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As per official USAR specifications, The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) must be cared for as noted below. Also, other items in the ACU camo pattern which are not part of the standard uniform, should also be cared for as detailed below, especially concerning the use of certain detergents.

The ACU Care Policy:

The following instructions must be followed when caring for the ACU in order to Maximize the service life and maintain optimum performance:

• Soilders will not startch the ACU under any circumstances. The use of starch, sizing, and any process that involves dry-cleaning or a steam press will adversely affect the treatments and durability of the uniform and are not authorized.
• Wash in cold water with mild detergent containing no optical brighteners or bleach.
• Tumble dry at low heat, not to exceed 130 degrees fahrenheit.
• Remove immediately from the dryer and fold flat or place on a rustproof hanger to ensure heat from the dryer does not set wrinkles.
• To drip-dry, remove from the washer/water and place on a rustproof hanger. Do not wring or twist.

Here is a list of detergents which contain optical brighteners and therefor SHOULD NOT be used when washing the ACU:

• Dreft Liquid
• Dreft Powder
• Era Liquid (all versions)
• Gain Liquids (all versions)
• Gain Powders (all versions)
• Ivory Snow Liquid
• Ivory Snow Powder
• Tide Liquids (all versions)
• Tide Powders (all versions)
• Tide Tablets (all versions)
• Fab (all versions)
• Dynamo (all versions)
• Ajax (all versions)
• Suavitel Fabric Softener (all versions)
• All laundry products made by Colgate-Palmolive
• Arm & Hammer Liquid (all versions)
• Arm & Hammer FabriCare Powder (all versions)
• Arm & Hammer Fresh ‘n Soft Fabric Softener (all versions)
• Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
• Rain Drops Water Softener and Detergent Booster
• DeliCare Fine Fabric Wash (all versions)
• Wisk (all versions)
• All Liquid (all versions)
• Surf Liquid (all versions)
• Yes (all versions)
• All Dial Laundry Products including:
• Purex Powder (all versions)
• Purex Liquid (all versions)
• Purex Fabric Softener (all versions)
• Purex Baby (all versions)
• 20 Mule Team Detergent (all versions)
• Zout (all versions)

Here are a few detergents that do not contain optical brighteners and therefor SHOULD be used when washing the ACU:

• Bold Powder
• Cheer Liquid (all versions)
• Cheer Powder (all versions)
• All Powder (all versions)
• Surf Powder (all versions)
• Woolite (all versions)

When using generic or store brand detergents, if the label says, "Comapre to...", use this information to determine the content of optical brighteners, but if you are unsure, do not use the questionable detergent.

Another useful tip is to always wash the ACU "inside-out". This will help to prolong the usefullness of the hook and loop (Velcro) closures and tabs.

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