Vix Steel Posted January 13, 2010 Share #1 Posted January 13, 2010 I have an M43 coat that is very stained and soiled, looks like heavy dried dirt...well I hope it is. Its to the point where I would not display or keep it unless I can get it somewhat clean. Any ideas? Thanx! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redshift911 Posted January 13, 2010 Share #2 Posted January 13, 2010 Woolite, warm water, soak and lightly hand scrub..... rinse...... use a towel to get most of the water out then hang dry..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted January 13, 2010 Share #3 Posted January 13, 2010 A stiff brass brush can work wonders on old military clothing and gear. I use those toothbrush-sized brash brushes available at hardware stores plus the soft brass lint brushes and have removed lots of soiling without have use cleaners or water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccmax Posted January 13, 2010 Share #4 Posted January 13, 2010 If it is that kind of old hardened soil from wear, leave it alone. Any serious attempt at cleaning it will destroy the fabric and cause major damage to the dirty areas. The cuffs and collar will fray to the point the jacket will no longer be presentable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vix Steel Posted January 14, 2010 Author Share #5 Posted January 14, 2010 Thanx guys, I will post a pic so you guys can agree either it needs a cleaning or to leave it alone. Sad thing is its a size 40R. I hope to post a pic soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Flage Guy Posted January 14, 2010 Share #6 Posted January 14, 2010 Vix: You may already know this, but if you give it the Woolite treatment, either keep the spec tag dry or open the seam and remove it before immersion!!!!!! If it gets wet, the white finish on the tag melts and you are left with a piece of cheesecloth. I got an M43 years ago that was filthy, splatter-stained, etc., but with a mint spec tag. After a very bad experience with an unissued-but-dirty Reversible Overcoat at a supposedly expert dry-cleaning service, I removed the tag from the '43 and Woolited it. It is THE mintest '43 in the pile, and I have 4 of 'em. If you have a dry cleaner whom you trust, it spares the tag removal; but whatever you do, proceed with care. Hope this helps... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vix Steel Posted January 14, 2010 Author Share #7 Posted January 14, 2010 Hi and thanx. Here is a pic and correction, its a 46R. Sorry for the dark pic, kinda looks ok and better than I remembered. Typical cuffs though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Flage Guy Posted January 14, 2010 Share #8 Posted January 14, 2010 46R!!??!!?? If the spec tag is already washed out (right lower pocket) , I'd Woolite that bad boy...:w00t: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vix Steel Posted January 14, 2010 Author Share #9 Posted January 14, 2010 Heh, ya the collar tab says 46R. I think the spec tag is there but is faded and crispy but has some readable info if I remember correctly...I would have to double check that fact though. I will have to go to get some woolite on my next chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccmax Posted January 14, 2010 Share #10 Posted January 14, 2010 This is not as bad as I figured, a careful cleaning is certainly worth it in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Flage Guy Posted January 15, 2010 Share #11 Posted January 15, 2010 Heh, ya the collar tab says 46R. I think the spec tag is there but is faded and crispy but has some readable info if I remember correctly...I would have to double check that fact though.I will have to go to get some woolite on my next chance. I have a few items with spec tags that have been washed (not by me!!), but are still quite readable (holding a white index card behind them is a big help ). If your tag is crispy, chances are good the Jacket has never been laundered- meaning that the Woolite treatment should yield pretty good results . If it was mine, I'd do whatever is necessary to preserve that tag. Go for it!! :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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