Valeting Kit

[combat_claire]

Can anyone give me some hints on valeting?

My velvet cap has got a bit mucky after a recent hunting adventure, am I best to steam it and then brush it or is there a better way of removing muddy type stains off it?

Second problem is my tweed coat - do I just soak it in cold water and brush like my navy coat or what?

Third question is my long boots have always been kept zipped up and with inflatable trees inside (apart from when my feet are in them obviously!), but they still seem to be starting to sag at the ankles. Any recommendations for better trees to save them?

Suppose this thread could be a general valeting kit question and tip session!

 

[tractor]

Not sure if any of these are the "correct" way of doing things, but I've had most of my stuff for years and not killed it yet.....

Hat - steam (over the kettle) until the velvet it looks "puffed up", then brush it gently. any big stains I usually damp with a cloth beforehand, but most of the time the steam seems to lift them out. Make sure it's totally dry before you store it else it'll go mouldy.

Coat - I normally just wet mine and let it hang on the line until it's dry, then give it a good brush to get any engrained mank off it.

Boots - stuff them with newspaper. As long as you don't go mad and over fill them, you can get a good bit of support form newspaper. If you're not going to use them for a good while then give them a good coat of polish too, then when it comes to polishing them next season they come up looking like new!

Hope that helps, and looking forward to everyone else's tips!

 

[JenHunt]

My velvet cap has got a bit mucky after a recent hunting adventure, am I best to steam it and then brush it or is there a better way of removing muddy type stains off it?

steam it over the kettle or in the bathroom and brush gently

Second problem is my tweed coat - do I just soak it in cold water and brush like my navy coat or what?

hoover and a stiff brush!

Third question is my long boots have always been kept zipped up and with inflatable trees inside (apart from when my feet are in them obviously!), but they still seem to be starting to sag at the ankles. Any recommendations for better trees to save them?

give them a good coat of polish and leave it to soak in for an hour or so, polish off well, stuff boots with newspaper, and cover in an old pillow case or boot bag for the summer

 

[Dobiegirl]

I always steamed my hat over a kettle just off the boil.

My black hunting coat was brushed to remove mud, hairs etc and then using a soft brush dipped in rain water just used to brush over. It always came up beautifully.

I was taught this by an old hunt servant and this was handed down to him by his father also a hunt servant.

 

[combat_claire]

Thanks all, an exciting weekend ahead!!

 

[tootsietoo]

I can't offer many tips I'm afraid as my stuff gets cleaned when its going out in public and not much more!

But I do need some new boot polish. I have always just picked up Kiwi polish from the supermarket, but is there some whizzy special stuff that does the job better? Any recommendations?

PS. I do have one tip - NEVER oil your boots. I did it once and it took a year before they started to shine again!

 

[JenHunt]

the Kiwi Parade gloss is about the best stuff around IMO. Generally gets the best shine and keeps the leather in good nick. the standard Kiwi stuff is ok too though.

 

[tootsietoo]

thank you jen

 

[combat_claire]

I always try and keep a pot of Renapur in my boot cleaning kit, it is a leather balsam that they sell at shows, gives a welcome boost to any tired leather especially when it has got wet.

 

[Daddy_Long_Legs]

the Kiwi Parade gloss is about the best stuff around IMO. Generally gets the best shine and keeps the leather in good nick. the standard Kiwi stuff is ok too though.

Yeah I second the parade gloss. Great stuff for boots!