Uniform cleaning

[Stinger Gunner USMC]

I have a number of WWII era Navy White items that have yellowed badly over the years. What, if any, would be the best way to get these items looking better?

[gunbarrel]

James,

 

My wife recently cleaned a very yellowed WWII USN white uniform for me, and I would say that about 1/2 - 2/3 of the yellow stains came out, as well as the white brightened up considerably. This stuff did not bother the colors on the rate patches, either. She used "Rit White-Wash" Stain Remover & Whitener for Non-Bleachable Whites. She said that it's been around for years, and she made a believer out of me.

[Stinger Gunner USMC]

James,

 

My wife recently cleaned a very yellowed WWII USN white uniform for me, and I would say that about 1/2 - 2/3 of the yellow stains came out, as well as the white brightened up considerably. This stuff did not bother the colors on the rate patches, either. She used "Rit White-Wash" Stain Remover & Whitener for Non-Bleachable Whites. She said that it's been around for years, and she made a believer out of me.

Thanks for the tip!

[jeremiahcable]

Oxyclean does a bang up job as well but you have to bear in mind that most modern cloth whiteners or brighteners will make the material reactive to black light, to some extent.