Garment Care

Our traditional oilskin and waxed coats and jackets are made from sturdy 100% cotton that is coated with our uniquely formulated oil and wax finish to give the fabric its distinctive weatherproof and breathable character. As specialised garments, Driza-Bone fabrics need special attention to maintain its water-resistant qualities.

How do I care for my Driza-Bone garment?

The following care instructions will help prolong the life of your Driza-Bone garments. Before you buy one of our coats or jackets, please make sure you choose the right size, as stretched seams may allow water to penetrate.
To preserve the integrity of your Driza-Bone, regularly inspect for signs of wear, particularly in high friction areas such as under the armpits, creases, pockets and seams. Maintain the garments signature water-resistant properties by periodically applying the relevant Driza-Bone reproofer. Should repairs be necessary, reproof the stitched areas for enhanced longevity.

Cleaning

•    Follow the washing/care instructions attached to the inside of the garment
•    Do not wash with detergent or hot water as this removes the oil and wax which are crucial to the water resistant qualities
•    When the garment gets dirty, brush off dirt or sponge down with cold water
•    When garment is extremely dirty, hand wash in cold water
If the garment requires a complete clean, we recommend using pure soap (please note, the garment will require reproofing if it is washed using soap or detergent as these will wash out the waterproofing qualities):
•    After washing, rinse well (we suggest hanging the garment outside on clothesline and hosing down)
•    Hang in a well-ventilated area until completely dry
•    Do not hang on radiators, expose to naked flame or use artificial heat to dry
•    Once completely dry, the garment will require reproofing
•    Do not machine wash, dry clean, starch or iron

Removing Mould

•    Firstly brush off as much mould on the garment as you can find
•    Sponge diluted vinegar onto the affected areas
•    Hand wash in luke warm water using a pure soap. Do not soak your coat
•    For shearling lined garments, hand wash using a wool detergent.
•    Rinse off as much of the soap as you can and hang it out to dry using a strong coat hanger. Keep out of direct sunlight
•    Hose down any excess soap and air your coat. It may take some time airing your coat out to completely remove the musky smell
•    Once you’ve cleaned your coat the soap may have stripped most of the oil out of the coat so it will need reproofing. When reproofing your Driza-Bone garment please refer to the reproofing instructions as listed below on this page
•    If the garment is completely overrun with mould you can wash the whole coat in diluted vinegar and water. (Dilution is one part vinegar and twenty parts water.) This will get the vinegar right through the whole coat to kill the mould
•    Allow sufficient time for the garment to dry completely, and keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Please note, always store your oilskin garment in a dry well ventilated area. Do not place in a cupboard or plastic bag for long periods of time, otherwise it will become mouldy.
Oilskin Garment Care
As a specialised garment, the Driza-Bone Oilskin fabric needs special attention to maintain its weatherproofing qualities.

Reproofing

With wear over time, the oil and wax on the oilskin fabric will naturally dry out. We recommend regular monthly checks to prevent dryness and promote longevity. The timeframe for fully reproofing your oilskin garment is every 12-18 months, depending on use and wear. At Driza-Bone we offer a reproofing product for oilskin care.
ORIGINAL WAX (TIN)

•    For reproofing entire oilskin garments
•    One 200ml tin will reproof one oilskin coat
•    To reproof an entire long coat, we recommend two tins for sufficient coverage.
•    Wax compound needs to be heated and melted before use
•    Use only genuine Driza-Bone Reproofer as substitutes may harm our garments
•    Do not use any leather care goods to treat your oilskin garments as the oilskin has different properties to leather

Usage Directions: 

•    The original Wax Reproofer (tin) is an oil/wax compound that needs to be heated up by placing the tin in hot water (with the lid off) as this will liquefy the dressing (essential for easy and effective application)
•    Do not place tin in microwave
•    Place the garment on a flat surface and apply Reproofer using a soft-bristled paintbrush or sponge, paying particular attention to vulnerable areas such as shoulders, neck seams and places subject to friction (e.g. under arms, pockets and creases in sleeves and knees)
•    After reproofing, hang the garment out in the sun on a warm day or use the heat of a hairdryer on a low setting, spreading the heat evenly over the coat (this is recommended to achieve a factory finish)
•    After drying, place the garment on a strong hanger and leave to cool
Lightweight Range Garment Care
Light weight cotton garments that feature an emulsified wax finish that has a dry hand feel and enables water resistance and natural wind protection.

Reproofing

With wear over time, the emulsified finish of the fabric will naturally dry out. We recommend regular monthly checks to prevent dryness and promote longevity. At Driza-Bone we offer a reproofing product for our Lightweight Range:
REPROOFING SPRAY (aerosol bottle)
•    For reproofing entire Lightweight Range
•    One 200ml bottle will reproof up to two garments
•    Use only genuine Driza-Bone Reproofer as substitutes may harm our garments

Usage Directions: 

•    Clean garment as per care instructions
•    Use on damp or dry fabric
•    Shake bottle before using
•    Spray evenly from a distance of 10-15cm
•    Rubbing over with a clean cloth dampened with proofer ensures better performance and reduces runs.
•    Allow to dry for 12 hours for maximum performance.

Caution

•    Keep out of reach of children
•    Avoid contact with eyes
•    Avoid prologoned contact with skin
•    Use in a well ventilated area

Storage and General Care

•    Always store your Driza-Bone garment in a dry, well-ventilated area
•    Do not place in a cupboard or plastic bag for long periods of time as it can become mouldy. We recommend using a breathable protective cover or garment bag that allows airflow
•    The oil and wax proofing on your garment keeps you dry but can also rub off on other fabrics, furnishings and garments, so be careful when wearing or storing your coat and do not place next to porous surfaces. 
•    Do not stitch through or repair the outside of the fabric unless absolutely necessary
•    If repairs need to be made, please make sure the area is reproofed after repairing to prevent leaking
•    For further assistance please contact customerservice@drizabone.com.au