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7 TIPS FOR PROPERLY WASHING SPORTS JERSEYS
Whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, knowing how to properly wash a jersey 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.
CAN YOU WASH JERSEYS IN THE WASHER?
You can generally wash many kinds of 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 how to wash a jersey.
HOW TO WASH A JERSEY
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 help 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 the laces from your jersey, then turn it inside out to help protect the lettering and embroidery. Laces or other small, removable elements can often 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. Note that vinegar is slightly acidic and not recommended for regular use on garments. It should be avoided for delicate fabrics or items containing elastic, like a fitted sheet.
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.
6. MACHINE WASH JERSEY
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.
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.
7. AIR DRY
Air drying is the recommended method for helping to preserve 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.
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 help 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.
SHOP MAYTAG® TOP LOAD WASHERS
Maytag® top load washers can help you get your jerseys clean. Some Maytag® top load models, such as this 5.3 Cu. Ft. Top Load Impeller Washer with Extra Power and Smart Appliance, feature the Extra Power Option, which boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation so you can walk away while stains wash away. Other top load models, like this 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Pet Pro Front Load Washer, offer the 16 Hour Fresh Hold® Option, which keeps clean clothes smelling fresh in the washer for up to 16 hours after the wash cycle ends.
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 JERSEYS 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. If you are unsure, always check the care tag before drying.
TIPS FOR GETTING STAINS AND ODORS OUT OF SPORTS JERSEYS
Playing hard can be hard on your jerseys. But don’t sweat, grass, mud and even blood stains can often be removed from your favorite jersey with the right techniques. Always check care tags first before trying any of the treatments below, and try any stain treatments on a hidden area of the garment first, to be sure the fabric can handle it.
TREAT GRASS AND MUD STAINS PROMPTLY
Mud stains 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, if the fabric can handle it, pre-treat the stain with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for 30 minutes.
After soaking, gently scrub, and then wash the jersey according to its care instructions.
TACKLE SWEAT STAINS AND ODORS WITH VINEGAR, BAKING SODA AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
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.
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 the paste into the sweat stain and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, rinse your garment.
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 help remove sweat stains, dirt and odor from athletic wear. These detergents often contain enzymes that help break down odor-causing bacteria. Follow the product label instructions for effective results.
HELP REMOVE BLOOD STAINS WITH COLD WATER AND DETERGENT
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 help maintain its shape while allowing air to circulate.
HOW TO WASH DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPORTSWEAR AND GEAR
Properly washing sports clothing and gear can help extend their lifespan and keep them looking and smelling fresh. Here's how to wash different types of sports jerseys, knee pads, sports uniform pants and cleats. As always, check your care tags first to see if these treatments are feasible with your garment.
HOW TO WASH A FOOTBALL JERSEY
Washing a football jersey follows similar steps as washing other sports jerseys.
Always check the care label for specific instructions.
Make sure to mend any tears or other damage to the fabric before washing.
Turn the jersey inside out.
Use a mild detergent, and wash on a warm or cold setting.
Air dry.
HOW TO 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 TO WASH A SOCCER JERSEY
To wash a soccer jersey, follow the care label instructions.
Turn the jersey inside out to protect logos and prints.
Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
Avoid using fabric softeners.
Air dry.
HOW TO WASH KNEE PADS
Check the care label on your knee pads for specific instructions.
Hand wash them using mild detergent and lukewarm water.
Gently scrub any stubborn stains and rinse thoroughly.
Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.
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 help 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 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 Maytag® models boosts stain-fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation. Select Maytag® models also feature the Power™ Impeller to help dissolve stains and soils. Vigorous wash motions and triple action spray keep clothes thoroughly soaked with water and detergent.
Maytag® laundry sets
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