Care Instructions for (ACU) Army Combat Uniforms

An ACU is know as a "fluff and buff" uniform.

The Army Combat Uniform, simply referred to as ACU within the military community, consists of a pair of pants and jacket with a tan, gray and brown digitized camouflage pattern. One of the benefits of the ACU is that it is a "fluff and buff" uniform, meaning it does not have to be starched or ironed. In fact, starching, ironing or bleaching can ruin the uniform.

Instructions

1. Remove any insignia, rank, name tags and flags that are attached with Velcro. Leaving the items on can cause the edges of these items to curl.

2. Place the ACU pants and jacket in the washing machine. Set the washing machine to cold and add a mild detergent. Do not use detergents that contain bleach or add bleach to the wash cycle. Bleach will ruin the ACU.

3. Place the ACU in the dryer once it has finished washing. Dry on low heat.

4. Remove the ACU from the dryer once it has dried and reattach any items you removed.

5. Fold the ACU as you normally would or place on a rust free hanger. Do not twist or wring water from the ACU. Do not iron the ACU as this will ruin the uniform.

References

• Army Study Guide: ACU Wear and Care Policy