UNIFORM WASHING TIPS

[Rogue Element]

In response to others posting about early fading of their camouflage uniforms, I would like to "sticky" this response from another thread topic:

Use a dark wash specific detergent (i.e. Cheer Dark, Woolite, etc.). Anything else will prematurely fade / brighten the colors (many detergents use artificial "optical brighteners"). Turn your uniforms inside-out. Use the gentle cycle, cold-cold. Low Heat, delicate dry. No fabric softener. Dryer Balls work best to dry fast and naturally soften.

Follow these steps and the "true colors" of your camouflage will last longer, guaranteed.

My Tru-Spec Multicam TRU's have the same color saturation tones as the day I purchased them, over two years ago - using this technique.

Also, get a couple skirmishes worth of wear before you wash your uniform. Modern camouflage patterns are designed to "get dirty," improving their characteristics with soiling. This is unless you get REALLY dirty and/or your uniform starts to smell like a locker room floor; at that point, do us all a favor, and wash it as fore mentioned.

RE

[Rogue Element]

Some supplemental information from the US Air Force regarding uniform washing detergents (This list is applicable for all types of uniforms):

What if I still want to avoid using optical brighteners?

Many commercial laundry detergents use optical brighteners in their formulas but do not indicate their presence on the labeling. Optical brighteners are chemicals that absorb the ultraviolet and violet region of colors in a fabric. They "trick" the eye into seeing a brighter shade and reflect more light.

The following detergents were originally listed as being free of optical brighteners by the Air Force Uniform and Recognition Programs:

* Cheer (liquid and powder)
* Cheer Free
* Exchange Select Cold Water Wash
* All Detergent Free Clear
* Country Save Liquid Detergent
* Allens Laundry detergent (power and liquid)
* Bi-O-Kleen Laundry Detergent (powder and liquid)
* Charlie's Soap (powder and liquid)
* COS Free and Clear Laundry Detergent
* Mountain Green Liquid Laundry Detergent
* Nature Clean (liquid and powder)
* Oxy-Prime Powder
* Planet Ultra (liquid and powder)
* Seventh Generation Laundry detergents
* Sportwash
* Sun and Earth Liquid
* Surf Powder (not Surf Liquid)
* Washeze
* Woolite, original and dark

Care Instructions

Wash in warm water with detergent containing no bleach. Tumble dry at low heat. The use of starch, sizing and any process that involves dry-cleaning or steam press will adversely affect the treatments and durability of the uniform and is not authorized.