How do I starch and press my BDU's?

Question

I'm new to the Air Force and I'm trying to find some secrets on how to get a nice and crisp uniform. Also, does anyone know how the get my BDU cap nice and firm. Thanks

Answer 1

GET THE STARCH IN THE BOTTLE FROM THE COMMISSARY (IT'S A BLUE BOTTLE, CAN'T THINK OF THE NAME OF IT, IN THE LAUNDRY DETERGENT ISLE) AND AN EMPTY SPRAY BOTTLE FROM THE BX AND MIX THE STARCH WITH WATER...DIRECTIONS ARE ON THE BOTTLE... SOAK YOUR BDU'S THEN ROLL THEM IN A BALL AND PUT THEM IN THE FRIDGE OVER NIGHT. THEN IRON THEM IN THE MORNING. THEY WILL STAND ON THEIR OWN.


B-


A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE TELLING YOU NOT TO STARCH THEM, OK THEY ARE RIGHT WHEN YOU ARE IN BATTLE, BUT WE ALL KNOW THE COMMANDER LIKES HIS GUYS TO BE CRISP AT HOME. MY HUSBAND ALWAYS GETS NEW BDU'S WHEN HE IS DEPLOYED ANYWAY.

Answer 2

What does the label in the garment say? Do not starch or use chlorine bleach! Why? BDUs are treated to give them some marginal anti-IR detection and they are supposedly CAMOUFLAGE. Battle Dress Uniform, get it? You treat them according to the instructions because they're a part of your combat gear that needs to be maintained properly to work properly. Starching degrades the protection designed into your BDUs so DON'T do it. AFN was even running PSAs on the topic last time I was in Korea.

Unless, of course, you're a certified stateside-only combat paper pusher. Then starch to your heart's content.

Answer 3

Current regulations forbid the starching of BDUs. Blocking your cover can be done with spray starch and a Cap Block, available from the PX

Answer 4

When I was in the Marine Corps most of us sent them to the base laundry instead of trying ourselves. I could never figure out how to do it and have them come out looking good. The only thing I was able to starch correctly was my cover (hat).
I know this doesn't answer your question but just wanted you to know it's been a problem for years. Good luck fly boy.

Answer 5

Honestly, just send them to the cleaners. Its usually about $4 per uniform to have them cleaned and pressed. They usually stay crisp for 3-4 wearings, depending on how vigorously you work.

Answer 6

Here's a big tip...you DON'T! That's why there are all of those Koreans on base with laundry services. It takes too much time and your time is too valuable...send your BDU's out to the cleaners and that's a done deal.

Answer 7

Starch will eventually ruin them so go without. I don't starch mine and they've been fine.

Answer 8

Dry Cleaners.

Answer 9

have the cleaners do it and have them use medium starch. Heavy starch is a pain.