[TheKentishFledgling]

I have a custom made, and much treasured, leather and sheepskin flying jacket. The company who made it - Cirrus Flying Jackets - are no longer trading.

The jacket was recently exposed to toxic fumes for a sustained period of time. It has been thoroughly aired but still retains the acrid smell, and I certainly wouldn't want to wear it as it is.

Can anyone recommend anywhere / anyone to get this properly cleaned, if it indeed that can be done? Several post-fire cleaning specialists approached so far but they've all not wanted to touch it due the mix of fabrics.

Money no object within reason, it's the sentimental value of the thing that's more important.

Thanks in advance.

[Josh]

They are the competition, but if you asked AeroLeather I’m sure they’d be willing to provide some advice given their experience.

They also make seriously good jackets!

[nallen]

You could try sealing it in bag along with some activated charcoal? Works for a lot of smells … and is cheap and can't do any harm as far as I know.

(It took me many, many months of airing to get the smell of cigarette smoke out of the s/hand motorbike jacket I bought on eBay last year … it smelt like a 1970s school staffroom on a Friday afternoon when it arrived.)

[Rob P]

Sign up to appear The Repair Shop.

Just remember "It will mean the world to me" and it's the only momento of your great grandfather's war service.

Rob P

[PeteSpencer]

chuck a coupla mothballs in each pocket.

Seriously, though:

Cat litter (unused: clay/clumping type)on a tray/in a pillowcase................very effective deodoriser

put in warm place/airing cupboard to encourage volatile smells.

(also good for fridges).

[TheFarmer]

The jacket was recently exposed to toxic fumes for a sustained period of time

At what point did my mother in law breath on your coat? I didn’t even realise you knew her!

[skydriller]

The jacket was recently exposed to toxic fumes for a sustained period of time

At what point did my mother in law breath on your coat? I didn’t even realise you knew her!

You are confusing your MIL with my ex-wife...

[Sir Morley Steven]

“The jacket was recently exposed to toxic fumes for a sustained period of time. It has been thoroughly aired but still retains the acrid smell.”
That’s the worst euphemism for “ I have been wearing it” I have heard in ages.

[TheKentishFledgling]

Thanks all for the responses and PMs.

Think I’m sorted

[Boxkite]

Don't you just love it when there is a request for answers to a problem but when the OP discovers a solution he doesn't share it...

[TheKentishFledgling]

As I said - I think I'm sorted. I'll certainly report back when it's actually been cleaned.

[PeteSpencer]

As I said - I think I'm sorted. I'll certainly report back when it's actually been cleaned.

How is the house re-build/refurbish progressing? You still living out of suitcases?

[TheKentishFledgling]

It is at last progressing. In a temp rental but at least we have this one until we're ready to move back. Hoping to be back home by Christmas but that'll be touch and go. Ordering new stuff like it's going out of fashion.

The stuff that was condemned (most things we owned) filled nearly two shipping container sized skips.