Dry cleaning fencing kit

[fred]

Unlike some, I like to smell minty fresh whenever I step on a piste, but washing the BDUs is a pain in the hindquarters. Anybody have any experience with getting stuff dry-cleaned? Especially FIE flak suits.

[swordsen]

Hmmm dry clean? I confess I have never tried it. Or even thought about trying it. I just wash and let drip dry.
I personally would have to talk to the cleaner about chemical reactions to the FIE fabrics.
Nah, my way is easier and cheaper.

[damianip]

[quote]Originally posted by fred:
<strong>Unlike some, I like to smell minty fresh whenever I step on a piste, but washing the BDUs is a pain in the hindquarters. Anybody have any experience with getting stuff dry-cleaned? Especially FIE flak suits.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Don't dry clean your FIE kit.

If you want to smell minty fresh, place a Tic-Tac in each armpit.

Seriously, don't dry clean the FIE stuff.

Paolo

[Zelda]

DO NOT DRY CLEAN KIT!!!! My mum asked the cleaners about the symbols and they said it was do not dry clean. Do you seriously think a local business would turn away business???

[neevel]

Percholethylene (that's the most commonly used dry-cleaning solvent) doesn't seem to get along well with some of the fabrics used. If you have a "green" cleaner in your area using one of the water-based processes it may be OK, but be sure you specifiy 'clean only' on the order (regardless of the cleaning method, pressing probably wouldn't be good).

I find I can do a pretty good job of freshening up my uniforms by putting some detergent directly on the more odor-prone areas (e.g., the underarms of both the jacket and the protector) and rubbing it in before putting it in the wash. Since current FIE uniforms are made of nylon-like materials, they usually hang-dry overnight.

Between washings, there's always Fabreeze.

-Dave

[Rick]

Gee...
I just throw it in the washer... and then the dryer at the low setting... I even use farbic softener on it.

[Craig]

If you want to be conservative, then throw in washer on delicate, hang dry.

Or, fill sink with cold water, hand wash with woolite and hang dry.

[peircer]

[quote]Originally posted by fred:
<strong>Unlike some, I like to smell minty fresh whenever I step on a piste, </strong><hr></blockquote>

FRED!! I'll wash my jacket. Yeesh, there's no need to talk about that in public...

[Mo]

Oxyclean: gets the stink, stains and other nasties out and does not harm the fabric... Even works on Blood!!!!
If you can wash it in a front loader the uni's get much less twisted and tangled...

[fred]

Mr. Richardson, you are FAR from the worst offender in our fine club (check out Villiard's gear...just follow your nose )

Thanks all for the feedback, I assumed that the dry cleaner was not a good solution, alas - they do such a fine job with my french cuffs :-) I have washed my duds many times, I usually use Ivory Snow and hang dry, the dry cleaner would have simply been less work.

Mo,
You know, I haven't been that impressed with Oxi-Clean, and I have used it. I can't tell that it makes much of a difference.