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Leatherneck FAQ

How Do I Keep My White Gear White?

The Marine Shop in Quantico, Va., passed these instructions for cleaning white dress trousers, belt, gloves and cover for the barracks hat to Leatherneck.

"The uniform may be cleaned, but the chemicals have a tendency to discolor or the fabric to a 'grayish' tint.

"To remove discoloration and revive the 'whiteness' of fabric, you will [need the following]: one box of 'RIT' color remover, one box of 'Snowy Bleach' and on bottle of 'Wisk' detergent.

"Dissolve the 'RIT' in water. Soak the items in the solution for approximately one hour: Launder through one complete gentle cycle in warm water, cold rinse. Remove from the washer."

To complete the process and for regular maintenance in the future, add "two cups of 'Snowy Bleach' and ¼ cup of 'Wisk.' Allow washer to fill with warm water and agitation [to] commence to ensure that the bleach and detergent are thoroughly dissolved. Stop the washer, add the uniform [items] and allow [them] soaking for approximately one to two hours.

"Restart the washer and launder … through the complete gentle cycle on warm wash and cold rinse. Drip-dry on wooden hanger, ensuring that the hanger stem does not [contact the items and thus] discolor [them]."

The white items may be "steamed-ironed or professionally pressed."