Washing a Wested lamb

Discuss technique for prolonging the life of your gear or giving it that aged look

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Nebraska Brad
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Washing a Wested lamb

Post by Nebraska Brad »

I did something really stupid last night and wore my Wested to a packed smoky bar. Needless to say it STINKS today. My question is if I throw it in the washing machine on gentle with a little detergent and use the air dry method will it take the smell out? I would like to avoid shrinkage as the fit is good as is. I have searched the forums but would appreciate any help yo guys can give me.

-Nebraska
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Tron7960
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Post by Tron7960 »

I wouldn't wash it if you don't want significant changes.

Just give it time to air out in a well ventilated area. It may take a few days, but should do the trick.

One advantage to the smoking laws here, no smoking in public places=no smokey clothes! (unless it's your own)

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Hunter Jones
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Post by Hunter Jones »

If you have access to one, an air purifier can speed up the process. The ionization of the air will help get rid of the smoke smell.
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Michaelson
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Post by Michaelson »

You can wash them, but there's a good chance some of the dyed surface will 'sluff' off, leaving bare spots. You can restore those spots with brown Pecards, enough that they are not noticable, but if you have a satin lining, it could either shred or come loose from the stitching at the cuffs. (mine did, but I resewed them back).

I had the same problem with one that reeked of smoke. It cleaned up with a wash on delicate, but it took DAYS to dry (I did not put in the dryer, as I didn't want to experience the hide shrinkage, but the lining staying the same. Ugly. :shock: ) I then treated the entire jacket with a coating of Pecards jell. The jacket ended up fine, but it took a LONG time to get it where I wanted it again.

Best thing to do is the air purifier idea. Look through this section for other ideas. This topic has come up many times, and recently.

Regards! Michaelson
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Mossyrock
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Post by Mossyrock »

Here's an idea.... Put it in the clothes drier on "fluff air" (no heat) and see if that helps.
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The Aviator
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Post by The Aviator »

I always had a problem with that with my wested before the smoking ban in ireland ....i simply wiped it down with a moist cloth and then left it in the fresh air or beside an open window and it always did the trick for me
:lol:


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Nebraska Brad
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Post by Nebraska Brad »

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I actually had really good luck by just hanging the jacket over a chair outside on a nice breezy day. A couple of hours later and no stink.

-Nebraska
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