New UK

[Hamish]

Derek,

I think you just have to be patient! I've had my chocolate brown Workman's UK since Dec 2003, have worn it like there's no tomorrow, washed it several times BY HAND and it is still quite stiff. I believe it is the nature of that canvas-like fabric never to really soften up. My first UK, a caramel Workman's, from Nov 2000 (which has now been archived within my Kilt Kollection) did soften up quite a lot - it also faded almost to 'cream' - but that was made from a different, and less robust, material.

I wash my UKs by hand because the care instructions advise using a 'cold wash', but my washing machine does not have such a facility. In fact, I think British machines do not have a 'cold wash' facility by default - none of my neighbours machines have it, nor do those of any friends I have asked. Does yours? I don't have a drier - far too wasteful of precious energy - so hang dry everything, outdoors if possible.

As for fabric softener: I have tried 'Comfort' and 'Lenore', in fact I always add a little of one or the other to the final rinse, but they seem to have no noticeable effect on Duc-Canvas!!

My advice? Let wear-and-tear break down the stiffness.

[Yaish]

Hamish, can you just turn off the hot water valve if you want to do a cold wash cycle?

As for the stiffness I find using a dryer on tumble only, no heat works best. You can even use heat for about 20 minutes in the beginning to get it started on drying, then reset it for no heat and run it about two cycles.

All my workmans are as soft as jean denim now.

[Hamish]

Hamish, can you just turn off the hot water valve if you want to do a cold wash cycle?

I don't think that would make any difference because the machine only takes in hot water for the really hot wash programmes. It's built-in water heater, over which I have no control, heats cold water for all other programmes! Nice thought though!

As for the stiffness I find using a dryer on tumble only, no heat works best. You can even use heat for about 20 minutes in the beginning to get it started on drying, then reset it for no heat and run it about two cycles.

All my workmans are as soft as jean denim now.

As I say, I do not have a dryer - tumble or otherwise!!

[Iolaus]

As for the stiffness I find using a dryer on tumble only, no heat works best. You can even use heat for about 20 minutes in the beginning to get it started on drying, then reset it for no heat and run it about two cycles.

I tried doing the no-heat dryer thing, on a dry winter day, and the stuff just stayed wet, even after three cycles. I'd have had to keep it in for half the day to do anything. I think it's more energy efficient to let the breeze do it.

[Yaish]

More efficient no doubt, but less effective at reducing stiffness. Compromises...

[Riverkilt]

Hey Derek,

You got a good one! I love my chocolate workman's too. Even buying it "previously owned" it was stiffer than I like for the things I do in it...sit in an office.

Followed the advice of the board and washed it six times on gentle cycle, cold water, with unscented Downy. That helped.

What worked was when I washed it in Downy and decided to stop the washer cycle when the tub was full of water and Downy. My well besotted brain forgot about it and wound up soaking it over night. That worked well and didn't harm the kilt in any way. Just rinced it in the morning. Nice and soft now.

If I didn't do this already :confused: here are some pics of my UK Chocolate Workmans....

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&x=1&y=-iect68

Ron
I loved my drinking, but I sure do miss my brain cells now....