Brill 1971 G-1 cleaning

[Tim gresla]

i just acquired my first vintage flight jacket. It is in good shape but is a little musty smelling in the Dynal collar. Stopped by a dry cleaner to inquire about cleaning. There are a few small moth holes in the waistband and and the cuffs have a larger hole from wear, possibly from stretching the collar over a watch on the left wrist when taking it on and off. He said there is a significant chance the waistband and cuffs could be damaged further and frayed if sent out for cleaning. Is there a way I could hand clean the dynal collar? What is the best way to do it? The liner and the rest of the jacket doesn’t smell too bad. If I get the collar clean I would be very happy.

 

[Southoftheborder]

Liquid soap and warm water will do it. I don't think you can harm synthetic collars very easily but obviously you shouldn't try to wring its neck.

 

[Bombing IP]

Get your self a net bag put the jacket in and wash on delicate cycle ,hang in a warm room to dry . You will see 40 years of dirt come out and the jacket will be better off for it .

BIP

 

[Geeboo]

agree with BIP. Get the dirt all out & the jkt will be much finer. word of caution, after natural dry to mid-dry, do remember to apply leather lotion or otherwise, leather will become stiff

 

[Tim gresla]

Geebo and Bombing IP thanks for the advice. Cleaning in a mesh bag on delicate then leather moisturizer worked great with no further damage to knit cuffs and waistband

 

[Bombing IP]

Hi Tim your most welcome ,you will find that the washing will tighten up wool cuffs and hem and refresh the stiching and generally tighten it all up and it will smell better . I am not a lover of the dry cleaning process ,using chemicals to clean fabrics and leather . To me does more harm than good and never smells fresh like washing in water and detergent with a good soaking .Military jackets use excellent leather and within the specification it is expected to get wet because its issued to the Navy . The other benefit is that you have a jacket you can put over a clean T shirt and the shirt will still be clean when you take the jacket off . Have fun with the jacket ,all the best.

Bip

 

[navairfan]

i just acquired my first vintage flight jacket. It is in good shape but is a little musty smelling in the Dynal collar. Stopped by a dry cleaner to inquire about cleaning. There are a few small moth holes in the waistband and and the cuffs have a larger hole from wear, possibly from stretching the collar over a watch on the left wrist when taking it on and off. He said there is a significant chance the waistband and cuffs could be damaged further and frayed if sent out for cleaning. Is there a way I could hand clean the dynal collar? What is the best way to do it? The liner and the rest of the jacket doesn’t smell too bad. If I get the collar clean I would be very happy.

I agree with the others - wash it. I've washed three of my vintage G-1 jackets, with great results. One smelled very badly, most likely from a smoker's home. I washed all thee jackets separately in a front-loading washing machine, on gentle cycle. Don't use a top-loading machine, as the agitator could damage the jacket. I used Woolite detergent, then hung them up to dry on padded hangers in a room with a dehumidifier. Once dry, I gave each jacket a coat of Peckard's leather treatment. A good washing did wonders removing smells, grime and sweat from my 45+ years old jackets.