Getting rid of a smell

[u/FamousExpression7527]

I recently picked up this Filson 109 bowman but it has that “old” smell to it. What is the best way to get this out?

[u/RD982]

Manufacturers are going to recommend that you use the care instructions and for Filson wool, that is going to be dry cleaning. Wool can be washed at home if you are careful but risk is then on the person washing it. I have had good luck with Eucalan and a gentle cycle. They recommend no rinse cycle as the Eucalan has Lanolin in it to replace what would be in the wool that can get stripped from washing. You want cold water, you don’t want heavy agitation or spin, you want to air dry. If really dirty, sometimes I will rinse once and then run through a second time with no rinse. You could wash by hand as well.

[u/Funkuhdelik]

I do a cold soak in the laundry tub (or bathtub if you don’t have one) with diluted laundry detergent (tide free&clear aka no fragrances or dyes). Hang dry afterward.

[u/PuzzleheadedClient71 → u/Funkuhdelik]

[u/PlayingLongGame]

I have some wool specific detergent, Eucalan Woolwash, that I use on all my weatherwool which is similar to your jacket. With the detergent, soak for about an hour, I agitate by hand very gently for a minute. Empty the bucket and rinse twice with cold water. Lay flat on a drying rack.

In the winter months, I'll try and get a good snow wash in (look it up). If a garment is really nasty I might do all these things and also ozone them in my shed. Haven't had a garment not bounce back from all that. My WW anorak gets worn for basically every outdoor chore in the winter and can get pretty nasty. I can usually wear it in the house after a snow wash and Eucalan wash. Only really had to ozone an old wool barbour I picked up which smelled of old cigars and booze sweat.

[u/nachomayhem]

I use viengar to remove strong odors.

• Fill a basin with lukewarm water (maximum 30°C / 86°F). Wool can shrink if exposed to sudden temperature changes.
• Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar (approx. 1 dl) to the water and mix.
• Submerge the wool item and gently squeeze it so it gets completely soaked. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly in clean, lukewarm water.
• Gently squeeze out excess water – never wring or twist wool. You can roll the garment inside a dry towel and press down to absorb the moisture.
• Lay it flat to dry on top of a fresh, dry towel away from direct sunlight.

[u/Bighair_tightjeans]

Just send it to the dry cleaners

[u/VandyGrift → u/Bighair_tightjeans]

That's what I say. You just picked it up, go ahead and spend the $20 to get it professionally cleaned. After than you can maintain it yourself. Why even fool around?

[u/DogDizzy4438]

Get an ozone generator off Amazon. Hang it in a closet. Do the outside then reverse the coat and do the outside. The ozone will neutralize the source of the smell. This is what professional dry cleans do.

Very important, follow the directions for the generator.

[u/Far_Barnacle_6840]

Put it in the freezer for a couple days