Washing Tunics

[Johnny R]

I know that some of you are against washing any tunic regardless of condition but I wanted to post this. I did not take a before picture but the tunic had no visible surface dirt and looked clean. This is how much crap was in there after the first soak and rinse without soap. There was a oil like film on the surface as well that I attribute to moth balls or some spray that smelled like that.

[Johnny R]

Second after rinsing and pressing out the first water soak

[Johnny R]

First soap and rinse, I can almost see the bottom of the tub. I did not take any after pictures either but it is amazing how much crap can get in there. I am not sanctioning washing etc. and only do it when i need to but it was interesting to see how much stuff came out.

[Schulterklappen]

Moth balls

I love the smell of moth balls in the morning...it smells like regalia!

[Schulterklappen]

Woolite

I assume you are using Woolite. I see now that they have a Woolite for darker colors. has anybody tried this on a uniform or straps? I have a Feldbluse pair of S1 straps and was curious about how it would work on the badge cloth of the straps and the pink embroidery.

[Johnny R]

I usualy live like Evil Knievel and have things dry cleaned but I have a dry cleaner that has worked with civil war era museum clothing and other high end clothing and knows what he is doing. He does everything for me.

I only hand wash either with water or indeed with Woolite and only when I think that something is too fragile for the dry cleaner or he will not clean it for that reason and I still think it should be cleaned.

Also if anyone does this you need to rinse rinse and then rinse again to get all the soap out. I rinse until there is no evidence of soap in the water. For drying first I lay them flat on 3-4 towels and then cover them with 3-4 towels and gently press the water out. I usually dry on a torso form after spreading the tunic out on a drying rack. Handling the tunic when they are wet you have to be careful supporting the whole tunic, lifting by a sleeve or by the lining etc can tear stitching.

I think Woolite would clean the straps up. I have never seen piping darken from cleaning. I want to put insignia in an ultrasonic bath and see if that will clean it.

[hi-revr]

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I like these topics. Rarely discussed and mostly looked down upon. I'm not a big fan of altering anything but uniforms of all sorts were cleaned when they were in use. I have always wondered what cleaning methods were used. For many years dry cleaners have used PERK, Perchlorethane I think. Not sure how long it's been around. Someone has to know what the normal method of cleaning in Germany was.

I worry more about how things have been handled after the war and the long term effects of doing nothing. I package all my decorations and insignia in archival packaging.

[Niblet]

Great thread! thanks for the pics Johnny,,,good things to know

[Raven26]

I have taken several tunics to a trusted dry cleaner with great success. The wool was bright and clean when returned. Further, they can offer a "mild" cleaning if requested.

Frank

[Rob E.]

You've inspired me to clean one of my rocks that could really use it.

Thanks.

[billbert]

Cool thread.. my we see the finished product please?? Billbert

[Johnny R]

My dry cleaner has told me the best type of cleaning to use is "Green Earth" they are in the States and maybe Canada as well. They do not add hard chemicals as described in the gun show myths against dry cleaning. He has said the cloth will preserve much longer etc. The only things you need to look for is failing areas of cloth with no nap and holes etc. and loose stitching. I respect people that do not want to clean their tunics but I prefer to. Looking at the tub is just another good reason for me.

http://www.greenearthcleaning.com/

[DonC]

Just remember - a clean tunic is a happy tunic!

Don

[CWP]

How does insignia hold up with cleaning? Specifically I am wondering about wire bullion embroidered insignia. I have an officer tunic that is actually so dirty the fabric is stiff, I worry about the long-term effect of the soiling.

[Johnny R]

I mostly collect officer service tunics and have never had a problem if the green thread holding the bullion is intact and not worn. The secret is to find a dry cleaner that will TLC it and tell you the truth about it, wash it seperatly etc.