Washing a BDU Cap

[CAP4117]

I just got back from LESA-South (awesome program by the way, feel free to PM me for more info) and my BDU cap is in pretty bad shape. What is the best method of washing it? Thanks!

[Extremepredjudice]

Washing machine.
Dry cleaner.
Handwash.

[HGjunkie]

Throw it in the wash with your BDUs and hang-dry it.

[CAP4117]

Ok, thanks - I just wasn't sure if it could go in the washer (because of the brim) or if I had to use special detergent or something.

[rustyjeeper]

yup, machine wash and them lay it somewhere to dry with the brim flat/ I put an iron on it for weight (unplugged) and a washcloth separating to let it dry two/three days and good as new

[EMT-83]

There's a wire form for hats that goes in the dishwasher. Hat goes inside and retains its shape while being washed.

[rustyjeeper]

that's more for ball caps and not so much patrol caps- unless they also have one for patrol caps/ if so I need one.
That will definitely shock the wife, she freaked when I ran her sneakers thru the dishwasher
but she loved the "new" look they got!

[Pylon]

There is a shaper for BDU caps by the Officer Equipment Company:  http://www.vanguardmil.com/uniform-hat-shaper-round-p-100.html


I use it and it helps keep my cover shaped nicely, especially if used with a spray or two of starch.

[Eclipse]

There is a shaper for BDU caps by the Officer Equipment Company:  http://www.vanguardmil.com/uniform-hat-shaper-round-p-100.html

I used to use that, but I found it cut up my head pretty bad...

[titanII]

Just like most everyone else said, wash it in the washing machine as you would your BDU pants or blouse. Except don't put it in the dryer. I usually stretch mine over the right size paint can, spray it with starch, and let it dry.

I've heard that soaking it a couple times after washing, and letting it air dry will help sustain the cover's waterproof properties. I've never actually experienced that, so YMMV.

[rustyjeeper]

Personally I have never seen ANY waterproof qualities even with a brand new issued to me cover from the military- you want it waterproofed or made repellant buy some tent spray and go to town

[titanII]

Personally I have never seen ANY waterproof qualities even with a brand new issued to me cover from the military- you want it waterproofed or made repellant buy some tent spray and go to town

Exactly... that's why I said

I've never actually experienced that, so YMMV.

Cotton is the enemy when it comes to water resistance/repellence.

[ol'fido]

Second that on the just wash it ,set it on a towel, and let it dry. That's about all I did on active duty. Those water repellent sprays are highly flammable so if you don't want to do a Michael Jackson impersonation I'd keep it away from any heat source or open flame. Better yet just let it get wet.

[SARDOC]

Personally I have never seen ANY waterproof qualities even with a brand new issued to me cover from the military- you want it waterproofed or made repellant buy some tent spray and go to town

Scotchgard

[Hardshell Clam]

As I recall, the hat has washing instructions printed on the label?

[rustyjeeper]

As I recall, the hat has washing instructions printed on the label?

You read those?
WOW
I am impressed to have met a guy who actually reads a garmet care instruction label- We are a DIVERSE organization after all

[Extremepredjudice]

As I recall, the hat has washing instructions printed on the label?

You read those?
WOW
I am impressed to have met a guy who actually reads a garmet care instruction label- We are a DIVERSE organization after all

Heh, mine has disappeared from sweat, and is now a black patch from how many times I've written my CAPID.

[CAP4117]

Thanks for the help everyone!

[Private Investigator]

I used to use that, but I found it cut up my head pretty bad...

OH! Does that bring back memories ...

[SarDragon]

Just like most everyone else said, wash it in the washing machine as you would your BDU pants or blouse. Except don't put it in the dryer. I usually stretch mine over the right size paint can, spray it with starch, and let it dry.

I've heard that soaking it a couple times after washing, and letting it air dry will help sustain the cover's waterproof properties. I've never actually experienced that, so YMMV.

Sustain implies that a condition already exists.   

[titanII]

Just like most everyone else said, wash it in the washing machine as you would your BDU pants or blouse. Except don't put it in the dryer. I usually stretch mine over the right size paint can, spray it with starch, and let it dry.

I've heard that soaking it a couple times after washing, and letting it air dry will help sustain the cover's waterproof properties. I've never actually experienced that, so YMMV.

Sustain implies that a condition already exists.   

true, true 

[lordmonar]

As I recall, the hat has washing instructions printed on the label?

You read those?
WOW
I am impressed to have met a guy who actually reads a garmet care instruction label- We are a DIVERSE organization after all

1. If cap is worn under helmet, helmet head band my require readjustment for proper fit and comfort.
2. Machine Wash.  Use permanent press cyscle.  Wash in warm water with mild detergent.
3.  Hand Wasg,  Hand wash in warm water using mild detergent. DO NOT WRONG OR TWIST.  Rinse in clean warm water.
4. DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEAACH OR STARCH.
5. Dry at low heat (Do not exceed 130 (ded) F).

Please note number 4!

[Sapper168]

During 4 years active army and the cover i wore in garrison was always had some starch on it, as well as the BDU's.  Now field uniforms were a different story. 

[rustyjeeper]

During 4 years active army and the cover i wore in garrison was always had some starch on it, as well as the BDU's.  Now field uniforms were a different story. 

20 years ago in garrison setting the use of Starch was specifically prohibited on the salad suit (due to being even more visible to IR equip or something as I recall) and it's use was minimal and I was an MP..... that reg of course we ignored on gate duty or patrol);  but on every base I was on I didnt see a lot of starch used MP's were about the only ones.

[wacapgh]

We were threatened with Article 15's if we used starch or even ironed them!

As always, the REMF's and Garritroopers gave us the "Starched like the OD greens" look along with cutting off the buttons and sewing the pockets flat.

[rustyjeeper]

We were threatened with Article 15's if we used starch or even ironed them!

As always, the REMF's and Garritroopers gave us the "Starched like the OD greens" look along with cutting off the buttons and sewing the pockets flat.

Now that you mention that I do remember in Boot and in  AIT hearing that threat. I had forgotten though because just about everything was a threatened Article 15-- after a while in one ear and out the other LOL

[ol'fido]

My unit in the 25th ID(B Co., 4th Bn., 27th Inf. "Wolfhounds, by God!) it was "spits and starches" every day in garrison. Never on the hat though.

[wacapgh]

We were threatened with Article 15's if we used starch or even ironed them!

As always, the REMF's and Garritroopers gave us the "Starched like the OD greens" look along with cutting off the buttons and sewing the pockets flat.

Now that you mention that I do remember in Boot and in  AIT hearing that threat. I had forgotten though because just about everything was a threatened Article 15-- after a while in one ear and out the other LOL

Summer of 82', Ft. Benning B-3-1. BDU's were so new, I was issued an OD field jacket as the woodland's weren't in supply.

[rustyjeeper]

For me '91 Fort McClellan Al
D Co. 795 Mp Bn was where I did my training and I spent a around a year on that base before going to the NG. I was fortunate to get the woodland field jacket  By then supply had caught up to demand.
And best part is I still have the field jacket and it is still used today by a cadet....... if we ever go to  ABU's I will need to buy my kid a parka or field jacket .... keeping all my old army gear was a good move saved me a ton of money. Too bad all the stuff shrunk so I could not use it myself and I had to go buy a set of blue bdus's for myself

[a2capt]

This reminds me of this solo skit..

http://q-audio.net/download/1AJR

(Should play a file)

[SarDragon]

Sorry. Lame.