Posted 2009-04-29 4:20 PM (#104181) Subject: How to clean an oil duster
Member
Posts: 38
Location: Teutopolis, IL
My husbands oil duster/dover has been found! After MIA for a few years we found it in a compartment in the trailer....don't ask! Anyway, it is dirty and VERY musty smelling. I know I can hose off the exterior but the interior doesn't come out and is of cloth material. What would you do? Can I use any products on the outside other then water?
Posted 2009-04-29 7:25 PM (#104185 - in reply to #104181) Subject: RE: How to clean an oil duster
Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah
I'd probably check with some of the companies that make and sell oilcoth dusters as to how to clean. I know they don't recommend washing because it removes the was coating. But if the choice is throw it away or wash it, I'd gamble on the wash and recondition.
there are conditioning kits that you can buy to re-condition the fabric.
From a Sailor's ad.
"A benefit of wax cotton or oilcloth gear is that reproofing will restore the rugged waterproof qualities even after years of use. "
Do a google search for Sailor's re-waterproofing or re-conditioning kets.
Posted 2009-04-30 10:58 AM (#104216 - in reply to #104181) Subject: RE: How to clean an oil duster
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792
Location: East Tennessee, USA, Planet Earth
About 20 yrs ago, that happen on my old duster. I could not get it clean, so...I threw it away. Grr! Since then...no oil dusters for me. They are heavy and too hard to clean. Let us know what you find to clean it. Good luck!!
Posted 2009-04-30 3:41 PM (#104221 - in reply to #104181) Subject: RE: How to clean an oil duster
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
Location: Newton, NJ
Hang the coat on a sturdy hanger outside and hose it down really well. You can use some diluted laundry detergent and a brush to clean off any ground in dirt on the outside (oilcloth). Once the outside is clean and dry, turn the coat inside out and do the same thing. Make a dilute laundry detergent solution and a softer brush and scrub the inside and lining of the coat. Once the inside is totally clean and dry, turn it back right side out and if needed, you can buy a product from the manufacturer to re-oil the outside.
Yes, they are heavy and smelly, but you can't beat one on a cold wet day if you're stuck outside.
Posted 2009-04-30 10:11 PM (#104247 - in reply to #104181) Subject: RE: How to clean an oil duster
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 303
Location: Grapeland, Texas
I was wondering how to clean one too. I have had one for four or five years and don't think I ever used it until a couple of weeks ago. Can't believe I haven't been using it, sure was nice and warm and didn't feel all that heavy when I was wearing it. Have to agree on the smell too, but I noticed mine isn't near as bad as it used to be.