Congratulations on your purchase of new DeMoulin uniforms. To extend the life and retain the appearance of your DeMoulin uniforms, you need to utilize the following information on preventive maintenance and handling.

Probably the most detrimental agent to band uniform fabric and fiber is perspiration. Second only to perspiration are dirt and grime particles that can embed into the material and do permanent harm to the dye and fibers, causing a discoloration and permanent damage.

The following information is provided to help you in maintaining your uniforms in tip-top condition. See also - Notice to Dry Cleaner

DRY CLEANING - RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PURCHASER, WEARER, AND DRY CLEANER

Purchaser's Responsibilities

• School/Band/Organizational Officials
  1. Insure that the care recommendations contained herein and those on care labels inside each uniform garment piece are communicated effectively to the professional dry cleaner selected and each uniform garment wearer on an individual basis.
  2. It is suggested that a school/band/organizational official screen prospective dry cleaning establishments and select one which is reputable, experienced in cleaning items with a potential for staining, and will conform to the suggested recommendations for dry cleaning spelled out further herein.
  3. A trial uniform garment should be dry cleaned and evaluated before committal of any other uniform garments in order to examine conformance to recommendations. This evaluation should be a joint effort of a school/band/organizational official and the dry cleaner, with final decision to approve or disapprove resting upon the school/band/organizational official.
  4. After 1. through 3. are initially done, the school/band/organizational official should make random checks in order to sustain:
     • the qualification of the dry cleaner and,
     • the wearer's awareness of and conformance to all care recommendations.
• Wearer's Responsibilities
  1. Read and understand the complete user care responsibilities contained herein and on the care label inside each uniform garment piece.
  2. Do not wash the uniform garment. Professional dry clean only.
  3. Do not hand clean in any manner. Professional dry clean only.
  4. Do not tumble dry or heat in any manner, such as hand ironing, blow drying, or over a hot stove, a wet uniform garment piece. Hang properly and allow to air dry at ambient conditions. Follow-up promptly after air drying with requisite dry cleaning and/or pressing.
  5. Do not contact uniform garment (for the purpose of modifying conditions surrounding use of the garment) with:
     • antistats,
     • water/oil proofers,
     • spot cleaning chemicals,
     • other topical chemicals such as: bleaches, spray deodorants, perfumes, brighteners, facial makeup, etc.
  6. Examine the uniform garment after each use for soiling, stains, etc.
  7. Abnormally stained uniform garments should be cleaned as soon as possible after the staining occurs by the approved professional dry cleaner. Do not attempt to hand clean.
  8. Do not store uniform garment wet. Follow up as in B4. above.
  9. Do not store stained uniform garment for long periods of time such as at the end of the current band use season until the next band use season. Time tends to set stains.
     
  10. Examine the uniform garment before dry cleaning and identify location and type of stain (if possible) to the dry cleaner on delivery of the garment for cleaning.
      
  11. Examine uniform garments at the dry cleaners after cleaning to determine whether or not the identified stains have been removed or if staining has occurred on dry cleaning and/or pressing. Follow up undesirable variances immediately.
      
  12. Do not hand press for touch up. Professional press only.
      
  13. Any unsatisfactory conditions found after all of the above have been followed up rigorously should be referred to the uniform garment manufacturer first.

Dry Cleaner's Responsibilities

• Read and understand the complete user care responsibilities contained herein and cooperate with the uniform garment user in their compliance to them.
• Read, understand, and agree to comply with the dry cleaning recommendations contained herein; namely,
  1. Dry Cleaning Chemicals
     • It is suggested that one do not use cationic detergents such as Caled Nu-Touch or equivalent. Nonionic and anionic detergents are preferred.
     • The currently used solvent systems for dry cleaning will all function effectively to satisfy our recommendations if they are set up and maintained properly. The type systems in order of preference are: Valclean, Perchloroethylene, and Naptha. The judgement as to which system to use will depend on such factors as:
       • availability,
       • set up and maintenance costs, and
       • cooperation of chemical suppliers in complying with maintenance testing.
     • The detergent/solvent/water ratios should be set-up, monitored, and maintained at optimum conditions dictated by:
       • type detergent used,
       • amount of initial detergent charge used,
       • amount of water present,
       • type solvent used,
       • solvent recharge level dictated by tests,
       • acid count/alkalinity level, and
       • type and stain character of the uniform garment to be cleaned.
     • When system optimums cannot be maintained, then recharge or distillation of the solvent must be implemented to allow achievement of optimums.
       Strict adherence to chemical suppliers specifications are a must.
     • Detergent additives can contribute to the amount of bleed-off and subsequent staining of lighter colored fabrics
  2. Dry Cleaning/Pressing Equipment
     • Dry cleaning units should be equipped with an activated charcoal filtration unit or equivalent which is functional and maintained.
     • A sight glass should be easily visible, clean, and clear so as to observe any discoloration of the solvent solution.
     • Solvent flow rate should be within equipment manufacturer's specifications to insure proper turnover and filtration.
     • Dry cleaning equipment should have a distillation capacity for distilling the dry cleaning solvent solution.
     • Pressing equipment should be maintained clean and functional to the extent that the uniform garments can be pressed at the garment care label recommended temperature, time, and pressures without damaging, soiling, or staining it.
  3. Quality Assurance Steps
     • All equipment should be inspected prior to loading of uniform garments to insure that it is clean and free of contaminants.
     • Dry cleaning loads should conform to equipment manufacturer's specifications in order to maintain proper solvent solution to uniform garment ratio.
     • Clean predominantly white and light colored uniform garments in separate load from predominantly dark colored ones.
     • Examine each uniform garment piece for unusual soiling or stains, particularly those pointed out by the user/wearer when the uniform garment was delivered for cleaning.
     • Prespot and/or postspot the uniform garments as per the best established trade practices being careful not to use those chemicals which may cause immediate or latent bleed-off problems.
     • A trial uniform garment should be dry cleaned to evaluate the effectiveness of the cleaning cycle to clean and not stain it. Final decision to approve the effectiveness of the cleaning cycle rests with the school/band/organizational official. If approved, the garment becomes the acceptance target by which all other dry cleaning loads will be judged.
     • If the bleed-off of residual superfluous dyestuffs, noted during the running of a test uniform garment cleaning or that of a full normal load, is not all cleaned out of the solvent solution by the filtration unit, then the cycle length should be extended in length or other corrective action taken until it does.
     • Inspect the dry cleaned and undried uniform garments as they are removed from the dry cleaning unit. Do not dry in the drying unit if spots or stains remain, rather respot and/or release.
     • At no time should the dry cleaning solution temperature exceed 85º F.
     • At no time should the dryer temperature exceed 135ºF.
     • Two drying methods predominate, tumble drying and drying cabinet. The preferred method is tumble drying. To protect some decorative buttons found on uniform garments when tumble drying, just enough of the buttons as is necessary to hold the garment flaps together should be buttoned and then it should be turned inside out for drying.
     • The dried garment should be examined for stains and spots immediately. If any are found, then prompt best follow-up should be implemented to remove them.
       m) After drying, the uniform garment should be pressed according to the manufacturer's instructions found on the label inside the uniform garment piece.
     • Each dry cleaned load of uniform garments should be monitored by the dry cleaner to insure that all conditions are sufficient to maintain the best quality dry cleaning with no staining evidence.
     • The dry cleaner should report any apparent variance from recommended care practices by the user to the responsible school/band/organizational official(s) as well as any apparent garment and/or fabric shortcomngs.

STORAGE

Storing your uniforms is an important part of providing proper shape retention and dryness. The following points should be considered in selecting a good storage area.

• Dryness - This prevents moisture retention and mildew which can rot and destroy your band fabric.
• Ample Space - Plenty of space prevents wrinkling and allows moisture to escape from your uniforms.
• Placement - Uniform storage should be "easily accessible" for you, the band director, and should be away from any excessive heat. The proper place for storage should also be away from student traffic flow.
• Garment Bags - Garment Bags are an excellent way of protecting your uniforms from rain and adverse weather conditions.

HANDLING FOR TRIPS

Many bands travel and take trips throughout the year. Some trips are very close to home and others can be as far away as overseas to Europe. If your band travels, then you will be interested in the following "Tips for Travel".

• Proper Containers - Storage for trips is as important as permanent storage for protecting your uniforms. The ideal containers are the DeMoulin Show-Case Wardrobe boxes if you have enough room on your bus, etc. they will protect your uniforms while traveling, and also by taping the seam on the opening, the wardrobe containers provide a complete enclosure for your garments.
• Emergency Equipment - Provide yourself with an emergency "First-Aid" kit for your band uniforms. If there is any need for temporary repairs or "emergency treatment", you will have the necessary equipment. Always, take along straight pins, safety pins, masking tape, scissors, needle and thread, extra accessories (spats,gloves,ties, etc.), uniform buttons, a few extra plumes (if used), extra garment bags, lint brush, a brush for "fluffing" shakos, and a porous cloth for wiping off spills.
• Other Tips - Other useful tips when traveling are:
  • Do not wear the uniforms over jeans, coats, or other outer garments, either on the bus or during a performance. This causes undo stress and strain to the uniform seams, buttons and zippers.
  • Use shako bags if at all possible for carrying and storing shakos.
  • Rainwear (raincoats, rainhoods, etc.) is always advisable whenever taking a trip. Mother Nature is unpredictable and whenever rain, snow, and other precipitation occurs, it is good to have your raincoat handy. DeMoulin has a full line of rainwear from which you can choose.
  • Always hang your uniform properly during your trip in order that they can dry out and the moisture can escape from them. It is very doubtful that your uniforms will be dry-cleaned during your trip, so make sure that every precaution is taken to keep them clean and dry.
  • When returning home from an active trip with many performances, have your uniforms dry-cleaned. They will have absorbed much perspiration inside and probably received much wear outside.

CARE AND CLEANING OF SHAKOS

Shako care is equally important in retaining the appearance and life of your uniforms. Below are some helpful tips on maintaining the life of both fur shakos and military shakos.

Tips for Imitation Fur Shakos

• Brush lightly to remove loose dirt and grime.
• If dirty, wash gently with luke-warm water and a washcloth and mild soap solution. This should remove dirt and grime.
• DO NOT BLEACH
• DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER. When your fur shakos are immersed, it is very difficult and almost impossible for them to completely dry out deep within the fur pile. Wash by hand.
• Be sure to dry in the shade or in a very dry place inside. Do not dry out in the sun, as the fur, when wet, can fade and experience color migration.
• After drying, brush lightly with a soft brush to restore luster and "fluffiness".

TIPS FOR MILITARY-BOX STYLE SHAKOS

• Keep in dry place to allow sweatband to dry. This prevents mildew and deterioration of the interior.
• Dry clean by professional dry cleaner only. After obtaining a reputable dry-cleaner within your community, explain to him that the shakos also need to be dry-cleaned, and they have a plastic innerliner which can take dry-cleaning - but proper care and handling must be used.
• However, shakos with leatherette or vinyl coverings should not be dry-cleaned. White leatherette and vinyl have a tendency to "pull" high-colored vinyl or cloth colors into them. This will cause a discoloration of your shakos and result in a very tacky appearance.

Never wear plumes in the rain with either style shako. Plume colors will run, as dye on the feather plumes will bleed when wet. Remember, your shakos are as much a part of your uniform as the coats and trousers. Proper maintenance and upkeep will retain their appearance and extend their life.

REVIEW OF GENERAL CARE AND TIPS FOR YOUR NEW DeMOULIN UNIFORMS

1. Always hang up uniforms after a performance.
2. Repair your uniforms and have any stains removed from them as soon as possible.
3. Never wear plumes in the rain!
4. Protect your uniforms from Mother Nature by the use of garment bags, rainwear, and proper storage.
5. Always hang up your uniforms in a dry place to allow moisture to escape properly.
6. Never wear coats, jeans, or other outer garments under your uniforms.
7. Dry-clean frequently to remove moisture, perspiration, and dirt.
8. Use a reputable, professional dry-cleaner.
9. Never dry-clean overlays or shakos made of vinyl or having any vinyl trim.
10. Study and follow the "Travel Tips".

Both you and your school have made a substantial long-term investment in purchasing your DeMoulin uniforms. By giving the uniforms proper care and handling you will find that your DeMoulin uniforms will perform well for you and come through with "high" flying colors!

DeMoulin Brothers & Company