Photo by Muffy Aldrich
Muffy Aldrich's SALT WATER NEW ENGLAND

Thursday, October 3, 2024

A reader question: How do you get rid of the musty smell in a Barbour?

 A reader question:

Dear Editor,

I recently purchased a Barbour Beaufort coat at a local thrift store . The coat is in great condition but when I got it home I noticed it had a peculiar musty odor. I have hung it in the garage and outside for long stretches but the odor lingers. Any suggestions about how I can get rid of the odor?

Thank you. 

16 comments:

  1. Turn it inside out and spray very lightly with Febreze. Be aware the waxy exterior always has a bit of a funk to it. If it doesn't - it needs to be reproofed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sit around a camp fire while wearing it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Turn it inside out and give it plenty of fresh air and sunlight

    ReplyDelete
  4. You don’t. There isn’t a way to get rid of it permanently and completely due to the old wax. It’s par for the course with old Barbours, but many feel it’s part of the charm.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Both old and new smell that way. If you don’t like that smell, you’ve bought the wrong coat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most true comment on this question...

      Delete
  6. If it's a "human" odor, turn it inside out, and scrub the fabric with Borax.

    If you're referencing the smell of the wax, that's just the way they are.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Vodka in a spray pump. On the lining. Any brand of vodka will do.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have been wearing Barbour Beauforts since the 80's. All the advice here is good. A lot of it applies to other used high quality items as well.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It’s not a well cared for Beaufort if it doesn’t have a musty smell.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is waxed cotton! Just the way things are!

    ReplyDelete
  11. As a Floridian I have experience with musty odor and mildew and I would put the jacket in a small closed space with a dehumidifier bag (like DampRid) or other dehumidifier. Leave it there for a good long time. The mold/mildew needs dampness to survive. Leaving it in bright sunlight works for the same reason but the dehumidifier works in any weather.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Should smell like a box of Crayola crayons. I’ve had my Beaufort since 95 and it looks like Swiss Cheese (I wear it anyway).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 5:44 Anon - me too...can't bear getting rid of it !!

      Delete
  13. Put the coat in the sun /outside for a week. After that put coat in a plastic bin or(if you can find) plastic bag with a box of baking soda ( for a week) That should take care of the problem without the use of any chemicals. It takes a little time but worth it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Rags dipped in cold water for the outside, rags dipped in white vinegar to clean the lining and address the odor.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated.