Army Combat Uniform Washing Instructions

In 2005, the Army changed the Battle Dress Uniform to the Army Combat Uniform.

The Army Combat Uniform, or ACU, has very different care instructions than Army uniforms of the past. The ACU is designed to be more soldier-friendly with its new stain resistance and anti-wrinkle properties. No dry cleaning is necessary, which will help you save money, but be sure to follow the care instructions or you may end up spending more to replace worn-looking uniforms. Additionally, the ACU does not require ironing and using starch will actually negatively affect the durability of the uniform.

Instructions

Coat

1. Remove pins and badges that are not hook-and-loop attachments. Turn the coat inside out.

2. Wash in cold water on Permanent Press with a detergent that does not contain optical brighteners, or wash by hand. Rinse completely. Do not wring or twist.

3. Dry on low to medium heat no higher than 160 degrees. Remove the garment immediately when the cycle has ended. Alternatively, you can blot the water from the coat with a low-lint towel and hang dry on a plastic hanger.

Trousers

1. Make sure that the internal waistband is untied, but knotted on each side separately.

2. Close all hook-and-loop fasteners.

3. Wash in cold water on Permanent Press with a detergent that does not contain optical brighteners, or wash by hand. Rinse completely. Do not wring or twist.

4. Dry on low to medium heat no higher than 160 degrees. Remove the garment immediately when the cycle has ended. Alternatively, you can blot the water from the coat with a low-lint towel and hang dry on a plastic hanger. Make sure to use a pants hanger or fold the trousers in half at the waist and not by putting the seams of the legs together.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid lint balls and possible damage to other garments, make sure that hook-and-loop name tapes are securely fastened to the uniform before washing.

• When hang-drying, avoid metal hangers which can leave a rust stain on the uniform.

• Most detergents do not state on the label whether they contain optical brighteners. You can call the manufacturer to find out by locating the consumer questions and comments phone number on the package.

• Do not use chlorine bleach or starch on the uniform and do not dry clean because the water- and stain-resistance will be destroyed.

References

• Military: Army Combat Uniform (ACU) Care
• "Coat, Army Combat Uniform Use and Care Label" Tag; 2008
• "Trousers, Army Combat Uniform Use and Care Label" Tag; 2008