How do you wash your NATOs?

[bocbass]

Dishwasher? Toothbrush? I've hit some that are pretty grungy.

[Techme]

Put them in a sock and throw them in the washing machine.

[yinzburgher]

I've only recently started to wear more NATOs so I haven't had to wash too many. The one Zulu that I've worn for a long time is a tougher stiffer nylon material, so I've used a toothbrush on that one. I remember hearing someone say that they throw them in the dishwasher.

[Techme]

I'm sure the heat in the dishwasher would sterilize it too.

[Froskemann]

I find that the easiest is to put them in the washing machine.

[Robotaz]

I don’t think my high efficiency washer would do very well. I’d soak mine in a bowl with soapy water, hit them with an old toothbrush, then rinse them thoroughly. If you don’t get the soap out they’re going to be dirt traps.

[Sal T Dog]

I drop a healthy pinch of laundry detergent into a small plastic bowl with cold water and let it soak for about 5-10 min. before hand washing it by scrubbing it against itself for a couple minutes (maybe 2-3 min.). Then rinse it thoroughly and let it dry.

If you've been wearing your NATO on a regular basis for any significant length of time, you'll be amazed how much dirt washes out of the nylon.

[Sussa]

I hand wash with dish soap or laundry detergent in a sink. Also heard of people putting them in a pants pocket before tossing them in the washing machine. I'd let them air dry rather than subject nylon to too much heat.