How to Starch BDUs
The military Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs) served as the standard uniform used in combat between 1981 and April 2005. As of January 2011, only certain units within the armed forces are allowed to wear BDUs, such as the Air Force, until October 2011 and the Navy until a digital woodlands camo uniform is available for use. Those who wear the uniform in garrison environments often utilize starch on the uniform when ironing it, to help give the BDU a sharp, crisp appearance that lasts throughout the workday.
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Instructions
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Open the spray can that contains the starch by popping of the cap. Shake the can before spraying to help mix the starch that has settled in the can, so the starch sprays evenly.
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Spray the uniform evenly with a light coating of starch. Do not apply the starch too heavily as this will make the uniform stiff. Instead, spray a light mist to keep the material pliable.
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Iron the entire uniform to get out all wrinkles, before you worry about getting that perfect crease on the sleeves and the pants of the uniform.
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Spray a second light coat of starch on the edge of the sleeves and legs of the uniform and iron a crease that runs down the center of the BDU pant legs and the down the back sides of the BDU sleeves. This gives the BDU a crisp appearance, without making the uniform feel stiff.
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Tips & Warnings
The Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) issued by the armed forces should never be starched or ironed. If you are wearing ACUs, if you starch them or iron, it will ruin the uniform's digital integrity. It is against military regulations to starch or iron ACUs.
If you want to starch your BDUs, you should have a separate set for garrison and another set you do not starch, for the field. The starch illuminates the uniform when viewed through night vision goggles and on the battle field, giving away your position.
