How to Wash Uniforms Without a Washer or Dryer

When there is no washer or dryer, whether you are deployed, on a field job, traveling or in a small apartment, a sink or bucket and a towel are enough to keep a uniform clean and presentable. Here is how.

What to keep in your kit

• Pre-measured detergent sheets: dry, flat and easy to pack in a duffel or deployment bag.
• A collapsible bucket or basin.
• A universal sink stopper.
• A quick-dry towel and a short clothesline with clips.

How to wash a uniform in a sink

1. Check the care label, and follow any guidance for treated or specialty uniforms.
2. Fill the sink with cool or lukewarm water and dissolve half a sheet in it.
3. Turn the uniform inside out to protect patches, prints and color.
4. Submerge it and work the water through for two or three minutes, concentrating on collars, cuffs and underarms.
5. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
6. Drain and rinse twice in clean water.

How to wash several pieces in a bucket

For a full set, fill a bucket or tub and dissolve one full sheet. Wash the cleanest items first and the dirtiest last, then rinse everything in fresh water. In limited-water situations, rinse in two small batches of clean water rather than one large one; the second rinse removes the last of the detergent.

How to dry a uniform fast

• Roll each piece in a towel and press out as much water as you can.
• Hang shirts on a hanger, buttoned, to keep their shape.
• Hang pants by the hem so the creases fall straight.
• Find airflow: a fan, a breeze or an open window dries faster than sun alone.

Stains on uniforms

• Sweat and collar lines: rub a little dissolved detergent into the area and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing.
• Mud: let it dry, brush it off, then wash.
• Grease: blot, then work in detergent and wash in the warmest water the label allows.

Uniform care rules

• Follow the care label and any instructions from your unit or employer.
• Avoid bleach unless the label allows it.
• Wash treated or flame-resistant garments only as their maker directs.
• Use the right dose. Extra detergent is harder to rinse out by hand.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash a uniform in a sink?

Yes. Half a sheet in a sink of cool water, a 10 to 20 minute soak and two rinses.

How do I dry a uniform overnight?

Roll it in a towel to press out the water, then hang it near moving air.

What detergent is easiest for deployment?

Pre-measured dry sheets: nothing to spill, no liquid to leak in a bag, and they work in a sink or a machine.

Pack light: the Travel 3-Pack fits in a cargo pocket, up to 30 loads.