How to Wash a Jersey

Back in the day, you could simply toss your jersey in the wash machine. However, nowadays jerseys are made with high-quality materials with moisture-wicking properties. Plus, professional jerseys of your favorite players can be very expensive, it’s best to handle them with care to avoid damaging any decals.

Preparation Phase

1. Read the Care Label: The first step is to carefully read the jersey’s care label. This label provides crucial information about the fabric type, washing temperature, and whether or not the jersey can be machine washed.
2. Pretreat Stains: If your jersey has stains from grass, mud, or food, pretreat them with a stain remover before washing. Gently apply the stain remover to the affected area and let it sit for the specified amount of time on the product instructions.
3. Turn the Jersey Inside Out: To protect the prints, numbers, and logos on your jersey, turn it inside out before washing. This prevents the decorative elements from direct abrasion and fading during the wash cycle.

Choosing the Right Washing Method

1. Machine Washing:
   • Select a Gentle Cycle: Use a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking and fading. Avoid using hot water as it can damage the fabric and cause the colors to run.
   • Use Mild Detergent: Opt for a mild, bleach-free detergent to maintain the fabric’s integrity and color vibrancy.
   • Separate Colors: Wash your jersey with similar colors to avoid color transfer. It’s especially important for jerseys with high contrast colors.
2. Hand Washing:
   • Soak and Swirl: Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge your jersey and gently swirl it around, allowing the detergent to penetrate the fabric.
   • Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, rinse your jersey under cold running water until the water runs clear and all detergent is washed out.

Drying and Storage

1. Drying: Never wring out your jersey as it can stretch the fabric. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay it flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll up the towel with the jersey inside to absorb more water, then unroll and air dry the jersey away from direct sunlight which can fade colors.
2. Storage: Once completely dry, fold your jersey or hang it on a wide, padded hanger to avoid creases and stretching. Avoid using thin wire hangers that can misshape your jersey.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can leave a residue that affects the jersey’s moisture-wicking properties.
• Prompt Washing: Wash your jersey as soon as possible after wearing it to prevent stains from setting in.
• Do Not Iron: High heat can damage the prints and fabric. If necessary, use a low heat setting and iron the jersey inside out, but it’s usually better to avoid ironing altogether.