How to Wash a Sports Jersey the Right Way

You just won the big game and now you want to show off your team spirit by wearing your jersey around town. But how do you wash it without ruining it?

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Washing a Sports Jersey

You just scored a new jersey of your favorite player, or maybe you finally got around to washing the one you’ve had for awhile. Either way, you want to make sure you’re washing it the right way. Washing a sports jersey is not as simple as throwing it in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes. There are a few extra steps you need to take in order to make sure your jersey stays in good condition.

Gather your materials

Before you start, you’ll need to gather your materials. You will need a washing machine, laundry detergent, fabric softener, a clean towel and a dryer. If you have a front-loading washing machine, you will also need a mesh laundry bag.

If your jersey is extremely dirty or stained, you may want to pretreat the areas with a stain remover before washing.

Pre-treat any stains

All jerseys should be turned inside out before being placed in the washing machine. This will help protect the jersey from any damage that may occur during the washing cycle. Be sure to pre-treat any stains with a pre-wash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Rub the stained area with the product, using a brush if necessary, then place the jersey in the washing machine.

Wash on a delicate cycle

Your sports jersey should be washed on a delicate cycle in cold water with mild laundry detergent. You can also add a fabric softener to the load if you like. If your jersey is very dirty or has stubborn stains, you may need to pre-treat it with a stain remover before washing. Be sure to read the care label on your jersey carefully before washing to make sure you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Hang to dry or lay flat

How you dry your jersey is just as important as how you wash it. The fabric is delicate, and if you throw it in the dryer, it will shrink and the colors will fade. If you hang it up to dry, the fabric will retain its shape and the colors will stay vibrant. You can also lay it flat to dry, but be sure to smooth out any wrinkles first.

Caring for a Sports Jersey

Washing a sports jersey doesn’t have to be complicated. In most cases, you can just throw it in the washing machine with your other clothes. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your jersey stays in good condition.

Avoid excessive sun exposure

Sunlight can cause colors to fade, so it’s best to avoid hanging your jersey in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. If you do need to air out your jersey in the sun, make sure to do so in a shady spot where the sun won’t be beating down on it directly.

Do not iron

Most jerseys are made of polyester, a fabric that is highly susceptible to heat damage. Use a press cloth if you must, but avoid ironing your jersey directly. You should also avoid using a clothes dryer, as the high heat can damage the fabric. Instead, hang your jersey up to air dry.

Do not dry clean

Most jerseys can be machine-washed, but it’s always best to check the label first. If your jersey is made of sensitive materials like wool or silk, dry cleaning is the best way to go. But for the majority of jerseys, you can throw them in the wash with cold water on a delicate cycle.

Avoid using hot water or putting your jersey in the dryer, as this can cause shrinking and damage. If your jersey has any metal embellishments, like buttons or a metal badge, remove them before washing. You can either hand wash these items separately or put them in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the cycle.