How best to wash RAF Tunic and trousers ?

[BOBC]

Hi,
Would it be okay to take an RAF service tunic (4 pocket) with its brass buttons and buckle and original pilots wings to the dry cleaners. Trousers also need cleaning, probably more so. It has been used for many years in re-enacting and is now getting to need a clean !

What would be best way to wash it or clean it ? Remove years of sweat ! Its not got any surface deposits as such.

Also how best to clean a tassled scarf, cotton it seems, certainly not silk. First and last time it was treated to the washing machine the tassles went frizzy.

BOBC

[M.Rimmer]

Hi,

First off I would never take such a uniform to your local dry cleaners, however if you live in an area with a military base you could find out which local cleaners the officers there use. I've had WWII uniforms dry cleaned in the past, but there is always a risk of damage.

Generally if a uniform is dirty and crumpled I take it outside and lay it on a clean table and use a good quality bristle clothes brush, followed by a [I]very[I] careful pressing with a steam iron on low heat and with a damp cotton tea towel placed over the item, avoiding applying hear to any insignia or leather elements, but if using an iron be very careful indeed, I practiced a lot on things like moth damaged items of no significance before using it on anything of importance.

Good luck!.

Matt.

[BOBC]

Hi, There is a local base but getting to speak to an officer could be tricky, maybe ask the guard and get him to ask an officer then catch up with guard later !
I never see any coming in and out, there again I dont hang around the gate, probably get some pc plod collar me if I did.
Local dry cleaners didnt mention they do their tunics though.
I feel I need to remove the sweat rather than iron it in though. Managed the scarf with soap flakes though finding soap flakes was tough. Bit more involved with measuring out ratios of flakes to hot water and getting final warm water mix to match ratio on box, then acting as a human washing machine, than pouring powder into washing machine trough and turning a dial !

BOBC

[Mike Swan]

Bob,

Your question has been frequently asked on the WAF.

Despite the caution expressed by many members, I've had several WW2 tunics dry-cleaned without any problems. I first speak with the shop manager, showing him the garment and explaining any important features eg bullion insignia etc.

In each instance, the manager undertook to personally attend to the garment, placing it individually in a cloth bag during the process. I also offered to pay more than the standard price, although none ever charged me for the special attention.

I know many will immediately disagree, but I can only speak of the excellent results I've experienced.

Regards, Mike.