Unfortunate Problem with vintage LL Bean A-2

[raf]

Posted elsewhere:

BLUF: Examine every square inch of any garment, used or new, for defects. Assume Nothing.

On unboxing, goatskin A-2 item appeared to be near-new without any scuffing or "Patina". Fits my 6'3" bod well, what with 28" back and sleeves. Even though it lacks a collar hook and a hang-loop, and has not-too-visible handwarmer pockets, I'm fine with it. No snaps were loose, so no need to re-set them. Cuff and waistband were moderately pilled, easily remediated.

Since it's a "Pseudo-Repro" will probably add appropriate GI blackened oxide finish brass snaps to top of wind flap and to bottom. The snap at the bottom of the wind flap, if secured, should take a lot of strain off the vulnerable bottom of the zipper. Ought to have been part of original specs, IMHO.

Unfortunately, during thorough examination, and after turning sleeves inside-out, I discovered a considerable amount of white mildew within the sleeves on the Nylon liner and also discovered a seam "blowout" at the elbow of one sleeve. There is also an "odor" to the jacket, but the odor is not objectionable and seems to be diminishing after hanging the jacket on the clothesline (inside-out) and letting sun and wind do their "thing". Liner does not appear to be stained or dirty.

These issues can be remediated, and not worth the ruckus/hassle to return it, in this specific instance. YMMV.

Used some common 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to wipe-down/soak the nylon liner (tested a spot first), and that got rid of the white mold. Since H-P is also a mild bleach and a germicidal agent, hoping it will also kill fungus; we'll see. Could also have used 91% alcohol. If needed, I can always use an Ozone generator to positively Kill any fungus remaining.

I reckon that a "dry-cleaning" by a local "expert" who could be trusted to do the job right would solve many problems, but I don't know of anyone local who can be trusted.

Moral of this story: "Trust but Verify".

 

[AeroFan_07]

If purchased via eBay, it's totally a good idea to return it. It is not as described. (Unless this was disclosed)

Unfortunately, during thorough examination, and after turning sleeves inside-out, I discovered a considerable amount of white mildew within the sleeves on the Nylon liner and also discovered a seam "blowout" at the elbow of one sleeve. There is also an "odor" to the jacket, but the odor is not objectionable and seems to be diminishing after hanging the jacket on the clothesline (inside-out) and letting sun and wind do their "thing". Liner does not appear to be stained or dirty.

This is very difficult to get rid of, and even my local dry cleaners stated that mildew odors will not likely be removed if a leather jacket is "dry cleaned". That, and the older I get, the much less I want to deal with this type of thing.

 

[raf]

If purchased via eBay, it's totally a good idea to return it. It is not as described. (Unless this was disclosed)

Unfortunately, during thorough examination, and after turning sleeves inside-out, I discovered a considerable amount of white mildew within the sleeves on the Nylon liner and also discovered a seam "blowout" at the elbow of one sleeve. There is also an "odor" to the jacket, but the odor is not objectionable and seems to be diminishing after hanging the jacket on the clothesline (inside-out) and letting sun and wind do their "thing". Liner does not appear to be stained or dirty.

This is very difficult to get rid of, and even my local dry cleaners stated that mildew odors will not likely be removed if a leather jacket is "dry cleaned". That, and the older I get, the much less I want to deal with this type of thing.

Posted on vlj:
Understood. Before receiving your advice [on washing the jacket with mild detergent], I wiped down the sleeves with common 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, and that killed the smell to about 40% of what it was; no rinsing out of the HP. Left in in sun and wind for a couple of days. Then, I wiped down the sleeves with common White vinegar, let it set for 15 minutes, and flooded sleeves with water. That reduced the smell to about 20% of original; same sun/wind drying process.

Before actually washing the jacket, I think I will spray the entire lining, body and sleeves with 91% alcohol and repeat sun/wind treatment.

Thanks for providing me with a backup plan!

If necessary, I can always break out the Ozone generator which is guaranteed to kill mildew, but that's a hassle since it must be done inside a closed space (my car) and ties up the car for a few hours.

[Later]

After a 91% alcohol soak of the entire jacket nylon lining, and after alcohol spot-treating (and wiping with a clean cloth) of any and all traces of mildew on both body of jacket and the sleeves, smell has been reduced to may be 10% of original; that's with nose to fabric.

Considering that the jacket initially "smelled" from about 5 feet away, in still living room air, this is a considerable improvement. Currently allowing the bright sun and wind to do their thing.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Nice! Yes simple direct sun and some warmth from that may help as well!
Hope it works out here..