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.