How to wash a military uniform? - a practical guide
The uniform is not only a piece of a soldier's clothing, it is also a symbol of belonging to the service and a source of pride. It is the calling card of every uniformed soldier, reflecting his professionalism, discipline and respect for the values he represents. A well-groomed uniform is an expression of care for the image not only of the soldier himself, but also of the entire military formation to which he belongs.
In this guide we explain how to wash military uniform and which means to use for this purpose. We will also answer the question of whether a military uniform can be washed in a washing machine and how it should be dried.
How and in what to wash a military uniform?
A soldier on duty faces many challenges during which his uniform will be exposed to dirt. Therefore, after a certain period of time, the uniform will require washing. This is an effective way to prolong its durability, maintain its aesthetic appearance and improve the soldier's appearance.
Don't wash your uniform too often. There is no need to do it every day. Washing too often can make the colours of the uniform fade. Just wash it once in a while when it is heavily soiled. Remember, however, that procrastinating on washing can lead to permanent stains and damage that cannot be removed later.
Wondering how to wash a military uniform? It can be washed by hand or in a washing machine, which we will write about later in this guide. However, we will start by explaining how to prepare the uniform for washing. Then we will also hint at what to wash your military uniform in.
Preparing the uniform for washing
Before putting your uniform in the washing machine or starting to hand wash it, it is worth taking a few minutes to prepare it properly. Here are simple steps that will take you a while but are very important in the whole process:
1. Check the uniform label
The garment tag may contain information on the acceptable washing and drying temperatures of the uniform. The label should also have instructions on washing methods. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with these recommendations to avoid damaging the fabric. The graphic below shows the most common symbols used on clothing labels:
2. Empty the pockets and remove decorative elements
Before washing, empty all pockets and remove any patches, epaulettes, emblems and other items that may be damaged during washing.
3. Pre-clean stains
Pre-clean tough stains with a cloth dampened with water or a mild detergent. You can also use a stain-removing soap, such as galas soap, which protects the fibres and colours.
4. Turn the uniform inside out
Washing the uniform on the left side significantly reduces the risk of colour fading and also protects the outside of the fabric from abrasions that could be caused by contact with the washing machine drum.
Can the military uniform be washed in the washing machine?
Washing a military uniform by hand provides greater control over the process and minimises the risk of damage to the material. Unfortunately, this method is time-consuming and requires patience. Using a washing machine is a more convenient solution for many people.
If the label of your uniform does not state that it cannot be machine washed, then you can choose this method without worry. To avoid shrinkage of the fabric, in most cases it is safe to choose a hand wash programme at 30-40 °C. However, it is always worth checking the information on the label carefully.
What products should I use to wash my uniform?
If you want to wash your uniform then you are probably wondering what products to use. First of all avoid aggressive detergents, bleach and harsh chemicals as they can damage the fibres of the fabric, resulting in a loss of colour, elasticity and even weakening and destruction of the fabric structure.
It is also important what material the uniform is made of in order to choose the right measure for it. The best solution is to use special preparations that are gentle and do not damage the structure of the fibres, while effectively removing dirt. It is worth looking at measures produced by brands such as: Grangers, Nikwax and Hadwao.
Note: Never wash your uniform at too high a temperature.
It is also a good idea to set a moderate spin so as not to damage the structure of the uniform. Remember to wash your military uniform separately from your other clothes so that it does not absorb their colours.
How do you dry a military uniform?
Once a military uniform has been washed, it is essential to dry it properly to avoid creases and damage to the fabric. If the uniform has been washed by hand, gently squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring it out as this can stretch the fibres and damage the fabric.
Check that the label states that the uniform can be tumble dried. Not all fabrics can be dried in this way. If you put your uniform in the tumble dryer and it says on the tag that this cannot be done, the high temperature inside the machine can weaken the seams of the uniform, for example.
You can hang your uniform on a drying rack or hanger, taking care to spread it out evenly. Depending on the temperature and humidity, drying can take several to several hours.
Attention! Avoid exposing the uniform to direct sunlight. Although the sun speeds up drying, it can lead to the uniform's colours fading. Also remember not to dry your uniform on a radiator.
Range of laundry detergents and military uniforms at Militaria.pl
Militaria.pl offers laundry detergents to effectively clean your uniform. We offer washing and cleaning preparations, which freshen clothing, counteract odour build-up and fight bacteria. The laundry detergents on offer also protect garment colours from fading and do not damage the fabric structure in the process.
