TM 10-8400-203-23
14-4. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF ALICE - Continued
(a) Soak and wash tank procedure.
1. Remove loose dirt or dust from items using a brush, cloth, or a vacuum attachment.
2. Soak items for 5 minutes or longer in a tank containing warm water.
Do not use Chlorine Bleach, yellow soap, cleaning fluids or solvents.
Such products will discolor and deteriorate component materials.
3. Wash items in a warm solution of Detergent, Laundry, Powdered, MlL-D-12182, Type II
(NSN 7330-00-252-6797), scrubbing vigorously with a soft brush, cloth, or sponge.
4. Flush the washed item with clean, warm water until all the cleaning solution has been rinsed
away.
Do not launder or dry items in fixed, commercial/home laundry equip-
ment. Material will be degraded.
5. Air dry items away from direct sunlight, direct heat, and open flames.
(2) Preliminary examination. The repairman will inspect the items for weakened areas, holes, tears,
opened seams, and missing hardware. Test for weakness by applying pressure on the area in ques-
tion and attempting to tear the material. Mark the weakened areas found with tailor’s crayon. Inspect
the items for presence and condition of all hardware, and mark them where repair or replacement is
required.
(3) Repair. Use repair procedures described in TM 10-269 in conjunction with these instructions as appli-
cable.
(a) Stitching. Use machine stitching for all sewing. Re-sew loose, broken or defective stitches using
thread specified in Table 14-1. Maintain proper thread tension to prevent loose stitches, back-
stitch breaks and ends not less than one inch (2.54 cm) to prevent raveling. Use the types of
stitches, thread size, and stitches per inch for sewing as shown in Table 14-1.
(b) Darning. Darn rips, tears, and holes in areas one inch (2.54 cm) or less in greatest dimension.
There is no limit to the number of darns which may be applied.
(c) Patching. Patch rips, tears, and holes exceeding one inch (2.54 cm) with a single patch of nylon
cloth specified in Section III using thread as specified in Section III. Cut the patch of sufficient size
to extend at least 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) beyond the hole or area to be patched, allowing for a 3/8-inch
(0.952 cm) turn under. Place the patch on the outside and sew it 1/8-inch (0.318 cm) from the
edge of the patch. Cutaway the damaged area to a square or rectangular shape, depending upon
the shape of the hole. Turn the raw edges under 3/8-inch (0.952 cm) and sew 1/8-inch (0.318
cm) from the edge.
14-6
Change 3
