Washing / tress

[carroll]

Hello.
Will washing a tunic darken collar tress and litzen.
Regards Ray.

[Paul R.]

That depends on a few factors. Modern soaps have a tendency to make thing glow under a black light. Machine washing any old historical fabric is not advised.
Wash only if it is completely necessary to avoid damage. Even a hand washing can damage a tunic and loosen threads tabs, buttons, medals..

[carroll]

Thanks Paul for the reply.
Regards Ray.

[Johnny R]

Unless the tresse and fabric is like new I would not do anything to it. If it is oxidized with the white substance that looks like powder water is the worst thing to put on it and it can fall apart.

[schönbeck]

I think you can still get soap flakes, similar to what they used back then, these will not glow.

[Disco Partisan]

I would advise you not to wash your tunic at all as it is completely unpredictable what can happen to it. I understand it can be dirty and needs washing but results can EASILY be really devastating, believe me I will never do it again to anything.

[Erich B.]

I agree with most of the above--it's a chance you take when you wash a tunic. If the tunic is lined and padded, like an officer's dress or service tunic, you definitely do NOT want to wash it. If it's an issue type wool tunic with partial lining, and you feel lucky, you may improve the appearance or may damage it. Years ago I had a filthy Assault wrapper with very flat nap to the wool. It also had a distinctive aroma. I used Woolite soap to wash it flat in the bathtub. The water looked like coffee during the first rinse, but by the 8th or 9th rinse it was clear. I dried it flat between towels and with towels inside the tunic. When it was done it looked 1000% better, and NO portion of the tunic or the insignia glowed under UV. Woolite does not contain brighteners or phosphates so can't cause a UV reaction.
Although it was a successful experiment, it could also have fallen apart at the seams, had the insignia ruined, etc. I had purchased it from a dealer for $350.00 (which was the going price in those days) so I thought it was worth the risk.
Erich

[carroll]

Thanks to all for the advice.
Regards Ray.