Washing ACU's

[Cardinal03]

I know they tell you not to wash your ACU's in detergent with brighteners in it but it seems like every detergent has them in it. Does this really make a big deal or is it just one of those extremely over-cautionary sugestions?

[Chief Kemosabe]

I have used regular detergent and washed my ACUs inside-out with the cold setting. I would not worry about the brigtheners but if you see one uniform was damaged from that detergent; then change your brand. I lost a good set this week because I left a highlighter in my pants pocket.

[SteveLord]

I never cared for those instructions and the Army never cared enough to do more than just create them and post them on your unit's bulletin board underneath the other junk. How important is it then?

Use what you have. Just make sure you empty the pockets for pens/other stuff first.

[Cardinal03]

Thanks guys!

[Chaplain4me]

The funny thing usually it's the cheap stuff that doesn't use brightners.

[Phantom]

Never had a issue washing ACU's, I just wash them like regular laundry. If I remember I do turn the top inside out to help prolong the shelflife by a day or so of the crappy velco.

[Marine2Guard]

I have always marked my ACU's so that I know which top goes with which pants. Thus they fade at the same rate.

[SteveLord]

I have always marked my ACU's so that I know which top goes with which pants. Thus they fade at the same rate.

You sure that isn't just a Marine thing so you don't get your tops and bottoms confused?

[Chief Kemosabe]

You sure that isn't just a Marine thing so you don't get your tops and bottoms confused?

No, I have actually met soldiers who do the same thing. After they purchase it from clothing and sales; they mark both with the same number. I ended up doing the same because I will look in the mirror and see the blouse lighter than the trousers (which I have to look for the similar one out of eight ACUs in my closet) or vice versa or the Mrs. makes a remark that I look out of whack (but its her fault since she washes them for me ).

Yea, Marines start labeling their uniforms when they are in boot camp.

[SteveLord]

I'm talking about Marines doing that so they don't put the pants on their heads....and their legs through their blouse.

[Chaplain4me]

I'm talking about Marines doing that so they don't put the pants on their heads....and their legs through their blouse.

LOL, classic....................

[Marine2Guard]

I'm talking about Marines doing that so they don't put the pants on their heads....and their legs through their blouse.

An 11B making fun of Marines, that is funny.

[Chief Kemosabe]

I'm talking about Marines doing that so they don't put the pants on their heads....and their legs through their blouse.

Nice one. I have to use that one at the VFW.

[Tigershark]

I wash them inside out and with my regular clothes then hang dry them.