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Cheer uniforms are a big part of any team—they show off your team and the effort you put into cheerleading. Since they’re worn during games, competitions, and practices, these uniforms can endure extreme wear. The material is often colorful with eye-catching details that can get dirty or damaged if not cared for properly. To keep your cheer uniform looking great, it’s important to wash it correctly so the colors stay bright and the fabric holds up all season long.
If you’re unsure how to clean a cheer uniform and keep it damage-free after every performance, you can use this article as your guide. We’ll help you understand the best methods for washing your cheerleading outfit, offering practical tips to prevent fading, stretching, and other common mistakes—so you can focus on cheering your team in style.
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Taking care of your cheerleading uniform begins with choosing the right washing method. Using the correct approach helps maintain the fabric’s quality and keeps colors looking vibrant.
Here are some of the most effective ways to clean your cheer uniform and their steps:
Hand washing is the gentlest method and is generally recommended for cheer uniforms, especially those with delicate fabrics, sequins, or embroidery.
Fill a laundry basin with cold water.
Add a small amount of mild detergent.
Turn the attire inside out.
Submerge it in the water.
Gently swish it around and use your hands to lightly clean soiled areas.
Avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric to prevent damage.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove all soap.
Lay down the garment on a dry towel and roll it up to absorb excess water.
Air dry by laying the uniform flat or hanging it away from direct sunlight.
If the care label permits, machine washing can be a convenient option.
Place the uniform inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from friction and snagging.
Use cool water in the washing machine.
Select the delicate or gentle cycle.
Add a mild detergent.
After washing, remove the garment right away.
Reshape it if needed.
Air dry the uniform instead of a machine dryer, as heat can shrink or warp the fabric.
For uniforms with particularly tough stains, heavy embellishments, or sensitive materials, professional cleaning may be the best choice. Intricate details such as rhinestones, metallic threads, or embroidered logos are especially susceptible to damage in regular home washing. Specialty fabrics like velvet, satin, or layered mesh can also benefit from expert handling.
Take your attire to a cleaner experienced with athletic or specialty garments, and be sure to point out any stains and describe the specific fabrics or decorations used. While this option can be more costly, it provides expert-level care to help preserve your uniform’s appearance, sparkle, and structure.
Besides choosing the right washing method, a few general practices can help keep your cheerleading uniform in top condition. Paying attention to these simple yet important tips will help you steer clear of washing mistakes and keep your attire looking good for longer.
Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re learning how to wash a cheer uniform the right way:
Always Check the Care Label. Before cleaning your cheer uniform, inspect the care label for manufacturer instructions. The label will tell you if the outfit is safe for machine washing, if it should be hand washed, or if it needs professional cleaning. Following these guidelines prevents damage and helps the uniform last longer.
Wash Uniforms Separately. Always wash your cheerleading uniform separately from other clothing, especially items with zippers, Velcro, or rough textures. Washing it alone reduces the risk of snags, pilling, or color transfer from other garments, keeping your outfit looking sharp and clean.
Use Mild, Color-Safe Detergent. A gentle, color-safe detergent is best for cheer uniforms, as harsh chemicals can fade bright colors or break down delicate fabrics. Avoid using bleach or strong stain removers, as these can weaken the material and damage logos or decorations on the attire.
Avoid Overwashing. Cheerleading uniforms don’t need to be washed after every use if they’re not heavily soiled or sweaty. Overwashing can wear out the fibers and fade colors faster. Spot cleaning or airing out the outfit between washes can preserve its appearance for longer.
Store Properly After Washing. Always let your uniform dry completely before storing it. Once dry, hang it up or fold it neatly in a clean, dry area. Avoid stuffing it into a gym bag or leaving it crumpled, as this can cause permanent wrinkles or attract mildew.
Address Stains At Once. Treat stains as soon as possible for the best chance of removal. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to get out. Quick action can help prevent marks from setting and keep your uniform looking its best for every performance.
Even with careful handling, cheerleading uniforms will face a few stains occasionally. Whether it’s spills during a quick snack break or marks from outdoor practices, knowing how to target specific stains can help remove them effectively.
Below are some of the methods to tackle common stains on polyester and spandex cheerleading uniforms:
Sweat and deodorant stains can leave yellowish marks, especially on light-colored uniforms.
Combine one part white vinegar with two parts cold water.
Dab the solution onto the affected area.
Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
Carefully dab the spot with a clean cloth.
Launder the attire as usual afterward.
Do not use hot water, as it can set stains deeper into synthetic fibers.
Grass stains are common after outdoor practices or performances. To remove these marks:
Use liquid laundry detergent on the stain.
Gently rub the detergent in with your fingers or a soft brush.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Repeat if necessary until the stain lifts.
Wash the uniform as you normally would.
Do not use bleach, as it can weaken synthetic fabrics.
Makeup stains need gentle treatment to avoid spreading or setting the mark.
Use baking soda to absorb oils if the stain is from creamy or oily makeup.
Brush off the baking soda powder.
Dampen the stained area with water.
Dab with a mild liquid dish soap, working it into the fabric with your fingers.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Wash the entire uniform as usual.
Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent fabric pilling.
When tackling food and drink stains, quickly blot excess liquid with a paper towel. Then, follow up with this removal method:
Mix mild detergent with cold water.
Lightly dab the stained spot with the solution using a sponge or cloth.
If the stain persists, apply an oxygen-based stain remover that is easy on synthetic fabrics (follow product instructions).
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Launder the whole cheer uniform in cool water as usual.
Ink stains can be tricky on stretchy uniforms.
Place a clean towel under the stained area.
Dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
Gently blot the ink stain with the cotton swab (do not rub, as this can spread the stain).
Rinse the area with cold water after the ink begins to lift.
Wash the uniform immediately.
Avoid using acetone-based products, as they can damage spandex fibers.
For fresh blood stains on polyester and spandex, rinse the area with cold water as soon as possible to remove as much as you can.
If the stain remains, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the spot (test first on a hidden seam for colorfastness).
Let the hydrogen peroxide bubble for a few minutes.
Dab the area with a clean cloth.
Rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water.
Launder the entire uniform in cold water.
Now that you know how to wash your cheer attire, you also need to know how to store it correctly so that it looks good and lasts longer. Storing it correctly helps prevent wrinkles, color fading, and fabric damage, ensuring it stays performance-ready throughout the season.
Here’s how you can correctly store your cheer uniform:
Never store your outfit while it’s damp or sweaty; this can lead to mildew, unpleasant odors, and permanent staining. After washing, thoroughly air dry the uniform. Any residual moisture trapped in the fabric can attract mold or cause discoloration over time.
Hanging your attire is generally the best option, especially for materials prone to wrinkling. Use a padded or wide plastic hanger to support the fabric and maintain the shape of the shoulders. If hanging isn’t possible, fold it carefully along the seams to avoid deep creases. Avoid stuffing your uniform into a small space or gym bag, as this can cause permanent wrinkles and distortion.
Direct heat and humidity can cause the fabric to fade and degrade. Choose a cool, dry closet or drawer away from windows and heat sources. If you need to transport the outfit, keep it in a breathable garment bag so it won’t get dirty while allowing moisture to escape.
Do not stack heavy items on top of your uniform, as the pressure can flatten embellishments, lettering, or embroidery and create unwanted creases. Avoid overcrowding the storage area to minimize fabric friction and snagging from zippers, Velcro, or rough materials of other garments.
If your uniform will be stored for several weeks or months, periodically take it out to air and inspect for dampness, odors, or pests. A quick check helps you catch and address issues before they become bigger problems.
Store matching accessories—such as bows, jackets, or poms—separately, ideally in clear pouches or labeled bins. This makes it easy to find everything you need for the next performance and prevents smaller items from getting lost or damaged.
Cheer uniforms are made with special fabrics and detailed embellishments that require careful handling to keep them looking their best. To keep it vibrant and in top condition, avoid these common mistakes when it’s time to wash it:
Don’t Use Bleach or Harsh Chemicals. These can damage the fabric, fade team colors, and weaken elastic fibers.
Don’t Wash with Heavy or Abrasive Items. Items like jeans, towels, or anything with zippers/Velcro can snag or damage delicate material and decorations.
Don’t Use Hot Water. High temperatures may cause colors to fade, fabrics to shrink, or stretch materials to lose their shape.
Don’t Use Fabric Softener. Softeners can coat synthetic fibers, reducing stretch and affecting embellishments’ appearance and performance.
Don’t Dry in a Hot Dryer. Intense heat can shrink or distort the uniform and damage any decorative elements.
Don’t Ignore Care Labels. Always check and follow the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions to prevent accidental damage.
Don’t Iron Directly on Letters or Decals. Direct heat can melt or ruin printed or applied logos and details.
You need to keep your cheer uniforms clean and beautiful after every use. However, learning the proper washing techniques won’t matter if the outfit won’t last long. That’s why Full Gorilla Apparel comes in to provide durable, appealing cheer uniforms. We use 4-way stretch fabric to give the wearer full freedom of movement. We also have a team who can work alongside you until you’re satisfied with our design.
Contact us now if you need complete assistance tailoring your desired cheer uniforms.
