Army jackets like the M-65 Field Jacket are made of tough materials like polyester and durable cotton canvas. You can beat them up and never pay a moment’s attention to care or maintenance, right?
Wrong. Just like your toughest pair of jungle boots, your Army jacket should be properly cleaned and stored in order to protect your investment in one of your most important pieces of outerwear.
This short post will show you what you need to know.
Cleaning
Cleaning your Army jacket periodically is one of the most important aspects of maintenance, and the good news is that, unless you’ve really soiled your jacket, you won’t need to go overboard here.
Many jackets, unlike other garments, cannot be washed by machine. Rather, what you will want to do is spot-clean them periodically.
If what you have on your jacket is mud or some other debris, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub it off, then wipe down the fabric with a rag and some warm water.
If you’ve stained the jacket, use a spot cleaner approved for use with the fabric from which the jacket is made.
If the jacket is very dirty, you can fill a wash basin with warm water and a detergent that’s appropriate for the fabric, then clean the jacket manually.
Areas that will become particularly dirty are under the arms as well as around the collar, where the jacket will contact your neck.
Also, when cleaning the jacket, make sure to turn the pockets inside out to empty them, or use a small vacuum or vacuum attachment to remove lint and debris from the pockets.
Drying
Like other jackets, Army jackets should not be machine dried. They should either be hung up or laid out to dry.
If laying them out, place them in a cool, dry location with plenty of airflow in order to prevent mildew. Make sure the jacket is not folded and that the sleeves are extended.
Hanging is a better option. Hang it using a hanger, not clothespins, outside in the shade on a cool day, preferably with a breeze. Don’t hang it in direct sunlight as UV damages fabric.
Storing
Storing your Army jacket properly is just as important as making sure you clean it periodically. You can fold it and put it away or you can hang it, but make sure to use a hanger that can handle the weight of the jacket.
Also, wherever you store it, make sure you store it somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, and away from sources of heat, like radiators and furnaces.
Here for a New Army Jacket?
In the market for a new Army jacket like an M-65, or some heavier winter coat? Visit Fatigues Army Navy and take a look at what they offer. They offer tons of new-production Rothco coats and jackets, along with plenty of other military surplus outerwear and field gear. Check out their website and get in touch with them today if you have any questions.
