Cleaning Waxed Fabric

Cleaning Waxed Fabric

Jan 25, 2026John Artisan

Professional Care for Waxed Garments

If you love your waxed jacket, oilskin, or waxed canvas garment, you know how well it protects you, but keeping it looking and performing its best requires careful care. Not all cleaning methods are safe, and even small mistakes can ruin the wax coating, weaken the fabric, or leave patchy waterproofing.

At Artisan’s Son, we specialise in professional waxed fabric restoration and rewaxing, but first, let’s explore the proper care steps to keep your garments in top condition.

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Why Waxed Garments Require Special Cleaning

Waxed fabric is not like normal clothing. Ordinary washing or cleaning methods can strip the wax, damage the fibres, and weaken seams.

1. Do Not Machine Washing

Agitation and detergents remove the wax and can permanently weaken the fabric. Machine washing is not recommended.

2. Do Not Dry Cleaning

Solvents used in dry cleaning will destroy the wax finish and reduce waterproofing, leaving the garment less effective.

3. Avoid Household Detergents or Soaps

Even gentle detergents remove the protective wax layer. Waxed garments should never be treated like regular laundry.

4. Clean Gently with Cold Water

Spot cleaning with a cold, damp sponge is the safest method. Focus on dirt and marks, and avoid soaking the garment.

5. Air Dry Naturally

Hang the garment at room temperature, away from radiators or direct heat. Heat can melt the wax unevenly and cause patchy finishes.

6. Re-Wax Regularly

After cleaning, garments should be rewaxed to maintain waterproofing. Wax should be applied evenly and heat-set carefully to restore protection. Always use Artisan's Son Fabric Wax for a hard wearing finish.

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Why Professional Cleaning Makes a Difference

Over years of wear, waxed garments accumulate:

  • Old, oxidised wax
  • Embedded dirt and grit
  • Odours and bacteria trapped in the fabric

These contaminants prevent fresh wax from bonding properly, reduce waterproofing, and can make garments stiff or patchy.

At Artisan’s Son, our professional waxed garment restoration service goes beyond basic cleaning:

The result is a garment that not only looks amazing but performs as it should, protecting you for years to come.

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Key Facts

  1. Waxed garments require special care — never machine wash, dry clean, or use regular detergents.
  2. Cleaning must be gentle and fabric-safe, ideally spot cleaning with cold water.
  3. Over time, old wax and dirt accumulate, making professional restoration necessary.
  4. Regular rewaxing after proper cleaning maintains waterproofing, flexibility, and colour.
  5. Following these steps ensures your waxed garment lasts a lifetime — the way it was designed to.

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Artisan’s Son Fabric Wax and Restoration Services

Whether you’re caring for waxed jackets, oilskins, or waxed canvas garments, Artisan’s Son offers a complete professional restoration service:

  • Outer and inner cleaning
  • Deodorising and antibacterial treatment
  • Rewaxing with our Premium Wax-Based Fabric Wax
  • Quality assurance to ensure your garment is ready to wear

Keep your favourite waxed garments performing like new — Artisan’s Son Full Restoration

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Waxed Jackets

Waxed fabric jackets are built for durability — When properly cared for, they resist water, wind and abrasion, ageing with character while delivering decades of dependable wear.

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