sponge wash.
Step 3: Stay Away From Soap or Detergent
It’s tempting, isn’t it? To give your wax jacket a little extra sparkle with a splash of soapy water. But this is definitely not how to clean a wax jacket. It’ll totally strip it of the wax coating and could also fade its colourful lining.
Step 4: Hang to Dry in a Well-Ventilated Area
Don’t “speed up the process” by packing your wax jacket into the cosy confines of the tumble dryer – proper wax jacket aftercare is essential. It needs to be hung in a well-ventilated area, preferably out of the sun. This can take over 24 hours, so it’s best to start cleaning at a time when you don’t need to wear your jacket.
Step 5: Reproof Your Jacket
This is the last step in how to clean a wax jacket, and perhaps the most important. Think of this as the final layer of protection. If you do it right, it’ll make your jacket waterproof, meaning any water easily beads off. But don’t do this part willy-nilly – doing a near-perfect job is pretty critical, and we’re going to tell you how.
Removing Stains From a Wax Jacket
There are a few methods to remove stains from wax jackets. Spot-treating by gently dabbing with a damp cloth is the simplest way to lift grease or mud. Stubborn stains require a little more work – take a small amount of wax cotton dressing and work into the fabric, then leave for 10 minutes before buffing away any excess.
Can You Machine Wash a Wax Jacket
It’s not recommended – the tumbling action and harsh detergents will strip away the wax coating and damage the fibres. Your jacket’s best spa is a gentle hand-wash with cool water and good old-fashioned elbow grease.
Drying and Caring for Your Wax Jacket
Never ever put your wax jacket in the tumble dryer to speed up the process. Hanging it on a sturdy hanger in a well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight is the way to go. And you should practise patience, too – it can take 24-48 for your jacket to dry fully.
Storing Your Wax Jacket Properly
Let’s start with where you shouldn’t store your wax jacket, shall we? Outdoor areas are typically a no-go, as your jacket will be most at risk of becoming damp and getting mouldy. So, your best bet is somewhere cool and dry.
Find a thick, sturdy hanger to maintain the shoulder shape. And if storing for long periods (during the summer months), use a breathable bag to keep dust away.
When and How to Re-Wax Your Jacket
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, is your jacket fully dry? There’s no use trying to reproof damp or even worse, soggy, fabric. And it’s always best to use a wax made or recommended by the same company as your jacket, because each one will have their own blend.
1. Lay Your Jacket on a Flat Surface
Presuming you’re also keen to avoid making a mess, adding a bin bag on top of the flat surface (be it a table or your flooring) is a sensible idea.
2. Smooth Out the Jacket
Use your hands to flatten any large creases. Then, melt the wax by placing the can in a pan of hot water or using a hairdryer (whichever way you feel safest).
Did you know? There’s an art to removing stubborn creases from a wax jacket. But the first thing you should know is that an iron is not your friend – nor is a steamer. To keep heat exposure at a minimum, try hanging it in the shower.
3. Evenly Apply the Wax
This is the fun part. Take a soft cloth and dip into your tub of Wax Cotton Dressing, then rub into one small section at a time. But be careful – the application should be as even as possible, ensuring all seams are covered to prevent leakage.
You can also use our Wax Proofing Spray for a much simpler, quicker job. But part of the fun of owning and cleaning a wax jacket is enjoying the ritual of protecting the wax the traditional way, isn’t it?
4. Wipe Off Excess Wax
If you got a little too happy with the wax, don’t panic. A clean, soft rag will help to remove any extra. And when you’ve done that, it’s time to blend the wax with a warm hair dryer.
5. Dry Overnight in a Well-Ventilated Area
Unfortunately, there’s very little you can do to speed up this process. But a little patience goes a long way, doesn’t it?
Signs Your Jacket Needs Re-waxing
- Water has started to soak in, instead of beading on the surface.
- Dull, grey patches appear where the wax has worn thin.
- The seams feel stiff or crack when you flex the fabric.
- The edges of the cuffs and collar have started to fray.
Common Mistakes in Wax Jacket Care
- Using warm or hot water when washing
- Being tempted to “enhance” cleaning with soaps, detergents, or solvents
- Leaving your jacket in intense heat or bright sunlight
- Dry cleaning or throwing in the washing machine
- Ironing or applying starch to your wax jacket
- Reproofing before your jacket is clean and completely dry
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Clean a Wax Jacket
Can wax jackets be washed in a washing machine?
No! Detergents combined with the harsh spinning action will damage the fabric and strip away the coating.
How do I remove odours from my wax jacket?
Throw away any homemade concoctions – certain chemicals and ingredients could affect the wax coating. Just air your jacket outside for a few hours.
How often should I re-wax my wax jacket?
If it regularly gets mucky, every 3 months should do the trick. Otherwise, stick to once a year.
Can dry cleaners clean a wax jacket?
No – dry-cleaning solvents will break down the wax finish, so stick to gentle hand-care only.
Shop Wax Jackets at Rydale
As stylish as they are practical, our Rydale wax jackets are a top pick for country folk. And now you know how to clean a wax jacket, owning one will be a doddle. Shop our ladies and men’s wax jackets here at Rydale.