How to Wash and Care for a Team Jersey

Your team jersey is more than just a shirt – it represents your loyalty, passion and commitment to your favorite team. While game day involves proudly wearing your jersey to cheer on your team, the other days require proper care and cleaning to maintain its condition. Washing and caring for a team jersey correctly will help preserve the colors, logos and materials while avoiding damage from heat, detergents and dryers. Follow these useful tips to keep your jersey looking fresh while retaining its quality and integrity for seasons to come.

Materials Used in Team Jerseys

Team jerseys can be made from various materials, most commonly polyester, nylon or elastic blends. The fabric construction affects how the garment should be cleaned.

Polyester is a durable synthetic fabric that resists wrinkling and holds color well. It can withstand high temperatures but is prone to static cling. Polyester jerseys should be washed in cold or warm water to avoid damage.

Nylon is another synthetic fabric that is lightweight, smooth and resilient. However, it is heat-sensitive and can melt under high temperatures. Nylon jerseys require washing in cold water.

Elastic blends have spandex or elastane added to create stretchiness. The elastic component needs gentle care as heat can cause it to deteriorate quickly. Use cold water for washing elastic blend jerseys.

Identifying the fabric composition of your team jersey will dictate the ideal washing methods and settings to use. Tags with material content and care instructions are usually found near the side seams.

Preparing Team Jerseys for Washing

Proper preparation before washing can prolong the life span of your team jerseys. Here are some tips:

Empty all pockets – Check and empty any pockets in the jersey to prevent items getting washed.
Use a garment bag – Placing the jersey in a mesh garment bag adds a protective barrier during the wash cycle.
Zip up and velcro closed – Secure all zippers, buttons and velcro fastenings to avoid snags and friction damage.
Pre-treat any stains – Spot clean fresh stains with a pre-wash spray before placing in the wash. For dried stains, use a stain removal pen.
Avoid overloading the machine – Wash only 1 or 2 jerseys at a time to allow plenty of space for movement. Overcrowding causes pilling and uneven cleaning.
Do up zippers and fastenings – This prevents the jersey fabric from bunching up and maintains the shape.

Taking these preparatory steps will enable the jerseys to be washed neatly so they emerge looking their best.

Best Practices for Washing Team Jerseys

Follow these best practices when it’s time to clean your cherished team jerseys:

1. Wash in Cold Water

Always use the cold water setting, even if the care tag states warm water is acceptable. Cold water is gentlest for preserving the colors, logos and materials used in team jerseys. Warm or hot water can cause fading and misshaping.

2. Use a Mild Liquid Detergent

Powder and tablet detergents may contain bleaches and enzymes too harsh for athletic garments. Mild liquid detergents, free of dyes, fragrances and brighteners, clean effectively while being gentle. Amounts used should be based on load size rather than capfuls.

3. Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets leave behind a coating that can affect the wicking ability of performance fabrics. For softness, use an extra rinse cycle instead.

4. Wash and Rinse Twice

Washing the jersey through two complete cycles ensures optimal removal of body oils, dirt and sweat that can degrade the fabrics. Repeat with a second rinse cycle too.

5. Avoid Chlorine Bleach

Never use chlorine bleach on colored athletic jerseys, as it can interact with dyes and cause color loss or discoloration. For whites, dilute chlorine bleach sparingly. Oxygen bleaches are gentler alternatives.

6. Line Dry Is Best

Machine drying can damage screen printed logos and numbered jerseys. Always line dry your team jerseys out of direct sunlight. Lay flat or hang on non-wire hangers.

With these simple laundry practices, you can safely wash sports jerseys without compromising their quality or appearance.

Helpful Laundry Tips for Stubborn Dirt and Stains

Even with the most meticulous care, team jerseys worn and loved for games and rallies can accumulate soils and marks requiring extra attention:

Pre-treat collars and underarms – Heavy accumulation of sweat and oils in these areas respond well to sprays and sticks applied before washing.
Use stain remover on set-in stains – Soak dried or stubborn stains before washing with pre-wash stain removers or sticks. Check labels and avoid bleach.
Swish in solution for hard water – Mineral deposits from tap water can make white jerseys dingy. Swishing in a solution of white vinegar or non-chlorine laundry booster addresses this.
Boost stubborn odors – Funky smells can linger in fabrics. Use an odor elimination booster in the wash. Baking soda or white vinegar also help deodorize.
Spot clean as needed – For soil or spills spotted after washing, apply a concentrated laundry detergent directly on the spot and rinse with clean water.

With extra attention on high use areas, heavy staining and odors, team jerseys can be restored to sanitize and freshen effectively.

Drying Tips for Optimal Care

Drying is just as crucial as washing for maintaining your jersey. Follow these drying suggestions:

Pat with a towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid twisting or wringing.
Reshape garment back into size before drying if needed. Smooth out wrinkles.
Hang or lay flat to dry, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Use a mesh or plastic drying rack. Wire hangers can dent shoulder areas.
If machine drying, use air or delicate cycle on low heat. Remove promptly when finished.
Layer dry cotton towels over logos and numbers when drying flat to avoid cracking.

With some extra care taken when drying, you can help retain the vibrant colors, dimensional logos and integrity of the jersey materials and construction.

Storing Jerseys for Off-Season

During the team’s off-season, extended storage is required to protect jerseys between games and events. Suggestions for storage include:

Clean thoroughly before storage to avoid attracting insects with food stains or odors.
Air dry completely as any lingering moisture can lead to mildew growth in storage.
Refold along original creases and seams to help maintain shape. Stack flat if possible.
Place in breathable garment bag or archival box. Avoid airtight plastic containers or bags.
Store in clean, dry, dark place. Avoid attics or basements with extreme temperature and humidity.
Use cedar blocks or acid-free tissue paper to help preserve fabrics and prevent yellowing.
Rotate seasonally if needed. Refolding helps keep creases from setting permanently.

With proper off-season storage, your well-loved jersey will be fresh and ready for you to proudly wear again next season.

Hand Washing a Team Jersey

At times a team jersey may need cleaning but is not suitable for machine washing, such as a signed collectible jersey. Here is a safe hand washing method:

Supplies Needed

Large sink or basin
Mild liquid detergent
Soft washcloth and towel
Mesh garment bag (optional)
Drying rack

Process

Fill sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
Place jersey in garment bag if desired, or wash directly.
Submerge and gently swish jersey pieces to release dirt. Avoid twisting, wringing or scrubbing.
Drain dirty water and refill with clean cool water for rinsing. Rinse twice.
Roll jersey in a towel to absorb moisture. Avoid twisting to wring out.
Reshape garment and lay flat or hang to air dry.
Once fully dry, store properly until next use.

With this gentle hand washing method, fragile collectible or autographed jerseys can be cleaned while protecting item condition.

Repairing Damage to Team Jerseys

During a jersey’s lifetime, it can face rips, holes, missing buttons and unraveling hems requiring repair:

Small holes or tears: Apply a small dot of clear nail polish on woven edges to prevent runs. Consider decorative patches.
Split seams: Re-sew by hand or machine using strong nylon thread that matches garment color.
Missing snaps or buttons: Replace with matching size and color buttons. Sew on tightly.
Loose hems or cuffs: Hand sew hems 1/4″ above existing line with strong nylon thread using whip stitch or blind hem stitches.
Damaged printed logos: Apply a patch over flawed area in a complementary design. Avoid reprinting.
Faded colors: Dyeing kits are available but matching colors is difficult. Consider decorative patches or keeping as is.
Incorrect sizing: Take to a tailor or seamstress for adjusting hems and side seams if needed.

With some basic sewing skills and supplies, minor repairs can return damaged jerseys to wearable condition. For valuable vintage or autographed jerseys, seek professional help. Proper mending preserves the nostalgia and enjoyment a cherished team jersey provides.

When to Retire a Jersey

Over many seasons of play and WASDing, team jerseys eventually reach a point where they should be officially retired:

Fabric has extensive thinning, holes or tears beyond repair.
Screen printed logos and numbers are severely cracked, peeling or flaked away.
Color has badly faded or run despite proper washing.
Original shape is lost with stretched out, baggy fit.
Persistent stains or odors remain that cannot be removed.
Mold, mildew or insect damage is present from storage.
Jersey represents outdated team name, colors or logos.

Retiring well-worn jerseys with honor preserves their memories and makes space for new team apparel. Consider repurposing retired jerseys into quilts, pillows or displays.

Enjoy Your Team Jersey Responsibly

With the proper care and washing techniques, you can maintain the integrity of your team jerseys for many seasons. Handle them with pride and wear them with care. If signs of aging do emerge, make necessary repairs or retire the jersey before excessive damage occurs. Investing some time into caring for your team jersey will allow you to enjoy it for years to come while supporting your dedicated fandom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get body odor out of a jersey?

For heavy body odor, first pre-treat underarm areas with an enzyme laundry spray or soak entire jersey in an odor eliminator solution. When washing, use hot water, double detergent and an extra rinse cycle. Air dry in sunlight if possible. Oxygen bleaches or white vinegar also help deodorize.

How do you get sweat stains out of a sports jersey?

Pre-treat heavy sweat stained areas like underarms and neckline with a laundry pre-wash spray. For set-in stains, try a stain removal stick pre-treat. Wash jersey in cool water with mild detergent using a heavy soil cycle. Air dry instead of machine drying. Repeat process as needed. Avoid hot water or bleach.

Can you put a jersey in the dryer?

It’s highly recommended to air dry team jerseys to protect logos, numbering and materials which can crack or warp in the dryer heat. If machine drying, use delicate cycle on low heat and remove promptly when finished to avoid over-drying. Tumble drying occasionally won’t ruin a jersey but air drying is safest for preserving quality.

How do you wash an autographed jersey?

Hand wash only using cool water, mild detergent and gentle motions. Avoid submerging entire jersey if possible. Rinse thoroughly. Shape and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Spot clean stained areas. Take extra precaution around autographed areas. For valuable collectibles, consider professional dry cleaning.

How do you get white jerseys white again?

For dingy white jerseys, wash with a non-chlorine booster or oxygen bleach alternative. Pre-soak in a solution of white vinegar and water. When washing, use hot water and double the detergent. Air dry in sunlight. Check care tags before using any bleach products. The process may need repeating for severely yellowed jerseys.

How do you wash a hockey jersey?

Turn the jersey inside out and place in a mesh bag before washing on a gentle cycle in cold water using a mild detergent. Hang dry away from direct sun. To whiten, use an oxygen bleach. Spot treat heavy stains first. Air drying helps retain the jersey’s shape and prevent heat damage to logos.

Conclusion

With proper laundering and care, your cherished team jerseys can withstand regular sporting action while retaining their quality and colors for years of fandom. By following these best practices for washing, drying, storage and repair, you can keep your jerseys looking game-ready season after season. With a little diligence and care, your team jerseys will transition from sporting attire to beloved mementos of your passion.