So I ruined a new sportcoat first wear out!

Went to a party, got too drunk and fell over outside in dirt, going home, woke up the next morning to find small dirt scuffs all over it.

This probably wouldn't have been a problem, but I decided to clean it myself, brushing the loose dirt off and then spot cleaning with paper towels and a tiny amount of tide, and more brushing when wet. I got most of it off, some slight hints of brown remain and later I'll see what a dry clean can do.

When the water dried I noticed a fist length of fabric I brushed on the back is off color now to a slightly lighter gray, plus it's rougher to the touch in that spot. So I've concluded I junked my jacket. I guess I went too hard on that spot.

It's 50 cotton 50 linen. I should have just gone to a dry cleaners but this forum makes it seem like the last resort, which I was probably already at. I should have been more patient and gentle and not brushed so much.

Is there anything I can do? I was thinking maybe e'nuff time in the sun will lighten the rest of the jacket to match more if I wear it on those sunny days that drain the color out. It's not extremely noticeable, but it's clear to me, and very clear in broad daylight.

I was also thinking of washing it all to match the off spot which seems like a lot of work and the light spot feels rougher and not smooth like the rest. Would fabric softener help with this?
Possibly it will get dirtier e'nuff from daily wear it wont be so noticeable, I don't know.
Feeling pissed and resent full, although it was only 300$

Search on SF or google for the best Drycleaner/alterations spot in your area. Take it there first. I thought I ruined a pair of Suede Loafers, but Jim's Shoe Repair in NYC made them look brand new again!

You may have similar luck.

LOL

Your idea is to brighten it by the sun? the parts which is already bright will continue to get brighter...

Your other idea is to wash the whole thing... yourself?


Don't mess with it any more. Make a single decision: do you want to pay for a professional cleaning and spot cleaning with the risk that it will still be unwearable afterwards? or would you prefer to just save that money and toss the jacket...

Next time don't drink so much.

I'm prepared to pay for a professional cleaning, by that do you mean regular dry cleaning?
It could at worst be a beater jacket I'm thinking. I'm just really curious about the off colored spot, how could a cleaner render that in anyway? without scrubbing some color out of the whole jacket to match it more.

Make it your "I'm going out to get ****-faced" jacket. Problem solved.

Two weeks ago, I dropped potato salad on my new silk/linen trousers.When I wiped it off, it left dark stains on the front of the leg.
I googled something like "remove oil stain silk" since I knew the stain was oil from the mayo.
I discovered there are lots of stain removal pages on the web. I chose to try a recommendation to use Dawn dishwahing detergent on the stain. It removed the stain completely without discoloring the fabric.
Next time, try googling for a solution before you do anything to the stain, even adding water or rubbing it, since even those simple actions can cause further problems

Originally Posted by TheButler

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Make it your "I'm going out to get ****-faced" jacket. Problem solved.

This.
It doesn't sound like you can fix it.

I was a member of a group once and this dude said something spot on: The things you own end up owning you.

yeah I think it's gonna be a beater jacket, get drunk in etc.

It's funny, I did actually look at this site and others online to figure out how to clean it.
I figured worst I could do was rub the stain further in, it never entered my mind that I was changing the color, just water basically and a brush/towels.

thanks for your responses ,I still need to get it dry cleaned, I didn't get all the scuffs out fully.

I always drive when I'm that drunk. No reason to **** up the clothes passing out, getting beaten up, etc.

I have a loro piana cashmere camel sportjacket. I wore it to the casual fall wedding of my wife's brother. Bit into a slider and grease squirted out and dripped onto the jacket. I called my drycleaner (Parkway Custom Cleaners near DC). They told me to just pat the excess off, don't rub or press, with a clean napkin and don't put anything on the stain - no water, no seltzer, nothing. Just bring it in when I get back to town.

Did what they said, brought it in and it came out and looks untouched. Granted, they aren't some regular corner $0.99 shirts cleaners, but the work was flawless.

Great drycleaners can work magic. But, you can't adulterate the garment with more disfigurement. Some things can't be fixed. Most of them are done on purpose to fix the original fixable problem.

Good luck with your jacket.

Put it into your going out clothing collection, and learn to never go out in clothes you don't want covered in bar tar.

I always wear cheap clothes when I am drinking..I know what will happen

grow up, learn to hold your liquor, and enjoy!

Originally Posted by TheButler

Click to expand...

Make it your "I'm going out to get ****-faced" jacket. Problem solved.

Exactly!!! +!