Anyone dry clean their OCP uniforms, like we did for the BDU? What do you think of someone who does?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 23:21:38 -0500

Dry cleaning

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2021 11:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 23:50:13 -0500

It would be a waste of time and money. The new ACUs don't press very well. They are a different cut. At the most I will hit them with a steamer that I have if they are really wrinkled.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 22 at 2021 12:15 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:15:01 -0500

Nope, different material, different regs, and different times. Starched BDUs were nice and I paid $3.95 a uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2021 12:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:55:25 -0500

BDUs didn't get dry cleaned. They were laundered regularly and then starched. Some people in staff positions press their OCPs. It looks decent enough. They aren't designed to be starched like the BDUs were and would look silly.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2021 5:37 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 05:37:18 -0500

Nope just turn them inside out and wash them on cold cycle.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2021 9:53 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:53:52 -0500

The OCPs are a better uniform, but you could really slick out a set of BDUs.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 22 at 2021 10:14 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 10:14:04 -0500

Read the care tag. If it says it can be dry cleaned then it’s okay. I really don’t see the need to do so. BDUs looked like a bag of rags if you didn’t iron them. Dry cleaning probably worked, but I never spent the money. Did have my dress shirts laundered starched and pressed. Enhanced professional look.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2021 12:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:01:30 -0500

DA PAM 670-1
4-7
n. The following care instructions must be followed when caring for the combat uniform to maximize the service life and maintain optimum performance. Soldiers will—
(1) Not starch the combat uniform under any circumstances. Using starch, sizing, and any process that involves dry cleaning or a steam press will adversely affect the treatment and durability of the uniform, and it is not authorized.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2021 3:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:12:18 -0500

Never dry cleaned them, had them laundered when it was free. I occasionally iron the collar and pockets to keep them looking good. A small travel sized iron works great for it and doesn't take a lot of effort, keeps the collar and pockets from curling.