How to Wash a Jersey


How to Wash a Jersey

“Work hard, play hard” is the motto. The result is grass and sweat stains! Whether it's football, basketball, baseball, soccer, or other sports, stains and odors caused by sweat are inevitable. To make it easier for you, we have tested and tried the best process to get rid of those pesky stains. Cleaning a sports jersey can be done in a small number of steps but should be completed a certain way in order to get the best results. After the first few washes, the process will be a cinch.

Care Instructions For Washing A Jersey

Looking to get that BBQ stain out of your NFL jersey? These care instructions and suggestions will work when washing your NFL jersey too!

Step 1: Spot Wash

First, you'll want to pre-treat any major stains before placing your jersey in the washing machine. To do so, we recommend using a stain removing formula that is built for sport-specific stains caused by grass, dirt, or blood. 


Once you have your stain remover: 


  • Thoroughly soak the stained area with stain remover
  • Let stain remover sit for 2-3 minutes
  • Scrub lightly with a cloth brush or rag
  • Repeat steps 1-3 for severe stains

Step 2: Separate & Wash With Like Colored Jerseys

Next, whether or not you typically separate your lights and darks when doing your laundry, you should definitely separate your sports jerseys to avoid color bleeding. The reason for this is that the polyester that most sports uniforms are made out of is prone to color bleeding. We recommend separating your athletic uniforms by color and also avoiding washing jerseys with everyday clothing such as blue jeans because the zippers can latch onto the polyester and cause material fraying. If you have a single jersey to wash, we recommend adding like-colored towels to help add to the load. 


Quick Tips:


  • White jerseys with white jerseys
  • Black jerseys with black jerseys
  • All other colors are safe to wash together

Step 3: Use An Athletic Detergent

No, the athletic detergent can’t run fast or jump high, but it is made specifically for cleaning athletic clothing and reducing discoloration. Athletic detergents are created to eliminate the smell of sweat and exfoliate stains. These cleaners are also made to keep your jersey looking as pristine as the first time you wore it. However, if you don't have athletic detergent on hand you can use a simple detergent that is bleach-free.

Step 4: Turn Inside Out & Unbutton

This step is straightforward but still important. Turning your jersey inside out and unbuttoning it helps protect the exterior material of the jersey and also protects the stitched numbers, letters, and logos. Additionally, unbuttoning the jersey will prevent wrinkles and prevent the exterior of the jersey from rubbing against the inside of the washing machine or other jerseys. 

Step 5: Gentle & Warm/Cold Wash Cycle

Choosing a water temperature is situational. Most people will say to wash your jersey in strictly cold water to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding, however, if you are dealing with an extremely muddy jersey, the detergent will act more effectively in warm water. So with that in mind, the majority of the time it is best to wash your jersey in cold water. However, if you need to, it is safe to add a mixture of warm and cold water for especially dirty jerseys. 


Choosing a wash cycle is simple. Since most jerseys are made out of polyester material, it is best to wash your jersey on a “delicate” cycle. 

Step 6: Check Stains & Repeat

If you have washed gym clothes before, you know that all stains and scents are not created equal so others may need additional cleaning. Once your cycle is complete, be sure to check that all your stains and scents are eliminated. If not, simply repeat the process starting from spot cleaning and put the jersey back in for another “delicate” cycle! 

Step 7: Hang Dry

After your jersey is cleaned to your satisfaction, turn the jersey right side out and hang it to dry. Putting your jersey in the dryer can cause shrinking and also cause alterations to letters, numbers, or decals that are not stitched into the jersey. To prolong a jersey's lifespan, it is best to hang dry it out of direct sunlight. Plus, jerseys are typically made out of lightweight material so they dry fast! 


Brace & Supports. 

Now that you know how to wash a jersey, give it a try, and in no time cleaning a jersey will come second nature and your jersey will be looking game-ready week after week. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN!