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How to Wash Tactical Pants

The bulk of 5.11 Tactical® pants are wash–and–go, but there are a few things you can do to prolong your favorite gear’s lifespan and eradicate all the dirt, grime, grease, and other contaminants you pick up while you’re on the job, at the range, or in the field.

How to wash tactical pants

Washing Tactical Pants

If you bought them from 5.11‚ your pants will be labeled with the best washing practices, whether they’re the 5.11 Stryke™ Pants , a pair of Taclite® Pro Pants , or another popular style.

Because most tactical pants are designed to wash–and–wear, you don’t have to do much to keep them looking their best. Use these instructions to get the most from every pair:

  • Before you wash your tactical pants‚ brush away and shake out as much ground–in dirt as possible.
  • Wash in cold or warm water only. Washing your pants in cold or warm water — never hot — preserves the colors in your pants so they hold fast and don’t bleed or fade.
  • Wash on a gentle cycle unless you need a heavy–duty wash for heavy–duty dirt.
  • If they’re heavily soiled‚ pre–soak your tactical pants. Spot–treat them if you’re afraid they’ll stain. Then‚ wash on gentle cycle.
  • Use ordinary laundry soap or a very mild detergent. Don’t use harsh detergents with bleach‚ because bleach can be corrosive to the tough fibers you’re trying to preserve.

Drying Tactical Pants

Most of 5.11’s tactical pants can be tumbled dry on a low–heat setting without sacrificing quality‚ but always check the manufacturer’s instructions before throwing your pants in the dryer.

Again‚ avoid using high–heat cycles to your keep pants colorfast. Remove your pants from the dryer as soon as they’re finished drying, and fold or hang them up immediately to prevent wrinkles from settling into the fabric.

If you need to hang–dry your tactical pants‚ use these tips:

  • Use an extra spin cycle in the washing machine to remove all excess water first.
  • Shake out and re–shape your pants before hanging them to dry.
  • Avoid folding them over a clothesline‚ which can cause unsightly creases.

Keep in mind that drip–drying may leave your tactical pants stiffer than tumble–drying‚ but a quality pair will break in and stay comfortable for years when cared for properly.

Washing Tips for Tactical Pants with Special Features

Some tactical pants include special hardware and fasteners‚ which can wear down or stop working properly if you don’t take the right precautions.

  • Secure all hook–and–pile fasteners together before washing.
  • Turn your pants inside–out before you wash them to prevent the fasteners from sticking to other clothing.
  • Don’t use fabric softener‚ which can coat hook–and–pile fasteners and prevent them from holding together.

Fire–resistant pants require special care, too. You should never dry–clean your fire–resistant pants because the solvents involved in dry–cleaning can damage the pants and remove the protective coating.

  • Never use bleach‚ which can discolor the fabric and cut through the flame–resistant coating.
  • Avoid fabric softener.
  • Do not use an automatic dryer if your fire–resistant pants have reflective trim.

Remember‚ always wash your tactical pants according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Wash Tactical Pants

Knowing how to wash tactical pants correctly can help maintain their fit, colour, fabric performance and overall lifespan. Tactical pants are built for demanding use, but repeated exposure to dirt, sweat, dust and everyday wear still means they need proper care.

Different fabrics and features can require different care, so always follow the care label on your individual garment first. The guide below provides general care advice for 5.11 tactical pants.

How to wash and care for 5.11 tactical pants

Quick Tactical Pants Washing Guide

  • Check the garment care label before washing
  • Empty all pockets and remove loose dirt
  • Close zips and hook-and-loop fasteners
  • Turn the pants inside out where appropriate
  • Use a mild laundry detergent
  • Avoid unnecessary high heat
  • Follow the garment label when drying

How to Wash Tactical Pants Step by Step

5.11 tactical pants are designed for regular use, including styles such as 5.11 Stryke® Pants and Taclite® Pro Pants . Before washing any pair, check its individual care label for product-specific instructions.

1. Empty the Pockets

Tactical pants often include more storage than standard trousers, so check every pocket before putting them in the washing machine. Remove equipment, pens, tools, paper and other items that could damage either the pants or your washing machine.

2. Remove Loose Dirt

Shake or brush away loose dirt, dust and debris before washing. If the pants are heavily soiled, removing surface dirt first can help prevent it from spreading through the wash.

3. Close Zips and Fasteners

Close zips and secure hook-and-loop fasteners before washing. This can help prevent fasteners from catching on other garments and reduce unnecessary wear during the wash cycle.

4. Treat Stains Before Washing

If your tactical pants have heavily soiled areas, consider treating the affected area before washing. Use a product appropriate for the fabric and always follow both the stain-treatment instructions and the garment's care label.

5. Use an Appropriate Wash Cycle

Follow the garment care label when selecting water temperature and wash cycle. Avoid using more heat or a more aggressive cycle than necessary, particularly on garments that use stretch fibres, specialised finishes or technical fabric blends.

6. Use a Mild Detergent

A standard mild laundry detergent is generally suitable for regular washing. Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals unless the care instructions for the specific garment explicitly allow them.

Can You Put Tactical Pants in the Washing Machine?

Many tactical pants are designed to be machine washed, but the correct settings depend on the individual fabric and construction. Always check the care label before washing.

This is particularly important across a broad tactical pants range , because different styles can use different combinations of cotton, polyester, nylon, ripstop fabrics and stretch fibres.

How to Dry Tactical Pants

Drying instructions can vary between tactical pant styles, so follow the individual garment label first. Where tumble drying is permitted, avoid using more heat than recommended.

Removing pants promptly after drying and hanging or folding them can help reduce unnecessary creasing.

Air-Drying Tactical Pants

If the garment can be air-dried, shake and reshape the pants before hanging them. Positioning them carefully can help maintain their shape and reduce creasing as they dry.

Heavier tactical or cargo pants may take longer to air-dry because of additional pockets, reinforcement and fabric layers.

How to Wash Tactical Pants with Hook-and-Loop Fasteners

Tactical pants can include hook-and-loop pocket closures and other specialised fasteners. Before washing:

  • Secure hook-and-loop fasteners where possible
  • Close zips and other closures
  • Check all pockets for equipment and debris
  • Consider turning the garment inside out if permitted by the care label

Keeping fasteners secured can reduce the chance of them attaching to other clothing or collecting lint during the wash.

Should You Use Fabric Softener on Tactical Pants?

Technical fabrics can include specialised fibres, treatments and finishes, so avoid automatically adding fabric softener to every wash. Check the care label for the individual garment before using fabric softener or other laundry additives.

Can You Use Bleach on Tactical Pants?

Do not assume bleach is suitable for tactical apparel. Bleach can affect colour and may damage certain fibres, treatments or finishes. Only use it if the care instructions for the specific garment permit it.

How Often Should You Wash Tactical Pants?

There is no single washing schedule that applies to every user. How often tactical pants need washing depends on the environment, level of activity, exposure to dirt or contaminants and how the garment has been used.

Pants used for demanding work or outdoor activities may require more frequent washing than pants worn casually. Avoid unnecessary washing when the garment does not need it, while always cleaning clothing appropriately after exposure to significant dirt or contaminants.

How to Make Tactical Pants Last Longer

Good tactical pants are designed for repeated wear, but basic care can help preserve their performance and appearance.

  • Follow the individual garment care label
  • Remove loose dirt before washing
  • Empty and secure all pockets and fasteners
  • Avoid excessive heat
  • Avoid harsh chemicals unless specifically permitted
  • Store pants clean and completely dry

These principles apply across different tactical, cargo and work pants , although the exact care requirements can vary according to the fabric and construction of each garment.

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