M65 Cold Weather Coat Care: Mastering The Art Of Washing

The M-65 field jacket, identifiable by its four pockets and often olive green colour, was originally designed for military use. It was first introduced in 1965, replacing the M-51 jacket. The M-65 jacket was used by the U.S. Forces during the Vietnam War, and it remained in service until the late 1980s.

The M-65 jacket is made from a mix of nylon and cotton, and it is water-repellent. It can be washed in a washing machine, but it is important to use cold water and a mild detergent to avoid damage to the fabric. Machine washing should be done on a permanent press cycle, and the jacket should be dried at low heat, no higher than 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

If hand washing, it is important to avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. The jacket can be dried by hanging or laying it flat.

How to hand wash an M65 coat

The M-65 field jacket is a straight-front jacket with water-repellent fabric, four pockets, and a built-in hood that can be rolled up into a pouch at the back. It was introduced into US military service in 1965 and was widely used by US Forces during the Vietnam War.

Step 1: Prepare the Coat for Washing

Before washing your M65 coat, it is important to address any stains or dirt on the fabric. For stains, apply a stain remover and use a toothbrush to lightly scrub the affected area. If your coat is only dusty, you can try using compressed air, blowing from the inside to the outside, to remove the dust. You can also try shaking the jacket out a few times and hanging it in the sun for a day.

Step 2: Hand Washing

If your coat is very dirty, you may need to use laundry detergent, but for mild dirt or dust, you can hand wash the coat in a bathtub with cold water and no soap. If necessary, add a small amount of mild soap, such as Woolite, or a squirt of regular dishwashing detergent. Soak the coat in the water and gently agitate it to help loosen any dirt or stains.

Step 3: Rinsing and Drying

After hand washing your M65 coat, drain the dirty water and rinse the coat with clean, cold water. Gently squeeze the coat to remove excess water, being careful not to wring or twist the fabric. Finally, lay the coat flat to air dry. You can also sandwich the coat between towels to blot out as much water as possible and help reshape it. Avoid hanging the coat to dry, as this may stretch the fabric. Do not put the coat in direct sunlight, and let it air dry slowly.

How to machine wash an M65 coat

Machine-washing an M65 coat is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Coat

Before washing, it is important to address any stains on the coat. Apply a stain remover or a mild detergent to the stained areas and gently work it into the fabric with a soft brush or an old toothbrush. This will help loosen and remove any stubborn dirt or grease.

Step 2: Choose the Right Settings

Set your washing machine to a regular cycle with cold water. It is important to use cold water to avoid damaging the fabric or causing fading. Select a mild detergent suitable for museum-level cleaning if possible, as this will be gentler on the coat.

Step 3: Wash the Coat

Place the coat in the washing machine and let it run through the cycle. If your machine has a permanent press cycle, this is a good option to reduce the risk of creasing and damage.

Step 4: Drying the Coat

After washing, remove the coat from the machine and check the care instructions again. If it is recommended to tumble dry, use a low heat setting that does not exceed 130°F. If you choose to air dry the coat, hang it on a rust-proof hanger and allow it to air-dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this can damage the fabric.

Step 5: Post-Wash Care

Once the coat is dry, it is important to store it properly. M65 coats are best stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you need to iron the coat, refer to the care instructions, and use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric.

By following these steps, you can effectively machine wash your M65 coat, ensuring it stays clean and well-maintained for years to come.

How to dry an M65 coat

To dry an M65 coat, it is recommended to hang it on something that won't rust and let it air-dry. You can also tumble dry the coat on low heat, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 130°F. After tumble drying, it is advisable to tumble again at room temperature for about ten minutes. If you choose to air-dry, use a rustproof hanger and avoid direct sunlight.

Some people suggest drying the coat flat, perhaps sandwiched between towels to help absorb excess water. This method may be preferable if you want to avoid any potential stretching or damage to the fabric caused by hanging.

If your coat has a liner, it is recommended to wash and dry it separately using mild detergent and warm water. Machine or drip-dry is suitable for the liner.

How to wash an M65 coat with stains

To wash an M65 coat with stains, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, identify the source of the stains. If they are oil or grease-based, for example, you will need to treat them with an appropriate stain remover before washing. In this case, you could try using a stain remover like Shout Stain Remover and a toothbrush to gently scrub the stained area. Leave it to sit for around 15 minutes before washing.

If your coat is musty or has accumulated dirt and dust, you can try the following: begin by brushing off any loose dirt and vacuuming the coat with a muslin cloth rubber-banded over the hose to protect the fabric. You can then hand wash the coat in a tub with cold water and a mild detergent, like Woolite or a small amount of dish soap. If the coat is very dirty, you may need to use a stronger laundry detergent.

After washing, gently squeeze out any excess water and lay the coat flat to dry. You can also sandwich the coat between towels to help blot out the water and reshape it. Avoid hanging the coat in direct sunlight, as this could cause fading.

If you would prefer to machine wash your M65 coat, you can do so on a permanent press cycle with warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or starch, and avoid wringing or twisting the fabric if hand washing. Tumble dry at low heat (no more than 130°F) and remove the coat from the dryer immediately after the cycle finishes.

Remember to always check the care label on your coat and follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer.

How to wash an M65 coat with its hood

To wash an M65 coat with its hood, it is important to first inspect the jacket for any stains or dirt. If there are any stains, use a stain remover and gently scrub the area with an old toothbrush. If the jacket is only dusty, the mildest approach is to wash it in a bathtub with cold water and no soap. If this does not work, add a small amount of mild soap, such as Woolite or dishwashing detergent.

For a machine wash, use a mild detergent and set the machine to a regular cycle with cold water. Wash the hood with the coat, leaving it zippered up to avoid putting strain on it. After washing, hang the coat and hood on a rustproof hanger to air-dry. Do not tumble dry or place in direct sunlight.

If you are looking to preserve the water repellency of the jacket, it is recommended to hand wash the coat and avoid machine washing.

Frequently asked questions