ORIGINAL: kevin1
The instructions for Atsko UV Killer clearly state that the garment must first be washed in a UV brightenerfree detergent(preferably their own) before the garment is treated. Washing it in Tide was a mistake since it locks in the brighteners and thereforenullifies the effect of the UV Killer. When I applied it to a new set of snow camo I first thoroughly cleaned out the drum of the washer with Sport Wash, then washed the camo in Sport Wash only and checked them with a blacklight, then applied the UV Killer as directed and rechecked them. White will always flouresce slightly, but the UV Killer noticably dulled the glow, especially the blue. A freshly washed blaze ballcap also dulled noticablyafter it was sprayed with UV Killer.
Again, I know what the instructions say and again, washing them in Tide was not a mistake. I washed them in Tide on purpose. I then washed them in Sportwash and sprayed them down. Atsko claims that it will cover up what the Tide caused. See post #15. Heres the link to the claim.
This brightness will be permanently transferred to the uniform. The only way to undo the damage is to cover up the Optical Brighteners by applying a UV absorbing Dye. If you wash your camouflage in a detergent containing Optical Brighteners you must rewash it in Sport-Wash and retreat with U-V-Killer.
http://www.atsko.com/articles/clothing-care/washing-acu-army.html