How to Get a Stiff-Starched BDU

Crisp, starched military uniforms are required to represent the honor of wearing one.

A battle dress uniform, or BDU, is an outfit worn by military, fire and police members during events and ceremonies where a more formal attire is required. Cotton BDUs look best when heavily starched, which gives them a freshly pressed look. Getting the heavy cotton of BDU's starched properly can be done at home using the same method for starching other heavy fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (optional)
• 1 cup sugar (optional)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 quarts boiling water
• Large basin or tub
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 pints cold water
• Spray bottle
• Iron
• Ironing board

Instructions

1. Wash or launder the full BDU to remove all dirt and oil from the uniform. Avoid using laundry detergent with added fabric softeners. Tumble dry on medium high heat to dry the uniform completely. Do not use fabric softener sheets as this will soften the fabric, making starching more difficult.

2. Mix together 1/2 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water. Mix thoroughly to remove all lumps. Add 2 quarts of boiling water to the mixture and stir. Place in a large tub or basin. Soak the BDU in the hot mixture for 15 to 30 minutes, allowing all the material to absorb the starch. Drain the starch water from the basin and wring the BDU to remove excess liquid. Hang the BDU to dry.

3. Mix together 2 tbsp. of cornstarch with 2 pints of cold water and stir well. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and use it as a spray starch to impart extra stiffness to the BDU. Set an iron to the high heat setting suitable for heavy cotton. Spray each section you are ironing as you go, using more of the homemade liquid starch as necessary to get the uniform stiff. Use enough of the starch solution so when you place the hot iron on the BDU you can distinctly hear a sizzling sound.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a sugar starch for soaking the BDU if you do not have cornstarch. Mix together 1 cup white sugar with 1 cup water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Cool to room temperature and soak the BDU in the mixture in the manner as you would using the corn starch method.

• Use the homemade starch soaking technique only when you have enough time available to allow the BDU to drip and air dry, which may take a few days or more.

References

• U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; Proper Uniform Wear; Junior Officer Advisory Group; Proper Uniform Wear; May 2010
• Hodgson Mill: Corn Starch Tricks
• Hennepin County Library; Sugar Starch; April 2009