Wax Jacket Cleaning FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about wax jacket cleaning, re-waxing, repairs, postage, payment, turnaround times, stain removal and sending your jacket to Wax Jackets Cleaned.
The most important things to know first
These are the questions customers usually need answered before sending in a wax jacket.
How much does it cost?
Cleaning and re-waxing starts from £55 for many standard jackets. Repairs, larger garments, postage and finish choices can change the final cost.
View the pricing pageWhen do I pay?
Payment is taken when your jacket is ready to be dispatched back to you, not before the work is completed.
How long does it take?
Please allow up to 4 weeks in many cases. Jobs with repairs or heavier restoration may take longer. And our current workload can change this.
Pricing, quotes and wax finish choices
How much does wax jacket cleaning and re-waxing cost?
Please visit the pricing page for the full breakdown of cleaning, re-waxing, finish choices and related costs.
Can you quote from photographs?
For cleaning and re-waxing, please use the pricing page. For repairs and alterations, photos can help us give a rough estimate, but accurate costing normally depends on seeing the item properly.
Does the price include postage and packaging?
No. Postage and packaging are separate. Please check the pricing page for postage information, including international delivery where relevant.
Can you recommend which wax finish I should choose?
We cannot choose the finish for you, but the information sheet explains the options and should help you decide which wax finish is right for your jacket.
What cleaning can and cannot achieve
Can you clean my dirty wax jacket?
Yes. We clean the jacket inside and outside and will get it as clean as it can realistically come using our specialist process.
Will you just re-wax my jacket?
No. Our policy is clean and re-wax only. We do not simply apply fresh wax over dirt, odours or contamination.
Can you clean only the inside of my jacket?
No. Our process cleans the whole jacket, inside and out.
Will the process change the colour or character of my jacket?
Yes, it can. Once wax has been applied, colour changes are common. In most cases the jacket becomes darker, and in some cases it can become much darker.
I have a dirty beige or light-coloured wax jacket. Will it come clean?
Light-coloured wax jackets need realistic expectations. The jacket will be cleaned, but staining or black marks may remain because no two wax jackets have been worn, stored or stained in exactly the same way.
Black marks remaining after cleaning do not necessarily mean the garment is still dirty; they may be staining within the fabric.
I have a red wax jacket with black marks. Can it be cleaned?
Red wax jackets are one of the most difficult colours. Black marks can come from wear, creasing and reactions with brass parts such as poppers and zips.
We will clean the garment as well as possible, but stain removal cannot be guaranteed.
Will cleaning remove bad smells?
Yes. The process is designed to remove foul and bad odours from waxed garments, including jackets that have been stored for a long time.
Can you remove stains or paint from a wax jacket?
Sometimes, but not always. We have had good results with many marks, but paint and stains cannot be guaranteed to come out fully or even partly.
The aim is to get the jacket clean, wearable and restored as well as possible without damaging the garment.
Barbour advised me to clean using cold water. Will this work?
No. Cold water alone will not properly clean a dirty or smelly wax jacket. Our specialist cleaning method is designed to be gentle but far more effective.
Do you wax leather jackets?
No. We specialise in waxed cotton garments only, not leather jackets.
Can you wax an item that was not originally waxed?
In some cases, yes. It depends on the item, fabric and condition. Clean and re-waxing prices still apply.
Does the brand of jacket matter?
No. We clean and re-wax waxed cotton garments from all manufacturers, including Barbour, Belstaff, Filson, Driza-Bone, John Partridge, Musto and many others.
Damaged, torn or worn wax jackets
Can you repair my wax jacket?
Yes. We have a specialist repairs and alterations service and can carry out many types of wax jacket repair.
Can you give an accurate repair price before seeing the jacket?
Photos can help with a rough estimate, but repair prices are normally confirmed properly once the item has been inspected.
Forms, packing and postage
Do I send the Owner Send In Form with my jacket?
Yes, if possible. Including the form with your jacket helps us identify the item and match it to the correct customer.
I have completed the form but do not have a printer. What can I do?
Email the completed form to waxit@waxjacketscleaned.co.uk and we can print it for you.
Please also put something inside the parcel so we can clearly match the correct form to the correct jacket.
What is the best way to pack the jacket?
Pack the garment as small as practical. This usually helps reduce your postage cost.
What is the best way to send my item?
Use Royal Mail signed-for delivery, or a tracked and signed courier service. A signature is needed as proof that the parcel has arrived.
Do you have a waxed garment collection service?
Yes. The online form includes a Royal Mail collection section where you can request a preferred collection date. Once booked, confirmation is sent by email.
How long it takes and when you pay
How long will it take to receive my jacket back?
Please allow up to 4 weeks for completion in many cases. This may be quicker if the jacket does not need repairs.
Do the 4 weeks start when I send the jacket or when you receive it?
The timescale starts from after we notify you that we have received the garment.
When do I pay?
Payment is collected once the jacket is ready to be dispatched back to you.
Do you have a waiting list?
There is no waiting list, but we are always busy. Items are completed in the order they are received.
Can I pay extra to get my jacket back quicker?
No. That would be unfair to other customers, so items are not moved ahead in the queue for extra payment.
Is any time of year quieter?
Not really. If you need your jacket for colder weather, it is best to send it earlier in the year rather than waiting until peak season.
Dropping your jacket off in person
Can I drop my jacket off at your shop?
Yes. You can drop your jacket off at the Marple address shown in the website footer.
Do I need an appointment to drop my jacket off?
No appointment is needed. Please bring the jacket and, if possible, the completed Owner Send In Form.
When are you open?
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Closed Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Wax jackets for sale and buying vintage items
Do you buy waxed jackets?
On many occasions, yes. We are mainly interested in vintage Belstaff and Barbour motorcycle jackets and trousers.
Do you also sell wax jackets?
Yes. We often have a collection of mainly Belstaff and Barbour wax jackets. Please email your requirements to waxit@waxjacketscleaned.co.uk.
Do you have reviews?
Yes. Reviews can be found on Google and on the Wax Jackets Cleaned Facebook page.
Before you send your jacket
Read the information sheet
Understand the cleaning, re-waxing, repairs, finish choices and realistic expectations before sending the garment.
Complete the send-in form
The form helps us identify your jacket, understand the work required and contact you correctly.
Pack it securely
Pack the jacket as small as practical and use a tracked or signed-for delivery service.
Wait for confirmation
Once received, your garment is processed in order and payment is taken when it is ready to return.
Ask us before sending your jacket
If your jacket needs repairs, has unusual staining, mould, paint, odour problems or you are unsure which form to use, contact us first.