How to Clean a Flight Jacket

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Flight jackets were originally developed for pilots.

Flight jackets are the bomber style jackets that were worn by servicemen in the air force. They were originally developed to keep pilots warm as they flew high the air, but over the years they have gotten very popular and even fashionable. The way you wash your flight jacket depends on when it was made. Flight jackets made today are usually made from a nylon-cotton blend, whereas older or vintage flight jackets can be made with wool, fur or shearling.

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Things You'll Need

  • Mild detergent

  • Water

  • Washing machine

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Synthetic Cotton Blend

Step 1

Place mild detergent in the washing machine. Follow the directions on the detergent to determine how much to use.

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Step 2

Set the washer on a "delicate" cycle and use cold water.

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Step 3

Place the jacket inside the washing machine.

Step 4

Air dry the jacket by hanging it up or selecting the "air dry" feature on the dryer machine.

Wool

Step 1

Place mild detergent in a sink. Follow the directions on the detergent to determine how much to use.

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Step 2

Run cool water in the sink.

Step 3

Wash the jacket by hand by scrubbing the fabric on itself and wringing it with your hands.

Step 4

Rinse with cool water.

Step 5

Air dry the jacket by hanging it up.

Tip

If your flight jacket is fur or shearling, it should be taken to the dry cleaners. Also, if you have a vintage flight jacket that is worth a lot of money (or memories), you should take it to a dry cleaner that specializes in vintage and delicate pieces.

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