- Preparing to wash a jersey
- How to wash a jersey in the washing machine
- How to wash a jersey by hand
- How to wash a signed jersey
- How to remove mud stains from a football shirt
- Drying your jersey
- How to wash a white jersey
- How to wash a football uniform or hockey jersey
Jerseys — or sports shirts — are more than just sportswear. Whether you’re out on the field or wearing jerseys to watch games, the last thing you want is for it to wear out. Keeping them clean is a must. But how do you do it?
Whether you’re wondering how to wash a football jersey, how to clean a basketball jersey, or safely care for a signed football shirt, we’ve got you covered. This guide covers it all. Let’s look at what you need to do to get your jersey looking new by match day.
Preparing to wash a jersey
Preparation is key. Before you even think about getting started, you need to make sure you prepare your jersey. Here’s what you should do:
Step one: Read the care label
Most jerseys have specific washing instructions. Check the care label for details on temperature, detergent recommendations, and drying methods. Note: If you have a signed jersey, you may need to go above and beyond what the label says.
Step two: Sort by colour
To avoid colour bleeding, separate white clothes from coloured jerseys. Ideally, wash colours with colours, just to be safe. Spoiler: The dye in vibrant jerseys can run, especially during the first few washes. Take extra care here.
Step three: inspect for stains
Are there any particularly nasty stains you want to deal with? Inspect the jersey and see if you can remove any stains. You might want to pre-treat these with washing-up liquid or detergent before washing your jersey.
How to wash a jersey in the washing machine
Sticking your jersey in the washing machine is the easiest way to go. This is quick and easy. However, you should note that it may not work for signed items. Take extra care with signed jerseys — and consider hand-washing them. Here’s what to do:
Step one: Turn the jersey inside out
Start by turning your jersey inside out for extra safety. This protects printed logos, player names, and numbers from wear caused by friction in the machine. It’s especially important for how to wash a printed football shirt. Don’t skip this step.
Step two: Use a gentle cycle
Set your washing machine to a delicate or gentle cycle, using cold or, at the very least, cool water. Hot water can cause colours to fade and may shrink the material, which is the last thing you want.
Step three: Choose the right detergent
You must use the right products when you’re washing a jersey. Find a mild, sports-safe detergent that doesn’t contain bleach or fabric softeners. You also shouldn’t add any extra fabric softener. Harsh chemicals can damage delicate fabrics and ruin designs.
Step four: Avoid high spin speeds
Are you tempted to put your jersey in the washing machine on a high spin? Don’t do it. These spins can stretch or distort the shape of your jersey. Instead, go for a low or medium spin. This is less likely to stretch the material out, which is the best way to keep your jersey looking as good as new.
Of course, if your football shirt or hockey jersey is covered in mud, rinse any excess dirt before putting it in the washing machine. You don’t want the dirt to clog the drum.
How to wash a jersey by hand
If you have a particularly special jersey, you might not want to throw it in the washing machine. After all, you don’t want to wash away the signature of your favourite player. Hand washing is often the safest method for signed or delicate jerseys. Here’s what to do:
Step one: Fill the sink with cool water
Start by filling up the sink with some cool water. You can then add a small amount of mild detergent to the water. Swish it around with your hands, ensuring it’s fully dissolved.
Step two: Gently agitate the jersey
Submerge the jersey in the water and gently swirl it around to loosen the dirt. Avoid scrubbing, especially on printed or autographed areas. You might want to keep these areas as dry as possible, but that may be easier said than done.
Step three: Rinse it thoroughly
Next, it’s time to rinse. Drain the soapy water and refill the sink with clean water. Rinse the jersey thoroughly to remove all detergent residue and ensure it’s as clean as possible.
Step four: Press out excess water
Avoid wringing out your jersey—it will only make the situation worse. Instead, lay the jersey flat on a towel and gently press down to remove the water. Then, leave it to air dry.
How to wash a signed jersey
If you have a signed jersey, you will want to protect that. To take special measures, here’s what you need to do:
Step one: Clean around the signature
Use a damp cloth with a tiny amount of detergent to clean areas away from the autograph. Be gentle to avoid spreading water or soap onto the signature itself.
Step two: Avoid soaking the signature area
Want to take extra care? Do not submerge the signature in water, which can cause the ink to fade or run.
Step three: dry flat
Once again, lay the jersey flat on a clean towel and let it air dry in a cool place.
How to remove mud stains from a football shirt
Mud stains on a football shirt mean you’ve had a good game. However, they can be challenging to remove. Here’s how to tackle them:
Step one: Scrape off dried mud
Use a spoon, dull knife, or the edge of a credit card to gently remove as much mud as possible without pushing it deeper into the fabric. Be careful not to damage the shirt.
Step two: pre-treat the stain
Next, apply a small amount of stain remover or detergent directly to the muddy area. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to break down the mud, then move on.
Step three: soak in cold water
When you’ve done that, place the jersey in a sink with cold water and let it soak for 30 minutes. This helps lift the stain before washing.
Step four: wash as usual
Follow the machine or hand washing steps, depending on the jersey’s care label.
Tip: Never use hot water on mud stains, as it can set the stain permanently.
Drying your jersey
Drying your jersey correctly is just as important as washing it. The wrong method can ruin its shape or shrink the fabric. Here’s what to do:
Tip one: Air dry whenever possible
You can hang your jersey on a padded hanger or lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry.
Tip two: Avoid the tumble dryer
High heat can shrink or damage jerseys, especially those with printed designs. If you’re in a hurry, try using a tumble dryer on the lowest heat setting.
How to wash a white jersey
White jerseys can discolour easily. Wash them separately using cold water and a gentle detergent. Pre-treat any stains with a mild whitening solution for the best results.
How to wash a football uniform or hockey jersey
Heavy-duty jerseys, such as football or hockey uniforms, can be more durable, but you should still be gentle when washing them. To avoid stubborn stains, always rinse off mud and sweat before washing.
Washing a jersey properly doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow the advice we’ve shared in this guide to get it right. No matter what type of jersey or shirt you have, it’s easier than you think.
Q&A
Looking for more answers? Check out our frequently asked questions below:
Can I iron a signed jersey?
The short answer is no! Ironing a signed jersey may damage the autograph. Instead, use a steamer to remove wrinkles, but avoid the autograph altogether.
What detergent should I use for jerseys?
Choose a mild, sports-safe detergent to protect the material and design.
How often should I wash a sports jersey?
Ideally, you should wash jerseys after every game or training session to keep them fresh and odour-free. However, if you wear a sports jersey to watch games, you can leave it on a little longer.
Can I dry-clean my jersey?
It may sound like an easy option, but no. You can’t. Dry cleaning is not recommended for jerseys, mainly for signed or delicate jerseys.
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