How to Wash Jerseys

A Step-By-Step Guide to Washing Jerseys

When you’re learning how to wash soccer jerseys or any other type, it’s best to learn the standard ways. These methods usually apply when the sports jerseys do not have care instructions on their tags. Once you’re ready to wash, remember the following steps mentioned below:

1. Pre-treat Visible Stains

Before placing your sports jersey in the washer, address the noticeable stains you find. Look for dirt or smudges often found around the neck, underarms, or sleeves. Apply a gentle stain remover directly to these spots, gently massaging it into the fabric. Avoid excessive scrubbing, as it can harm delicate fibers and prints. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes to lift stubborn stains, making the wash cycle more effective.

2. Turn the Jersey Inside Out

Sports jerseys, especially those with printed numbers or logos, are prone to wear and tear in the washing machine. To protect these details from fading or peeling, turn the sports jersey inside out before washing. This simple step reduces direct friction between the design and the machine drum. It also maintains the fabric’s softness and prevents snagging, which can cause unwanted damage or pilling.

3. Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle

When washing jerseys, it is important to select the right temperature and spin cycle. Always use cold water, as heat can cause color discoloration and fabric shrinkage. Set your washing machine on a low-spin cycle to limit agitation, which stresses the fibers and degrades the jersey’s structure over time. This setting mimics hand washing, effectively cleaning the jersey while preserving its quality and design.

4. Select a Delicate Detergent

Choosing the correct detergent is vital for maintaining fabric integrity. Use a mild detergent that’s safe on delicate fabrics. Harsh detergents can strip colors and compromise fabric elasticity, particularly with synthetic fabrics used in sports jerseys. If possible, choose a formula with light fragrance or fragrance-free to avoid skin irritation and garment discoloration.

5. Wash Separately or With Similar Colors

To prevent color bleeding and preserve the sports jersey’s appearance, wash it separately or with similar colors. Mixing it with heavily dyed items can transfer the color to all the clothes inside, possibly dulling your sports jersey’s hues. If you’re washing a batch of sports uniforms, make sure they are from the same team or sport to keep color schemes intact.

6. Air Dry

Once the washing cycle is complete, it’s time to dry your jersey. Avoid tumble drying, as heat can damage synthetic fibers and embellishments. Instead, lay the jersey flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it on a clothesline to keep its original form. Air drying is the safest method to keep the jersey in pristine condition.

How to Clean a Smelly Jersey?

Washing jerseys is never a 100% guarantee that it can remove the unpleasant smell. Some individuals tend to have strong body odor that sticks to their sports jerseys even after a couple of washes. Those dealing with unremovable jersey odors can use this simple solution:

1. Pre-treat the Jersey

Before washing, examine the underarm and neck areas, where unpleasant odors are usually concentrated. Apply a pre-wash treatment or a quarter cup of water and baking soda mixture to these spots. Let the treatment sit for about 15 to 20 minutes to absorb and break down odor-causing bacteria.

2. Soak in a Cup of Vinegar Solution

Prepare a solution of equal parts cold water and white vinegar in a basin or clean sink. Submerge the jersey and let it soak for 30 minutes. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize stubborn odors, providing a fresh start before the main wash.

3. Use an Appropriate Detergent

Select a mild sports detergent that can remove tough odors without damaging synthetic fibers. Avoid fabric softeners, which leave residues and trap odors. If you’re using a mild detergent, add a cup of baking soda to help with odor absorption.

4. Wash on a Cold, Gentle Cycle

Set the washing machine to a cold water cycle with a gentle or delicate wash setting. Turning the jersey inside out can help protect any prints and enhance even washing. This delicate cycle preserves the jersey’s vibrant color and quality while effectively cleaning it.

5. Air Dry in a Well-Ventilated Area

After removing excess water, hang the jersey outdoors in a drying rack or a well-ventilated indoor area. Make sure it’s fully dry to prevent remaining odors from becoming trapped. Avoid hanging it in a closed, damp area, which may lead to bacteria and mildew growth, causing a musty smell.

6. Refresh With Fabric Spray (Optional)

For an extra boost of freshness, lightly spray the jersey with a fabric refresher or an odor-eliminating spray designed for sportswear once it’s dry. Allow the jersey to air out further before storing or wearing it again.

Is Hand Washing Better Than Machine Washing For Jerseys?

Sometimes, individuals would have difficulty choosing between hand and machine washing. Each method has its advantages and considerations, and understanding them can help determine the best approach based on the specific needs of your jersey.

Advantages

Considerations

Whether hand washing is better than machine washing depends on the individual jersey’s condition and the owner’s preferences. Hand washing offers the utmost care and attention to detail for valuable or highly delicate jerseys. For more durable jerseys, or when convenience is a priority, machine washing with the appropriate settings can be ideal.

Excellent Tips When Removing Certain Marks and Stains On Jerseys

Apart from learning the basics of how to wash hockey jerseys by hand or machine, you should also know how to deal with stubborn stains and marks. In most cases, washing alone won’t get rid of them, so you must use the right technique to remove the dirty spots safely. Here are some of the well-known effective stain removal methods to follow:

Grass Stains

• Pre-Treatment. Begin by treating the grass stain with a mixture of water and white vinegar. Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the solution into the stain, working in circular motions.
• Soak. Allow the area to soak for about 30 minutes in a solution of cold water and a small amount of mild laundry detergent.
• Wash. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and then launder the sports jersey on a low-spin cycle.

Sweat Stains

• Pre-Treatment. Combine baking soda with a little water to create a paste, and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
• Brush and Wash. Gently brush the area and then rinse thoroughly with cold water before machine washing on a gentle cycle.

Mud Stains

• Initial Steps. Allow the mud to dry completely, then gently brush off any excess dirt.
• Spot Clean. Use a liquid detergent to clean the area, gently working the detergent into the fabric. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
• Wash. Rinse with cold water before laundering the jersey on a low-spin cycle.

Blood Stains

• Cold Water Soak. Rinse the stain as soon as possible with cold water, as hot water can set the bloodstain.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment. Dab hydrogen peroxide onto the stain using a clean cloth, allowing it to bubble and lift. Rinse thoroughly with cold water afterward.
• Wash. Follow with a gentle wash cycle using cold water.

Ink Stains

• Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer Treatment. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to the stain, gently blotting with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing the area, as it can spread the ink to other parts.
• Rinse and Launder. Rinse the area with cold water and wash the jersey on a gentle cycle setting with cold water.

Food and Beverage Stains (e.g., ketchup or soda)

• Initial Rinse. Quickly blot up as much of the stain as possible before rinsing the affected area with cold water.
• Detergent Paste. Apply a paste made from gentle detergent and water, letting it sit for about 15 minutes.
• Rinse and Wash. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and wash the jersey in a gentle cycle setting.

Oils and Grease

• Cornstarch or Baking Soda Treatment. Sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda onto the stain to absorb the oil. Allow it to sit for 15–20 minutes before brushing away the powder.
• Dish Soap Application. Apply a few drops of dish soap to the stained area because its formulation can cut through grease.
• Wash. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

General Tips

• Always test stain removal solutions on an inconspicuous part of the jersey before full application to avoid fabric damage or color fading.
• Avoid pouring anything in the bleach dispenser when washing jerseys with vibrant colors, as it can cause discoloration and fabric weakening.
• For tough stains, repeat the stain removal process or seek professional cleaning as a last resort to avoid damage.

Can You Dry a Jersey in the Dryer?

Another important advice to remember when learning how to wash a hockey jersey or any similar type is to avoid using a machine dryer. It is generally not recommended due to extreme heat exposure and the nature of the materials used in jersey manufacturing. Jerseys made from synthetic materials like polyester fabric are prone to shrinking and losing shape when subjected to high temperatures.

Also, the heat can cause potential damage to letters, printed numbers, logos, or graphics, which leads to peeling, cracking, or fading over time. This is especially true for sports jerseys with heat-applied decals or screen-printed designs, where the adhesive can degrade from repeated exposure to heat. Instead of using a dryer, it is advisable to air-dry jerseys.

Full Gorilla Apparel Is Always Ready to Help You Create Custom, Durable Sports Jerseys!

Now that you have vital information and details on washing jerseys, it should keep them in top condition. As long as you follow the proper washing steps mentioned above, you should be able to wear your jerseys until you’re required to replace them in the future. You may also consider getting multiple jerseys to alternate washing after each game.

If you want sports jerseys that do not easily break or tear, consider purchasing them from Full Gorilla Apparel. We offer a wide range of jerseys for various sports, such as football, baseball, hockey, etc. We can also help design your uniform thanks to our team’s years of experience designing for various clients.

Give us a call if you want to start creating your team’s unique and stylish sports jerseys and uniforms with us!