HOW TO WASH A SPORTS JERSEY
Whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, knowing how to wash a jersey properly can help ensure its quality and longevity. This guide will walk you through how to wash jerseys in a washing machine, as well as drying methods and tips to help remove odor and stains. Additionally, get insights on washing other sports clothing effectively.
CAN YOU WASH JERSEYS IN THE WASHER?
Yes, you can generally wash jerseys in the washing machine whether they’re baseball, football or soccer jerseys. Machine-wash your jersey by turning it inside out and washing it on a gentle, cold cycle. Avoid hot water or harsh laundry additives to help prevent fabric shrinkage or fading. Buttons on baseball jerseys should be buttoned up and zippers should be closed before washing. Remove laces from hockey jerseys and toss the laces in a mesh laundry bag to wash alongside your jersey.
Make sure to read the care tag on your jersey to double check that it can be machine-washed and follow the instructions for temperatures and settings. Read on to learn more about the best way to wash a jersey.
HOW TO WASH YOUR JERSEYS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Most jerseys are made from polyester blends which require some special care. In addition, sports jerseys often feature stitched-on logos, bright colors and heat-transferred numbers. Following the right steps is crucial to keep your jerseys clean and ready for game day. Read this step-by-step guide to learn how to wash a jersey effectively:
SUPPLIES
Butter knife
Detergent
Stain remover
Bucket
Vinegar
Soft brush or cloth
1. CHECK THE CARE LABEL
Always check the care label for specific instructions before washing any item. Some jerseys may require hand washing or specific water temperatures. Following these instructions can help preserve your jersey's quality.
2. PRE-TREAT STAINS
Use a butter knife to scrape off clumps of dirt, grass or other visible residues. Then, gently dab a small amount of stain remover or detergent onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. You can use a soft brush or cloth to gently dab the stain in a circular motion. Make sure not to spread the stain across the garment.
3. TURN JERSEYS INSIDE OUT
Fasten any buttons or zippers and remove laces from your jersey, then turn it inside out to help protect lettering and embroidery. Laces or other small, removable elements can be washed in a mesh laundry bag.
4. SOAK IN VINEGAR (OPTIONAL)
After a game, sports jerseys can really hold onto some serious odors. But don’t worry, a little vinegar can work wonders in combating those tough smells. Though you should only occasionally use vinegar to wash delicate jerseys, you can try it if your jersey is particularly pungent. Soak your sports jersey in a mixture of 1 cup of vinegar for every gallon of water for about 30 minutes.
5. RINSE THOROUGHLY
Make sure to rinse the jersey completely of vinegar before placing it in the washing machine. Vinegar shouldn’t go directly in the washing machine because it may cause damage. It can also interfere with your laundry detergent’s capabilities.
6. MACHINE WASH JERSEY
Machine wash your item using cool water and a gentle cycle, or the wash cycle and temperature recommended on your jersey’s care tag. Air dry for best results.
DO JERSEYS SHRINK IN THE DRYER?
Yes, jerseys can shrink in the dryer, depending on their material. Many jerseys are made from synthetic materials like polyester, which can easily shrink if exposed to high heat. Air drying is often the best method to help preserve the fabric shape and printed designs. Always check your care tag first.
CAN YOU PUT A JERSEY IN THE DRYER?
If you’re in a time crunch and must put your jersey in the dryer, set it to the lowest heat, or no-heat setting and remove the jersey while it is still slightly damp to help minimize the risk of shrinkage. Skip the dryer sheets when drying jerseys as they can interfere with the performance of the fabric. Never use the dryer if your care tag advises against it.
TIPS FOR WASHING AND DRYING JERSEYS
Learning the best way to wash and dry a jersey is crucial to maintaining its condition. From well-worn soccer jerseys to Football jersey fan-gear, here are a few tips to consider:
Turn jerseys inside out before washing:
To help protect designs sewn onto baseball and football jerseys or printed on soccer jerseys, turn the jersey inside out before adding it to your washing machine. This is true whether you're using a front or top load washing machine.
Air Drying vs. Machine Drying Jerseys:
Air drying is the recommended method for preserving the quality and longevity of sports jerseys. While machine drying may seem convenient, the high heat can cause damage, like shrinkage, fading and peeling of printed designs over time. Air drying is gentler on the fabric.
Hanging the Jersey:
When air drying, lay the jersey flat or hang it carefully to help prevent stretching or misshaping. Use a hanger with wide, padded shoulders to maintain the jersey's shape. Avoid clothespins or clips, as they can leave marks or damage the fabric. Gently drape the jersey over the hanger, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Avoid Shrinkage and Fabric Damage:
To help prevent shrinkage and damage, follow the care instructions provided on the garment’s label. Check the label for temperature limits or special treatment requirements. If there are no instructions, wash your jersey using a gentle cycle and cold water. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, as they can cause color fading or fabric damage.
Avoid Fabric Softener:
Fabric softeners can negatively impact your jersey's performance and appearance. They can create a buildup on the fabric, affecting its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Skip the fabric softener and use a gentle detergent instead.
HOW TO GET ODORS AND STAINS OUT OF JERSEYS
Playing hard can be hard on your jerseys. But don’t sweat, grass, mud and even blood stains can be removed from your favorite jersey with the right techniques.
Treat grass and mud stains promptly
Mud and grass stains on a jersey are almost inevitable, but they’re also possible to remove as long as you act quickly. As soon as you can, scrape off excess dirt or grass with a butter knife or edge of a credit card. Then pre-treat the stain with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for 30 minutes, gently scrub, and then wash the jersey according to its care instructions.
Tackle sweat stains and odors
For sweat stains, soak your jersey in two cups of water and one cup of vinegar for 30 minutes. Always check your care tag first. Rinse your garment. Then, In a bowl, prepare a paste using ½ cup of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and stir well. Work it into the sweat stain and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then wash the jersey on the hottest setting allowed per your care tag. Line dry your jersey and repeat as necessary.
Using odor-eliminating products can also help keep your jersey fresh. Look for sports detergents designed to remove sweat stains, dirt, and odor from athletic wear. These detergents often contain enzymes that break down odor-causing bacteria. Follow the product label instructions for effective results.
Remove blood stains
Rinse blood stains on your jersey in cold water as soon as possible. Soak in a mixture of cold water and enzyme detergent for at least 30 minutes. Wash the garment with oxygen bleach on a cold water wash cycle in your washing machine.
Store jerseys in a dry place with air flow
Proper storage is essential to help prevent odor buildup on your jersey. After each use, air dry your jersey completely before storing it. Avoid damp or enclosed spaces, as they can promote mildew growth and odor-causing bacteria. Hang it in a well-ventilated area or use a jersey hanger to maintain its shape while allowing air to circulate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do you wash a football jersey?
Washing a football jersey follows similar steps as washing other sports jerseys. Always check the care label for specific instructions, turn the jersey inside out, use a mild detergent, and wash on a warm or cold setting. Make sure to mend any tears or other damage to the fabric before washing.
How do you wash a BASEBALL jersey?
Mend any small tears, loose buttons or other imperfections before washing to help prevent further damage. Pretreat any stains as soon as possible using a mild detergent or stain remover. Always blot stains rather than rubbing to avoid spreading it around or setting it into the fabric. Next, fasten any buttons, velcro or zippers to help maintain the shape of your baseball jersey as well as avoid it catching on other items. Finally, wash the jersey on a cool, gentle cycle, or the recommended settings on the care tag. Reshape and lay flat to air dry.
How do you wash a soccer jersey?
To wash a soccer jersey, follow the care label instructions, turn the jersey inside out to protect logos and prints, and use a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using fabric softeners.
HOW TO WASH OTHER SPORTS GEAR
Properly washing sports clothing and gear can help extend their lifespan and keep them looking and smelling fresh. Here's how to wash knee pads, sports uniform pants, and cleats:
How to Wash Knee Pads
Check the care label on your knee pads for specific instructions. Generally, you can hand wash them using mild detergent and lukewarm water. Gently scrub any stubborn stains and rinse thoroughly. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
How to Clean Sports Uniform Pants
Pre-treat any stains with a stain remover or a mixture of water and detergent. Turn the pants inside out and wash them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold water. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, as they can affect the fabric's moisture-wicking properties. After washing, hang them to dry or tumble dry on low heat.
How to Wash Cleats
Remove excess dirt or mud from the cleats using a soft brush or cloth. Fill a basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the cleats in the soapy water and scrub gently to remove the remaining dirt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a towel. Allow them to air dry completely before using them again.
Explore Maytag® Washers
You can keep all of your jerseys ready for the next big game with the help of Maytag® washers. Select models feature a built-in water faucet that lets you rinse, spot-treat or soak clothes right in the washer. Plus, the Extra Power button available on some models boosts stain-fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation.
