Washing Uniforms

Has anyone ever had to wash a uniform here before?

What do you guys use?

I'm a little scared of using harsh modern detergents on my older items (or any items for that matter), so I use Orvus soap.

I let the uniform soak in a bathtub of cold water until the water permeates through the whole thing, then add a tablespoon or so of orvus.

I then push the uniform up and down, and let it sit for an hour or so. Afterwards, I drain the soapy water and refill the tub with cold water to wash away the remaining soap.

I then lay the garment flat and pat out the water using a dry towel, and airdry the uniform flat indoors.

The soap gets rid of a lot of the dirt, even a few stains, and more or less eliminates any smells.

Thanks for the tip,I will have to try that.I have been looking for a method of cleaning that is not so harsh.

For modern kit, I turn it inside out and wash it on cold with very little detergent, then a very low heat tumble dry. For older items I just leave them alone.

I thinks that is my biggest mistake.To much soap.

Unless its wool I wash as normal in my machine same as I do with "normal" clothes using regular washing powder,never had any adverse effect to anything.

Some items I wont wash,if they are a bit stinky just a quick Fabreze and they are ok.

I do the hand wash in cold water, minimal agitation, minimal soap method, then air dry. I am VERY alert to color change in the water. I've even seen that happen with used stuff. If that happens I pull immediately and let air dry. Ideally I'd put towels inside and out and let it dry horizontally to avoid color run, but only once did not doing that bite me in the butt.

Generally speaking I don't wash what I get unless it is obviously dirty or smelly.

Steve