Want your team’s uniforms to last longer? Here’s how:
- Wash Smart: Turn uniforms inside out, use cold water, gentle cycles, and mild detergents. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach.
- Dry Carefully: Air dry when possible. If using a dryer, stick to low heat and gentle cycles. Keep them out of direct sunlight.
- Store Properly: Use breathable garment bags, quality hangers, and dry, climate-controlled spaces.
- Tackle Stains Fast: Treat stains immediately with the right method for the stain type (e.g., enzyme cleaners for grass or sweat).
- Know Your Fabric: Care for polyester, cotton, and mesh differently. Follow specific washing and drying instructions for each type.
Quick Tip: Washing uniforms separately and treating them gently can save you money and keep your team looking sharp all season.
How to Wash Sports Clothes (Step-By-Step)
1. Basic Washing Steps
Proper washing helps keep your uniforms in good condition for longer.
Wash Uniforms Inside Out
Always turn your uniforms inside out before washing to protect logos, numbers, and designs.
"Flipping clothing inside out makes it easier to wash out oil or sweat that might permeate the surface of a beloved baseball, basketball or football jersey. Additionally, the approach preserves the integrity of the stitching when it comes to lettering and numbers. This can also prevent the patches on the jerseys from rubbing against other articles of clothing." – ARM & HAMMER™ Laundry
Sammy Wang, a fabric care senior scientist at P&G, explains, "The cleaning process in the washer relies on physical tumbling in order to get fabrics clean, but excessive abrasion can damage clothes. This is why turning clothes inside out may be beneficial for certain items or loads."
Use Cold Water and Gentle Wash
Set your washer to a gentle cycle and use cold water. This helps prevent:
- Color fading
- Fabric shrinkage
- Damage to lettering and numbers
- Weakening of the material
Choose Mild Detergents
The detergent you use matters when caring for uniforms. Opt for detergents specifically made for athletic wear. Key tips include:
| Detergent Tips | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Use color-safe formulas | Helps avoid fading and color bleeding |
| Avoid chlorine bleach | Prevents damage to colors and fabric |
| Skip fabric softeners | Preserves moisture-wicking capabilities |
| Choose low pH options | Gentle on synthetic fabrics |
Separate Uniform Loads
Washing uniforms separately is essential to avoid damage and keep them looking their best. Follow these tips:
- Wash similar colors together
- Use mesh laundry bags for loose items like laces
- Remove accessories to prevent snags or tears
For heavily soiled areas, pre-treat by soaking in warm water with detergent and baking soda. This can tackle dirt and grass stains while protecting the fabric.
Next, learn about safe drying methods to keep your uniforms in top shape.
2. Safe Drying Methods
Benefits of Air Drying
Air drying helps maintain fabric quality and extends the life of garments. As Cosette Joyner Martinez, Associate Professor at Oklahoma State University, notes, "The life-span extension that you get with [air drying] is pretty incredible".
Some key benefits include:
- Protecting fabric structure and shape
- Lowering the risk of shrinkage
- Reducing static cling
- Keeping the fit intact and preventing wrinkles
If air drying isn’t an option due to time constraints, there are safe ways to use a dryer without compromising garment quality.
Using Low Heat Dryer Settings
When machine drying is unavoidable, opt for low heat, a gentle cycle, and timed drying to reduce potential damage.
Here’s how each setting helps:
| Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Low Heat | Protects fabrics from excessive heat |
| Gentle Cycle | Minimizes wear and tear on garments |
| Timed Dry | Limits prolonged heat exposure |
Using these settings ensures your uniforms stay in good condition while drying efficiently.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight
Drying uniforms in direct sunlight can cause damage. Studies indicate that "Specimens lost significantly more color (P < 0·01) when dried in the sun (3.96) than when dried in the shade (4.09)".
To safeguard your uniforms:
- Dry them in shaded spots
- Turn garments inside out to protect colors
- Use covered drying areas for added protection
For the best results, stick to indoor drying or shaded, covered spaces. This approach combines the advantages of air drying with extra care for your uniforms.
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3. Proper Storage Tips
Choose Dry Storage Areas
Keep uniforms in a dry, climate-controlled space to avoid mold and fabric damage. The storage area should maintain a steady temperature, low humidity, and be free of dust and direct sunlight. Adding cedar planks can help absorb moisture and keep odors at bay during long-term storage.
Use Quality Hangers
The right hanger can make a big difference in maintaining a uniform’s shape. Match each piece with a hanger that provides proper support. Here’s a quick guide:
| Uniform Item | Recommended Hanger Type | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Jerseys | Contoured with wide shoulders | Prevents shoulder dimpling |
| Practice Shirts | Sturdy plastic or wooden | Maintains collar structure |
| Pants/Shorts | Flat bar with padding | Keeps crease lines intact |
| Lightweight Items | Standard plastic | Offers basic support |
"What’s key is to never hang anything that’s knit and has some stretch to the body (for example a sweaters): as the garment hangs, gravity will pull it downwards and the shoulders will stretch, leaving unsightly and unfortunately permanent dimples." – Wolf vs Goat
For knit uniforms or items with stretch fabric, folding them flat is a better option. This prevents stretching and keeps their original shape intact.
Store in Breathable Bags
Breathable garment bags are ideal for protecting uniforms while allowing airflow. These bags often have a clear vinyl front for visibility and a non-woven backing for ventilation. They shield uniforms from dust, water, and other elements. For long-term storage, leave enough room in each bag to avoid crushing the fabric and ensure proper airflow. When storing multiple items, avoid overcrowding to maintain the benefits of breathable storage.
Up next: strategies for tackling stains and odors to keep your uniforms in top condition.
4. Stain and Smell Prevention
Keeping uniforms clean and odor-free requires more than just washing and drying. Tackling stains and smells right away can help extend their lifespan.
Quick Stain Treatment
Address stains as soon as possible after games or practices to avoid permanent marks. Different stains need specific treatments:
| Stain Type | Treatment Method | Water Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Grass/Blood/Sweat | Use an enzyme-based cleaner | Below 100°F |
| Regular Dirt | Apply liquid dish soap or detergent | Warm |
| Red Clay | Combine dish soap with a warm soak | Warm |
If a stain doesn’t come out on the first try, use these tailored methods to improve results.
Sports Stain Removers
Protein-based stains, like grass, blood, and sweat, respond well to enzyme-based detergents. For sports uniforms, choose detergents with lower alkaline levels to avoid yellowing or fading colors.
For tougher stains:
- Pre-treat by gently scrubbing cleaner into the fabric with a soft brush.
- Soak the uniform for at least an hour before washing.
- Skip chlorine bleach on red clay stains – it can make them worse.
Post-Game Air Out
Right after use, remove uniforms and turn them inside out to dry. If you can’t wash them immediately, seal the uniforms in a plastic bag and freeze them to stop bacteria from growing.
Odor Prevention Sprays
Neutralizing odors is better than covering them up. Laundry boosters can help eliminate smell-causing molecules. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Pre-wash: Soak uniforms in vinegar or lemon juice to combat odors.
- During wash: Use a detergent designed for sportswear.
- Post-wash: Add a laundry booster to remove any lingering odors.
5. Fabric-Specific Care
Taking care of uniforms gets even better when you focus on the specific needs of each fabric. Proper care for each type ensures they stay in great condition longer.
Polyester Care
Polyester uniforms need careful temperature management during washing. Use cool or warm water (below 85°F) and a gentle cycle.
Here’s a quick guide for maintaining polyester uniforms:
| Care Step | Setting/Instruction | Additional Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Cool or warm water (below 85°F) | Use mild detergent |
| Drying | Low heat or air dry | Avoid high heat |
| Ironing | Low or no heat | Turn garments inside out |
To keep polyester uniforms looking fresh, add fabric softeners to reduce static and use oxygen-based brighteners to maintain color vibrancy. Now, let’s move on to caring for cotton.
Cotton Care
Cotton uniforms are breathable but can easily show sweat stains. Here’s how to handle them:
- Pre-treat sweat stains as soon as possible, especially on seams and high-sweat areas.
- Wash in cold water to prevent stains from setting.
- Store in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture damage.
Next, let’s talk about how to handle delicate materials like mesh.
Mesh Care
Mesh uniforms require extra care to avoid damage:
- Place mesh items in a laundry bag before washing.
- Avoid wringing or twisting, which can stretch or distort the fabric.
Lastly, special attention is needed for printed designs created with sublimation techniques.
Sublimated Print Care
Sublimation printing fuses ink directly into the fabric, creating vibrant, durable designs that withstand wear and tear. However, these designs need specific care to keep them looking sharp.
| Care Method | Instructions | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Turn inside out and use cold water | Bleach and harsh detergents |
| Drying | Air dry or use low heat | Direct sunlight and high heat |
| Storage | Use padded hangers | Long periods of folding |
For stubborn wrinkles, place a thin cloth between the iron and the printed area, and use low heat without steam. This extra step ensures the design stays intact while removing creases.
Conclusion
Taking care of uniforms properly helps them last longer and keeps your team looking sharp. By handling post-game cleaning quickly, washing correctly, and storing them the right way, teams can preserve the quality and lifespan of their uniforms.
"Responsible home care in conjunction with the expertise of a professional cleaner will keep uniforms clean, fresh, and safe, and will allow them to last longer"
"Taking care of stains when they happen and regularly cleaning the uniforms according to instructions will help you make the most of your school and athlete’s investment"
These insights highlight how consistent and focused care can make a big difference in maintaining uniforms.
Good maintenance not only keeps uniforms looking great but also cuts down on replacement costs. Washing in cold water, treating stains quickly, using safe drying methods, and storing them properly can help preserve their condition.