You’ve had another long day out on the beat, keeping the streets safe. After a shift filled with chasing down leads and dealing with stressful situations, the last thing you want to do is spend hours at the dry cleaners. Your uniform has seen better days and needs a refresh. Never fear, we’ve got some quick and easy tips to get your uniform looking crisp and clean right at home. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to hit the streets again looking sharp and professional. Say goodbye to wrinkles, stains, and odors – your uniform will look like new in no time. Follow these cleaning hacks and you’ll be ready to get back out there to serve and protect, all while looking your best.
Best Practices for Washing and Drying Your Uniform
To keep your uniform looking professional, follow these best practices for washing and drying at home:
Use a heavy-duty detergent
A heavy-duty detergent is specially formulated to lift tough stains and odors from fabrics like polyester and cotton. Look for a detergent that is free from dyes and brighteners to avoid fading. An oxygen-based bleach alternative can help whiten and brighten without damaging fibers.
Wash uniforms separately
Wash your uniforms separately from the rest of your laundry the first time. This prevents any excess dye from transferring to your other clothes. For subsequent washes, you can include uniforms with similar color sturdy fabrics.
Wash on the hottest setting possible
Crank up the heat! Washing uniforms in the hottest water recommended on the care label helps sanitize them and lifts more stains. The heat will also help uniforms retain their shape better over time. An extra rinse cycle can remove any remaining detergent residue.
Air dry away from heat and sunlight
Machine drying uniforms on high heat can cause damage, wear, and fading over time. Instead, air dry uniforms away from direct heat and sunlight. Hang shirts, pants, and other pieces to dry completely. This may take 24 hours for some pieces. Avoid wringing out or twisting uniforms which can misshape them.
Pro Tips for Removing Stubborn Stains and Keeping Uniforms Looking Crisp
As a police officer, keeping your uniform clean and pressed is extremely important for presenting a professional image. Here are some pro tips for tackling stubborn stains and keeping your uniform crisp.
Pre-treat stains
For protein stains like blood, treat the stain as soon as possible by blotting with a mixture of detergent and hydrogen peroxide or dish soap and cold water.
Scrub any remaining stains
For grease or tar stains, scrub the area with rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid and launder as usual. The alcohol or lighter fluid will help break down the oils.
Bleach white areas
For dingy collars and cuffs, treat them with a bleach alternative like oxyclean or sodium percarbonate before washing. Follow the directions on the product to safely brighten without damaging the fabric.
Iron and starch
After washing and drying, iron your uniform with spray starch to create a crisp, professional appearance. Pay extra attention to creases and pleats. The starch will help the uniform hold its shape and prevent wrinkling during your shift.
Air out and freshen
To prevent odors from building up, air out your uniform after each shift. You can also spray it with a freshening spray designed for fabrics before storing. This will leave your uniform smelling clean for its next use.
Following these pro tips will help you keep your police uniform looking as sharp and professional as possible. With the proper care and maintenance, your uniform can withstand the challenges of the job while still appearing crisp and clean every time you put it on. You can rely on ADA Cleaners to provide excellent dry cleaning for police stations so that your officers’ uniforms will always look polished.
