Cleaning
Oilskin fabric relies on the impregnation of oils and waxes to create the waterproof properties and cleaning with household detergents will cause the removal of the oils and waxes.

The oilskin detergent is a pH neutral detergent which contains synthetic oils and has been proven not to damage the waterproof properties of the oilskin fabric.

The detergent also includes a blend of melaleuca oils, including tea tree oil, and lemon myrtle which removes the normal unattractive smell of oilskin.

The detergent has an antibacterial additive which prevents against mould and mildew.

Reproofing
The traditional method of reproofing oilskin products is with a reproofing wax which, whilst very effective in restoring the waterproof properties, is very labour intensive in its application and therefore it is only the fastidious person who undertakes his process.

Here is a spray application oilskin reproofer which contains a wax and fluoropolymer which provides a convenient method of reproofing the dry patches that are subject to friction such as knees, sleeves, neck and shoulders. The oilskin reproofer also contains an antibacterial additive which prevents against mould and mildew.

General
Check your oilskin on a monthly basis for dry patches, especially in areas that are subject to. Dry patches indicate that these areas will require reproofing.