DHS Band Uniform Washing Instructions

Band Students & Parents!! All band students will be required to take part of their marching uniform home to launder according to the procedures below

Cleaning Instructions

1. DO NOT Dry Clean the uniform pieces. Machine-wash on the DELICATE CYCLE only.

2. Before you begin, check the hem of the pants. If sewn, be sure it is secure.

If the snap hem is used, make a note of which snaps are fastened so that you can return them to the proper length. Snap hems will almost always come undone in the wash.

 3. Check the uniform pieces for stains or excessive dirt (especially collars and cuffs).

 If necessary, you may pre-treat stains using NONchlorine stain removers when washing. We highly recommend the various Carbona stain removers (available at most area grocery stores, Wal-Mart, etc.)

**Saxophone players** – if the collar of your uniform is seriously stained, you may need to pre-treat and wash more than once.

Please do the best you can and also consider cleaning the inside of your neck strap or purchasing a new one. Some students find it best to use one for practice and another for performances.

• Turn each of the uniform pieces inside out and zip them up.

• Remove the round decorative silver plastic circle on the front of the uniform (if they still have it)

• Gauntlets should be Velcro-ed inside out to prevent scratches on buttons

Remove the black flap/baldric (the one that snaps on over the white-collar)

• Wash by hand the white sequin flap/baldric AND the black and white sequin gauntlet

• The red/black/purple shirt(s) should be washed separately but in the washer.

4. Start with a clean washing machine. Do not wash the uniform pieces following a dark load or a load including new garments that may leave a residue.

5. Use COLD water – never wash in warm or hot water. Machine wash on the gentle/delicate cycle.

6. Use only non-chlorine detergent. Those intended for delicate items and hand-washing are good choices.

7. Do NOT use fabric softeners of any kind.

8. Wash uniforms pieces Separately according to color. Always wash bib pants separately from the jackets/gauntlets, and wash gloves, band t-shirts, socks, etc. SEPARATELY from the uniform items.

9. The garment bag may be washed on a HAND-WASH CYCLE if necessary. Hang to dry.

10. Immediately following the wash cycle, turn pieces right side out and HANG TO DRY, BUT HANG NEATLY…PANTS ARE TO BE HUNG USING THE CREASE FOR GUIDANCE (use plastic hangers).

11. Gauntlets should be laid flat to dry completely.

12. DO NOT IRON ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!

13. Be sure to allow all pieces to dry completely. Never put a damp uniform in the hanging bag.

Storage Instructions

1. When completely dry, return all uniform pieces in the garment bag marked with the student’s name.

2. Pants should be folded on the crease – not the seams – secured under the bar of the suit hanger provided.

3. Place the jacket over the pants and Velcro on the front. The rounded side of the hanger should be placed towards the back of the jacket.

4. Gauntlets are to be placed in the rear zipper-pouch of the bag, flat, Velcro together, and un-rolled.

5. No other items should be stored in the garment bag other than the uniform pieces – no shoes, extra clothes, personal items, etc.

Returning Uniforms to School

1. Return uniforms to school by the date assigned by Mr. Dayrit

2. Garment bags must be zipped up and placed on the correct storage rack by instrument, with all hangers facing the same direction so that we can maximize storage space and nametags are easily visible. Students should be familiar with this process but if needed, they may ask a member of the uniform crew for assistance.