Hockey jerseys and uniforms require special care when it comes to washing and maintenance. Improper washing can damage the logos, numbers, and materials that make up your hockey gear. Follow these best practices to keep your jerseys looking great and maximize their lifespan.
Gather Your Supplies
Before washing, gather the necessary supplies:
- Mild detergent or special sports wash – Avoid regular laundry detergents as they can be too harsh on athletic gear fabrics. Look for a gentle soap designed for activewear.
- Garment bag or mesh wash bag – Protects jerseys from snags and pulls in the washing machine.
- Stain pre-treater (optional) – For tough stains like grass or blood. Check that it’s safe for technical fabrics.
- Fabric softener (optional) – Can help hockey jerseys retain their moisture-wicking properties.
- Drying rack – Air drying is best to prevent heat damage.
Prepare the Jerseys
Take a few moments to get your jerseys ready for washing:
- Turn jerseys inside out – This protects external logos, numbers, and graphics from abrasion in the wash.
- Close all zippers – Zip up jerseys and close any hook and loop fasteners. This prevents snagging.
- Check for stains – Pre-treat any visible stains by spraying on a stain remover and letting it soak in for 5-10 minutes before washing. Be gentle around crests and embroidered areas.
- Empty all pockets – Remove any loose items like hockey tape, mouthguards, or socks.
Select the Right Wash Settings
Set your washing machine to a gentle, cold water cycle:
- Wash temperature – Use the coolest setting or cold water. Hot water can damage elasticity in the fabrics.
- Wash cycle – Opt for a delicate or gentle/permanent press setting. This slower agitation helps reduce wear.
- Detergent amount – Use less detergent than normal loads. Too much can leave residue in athletic fabrics.
- Drying – Line dry or flat dry on a rack. Avoid machine drying which can melt logos and numbers.
Wash Properly
With your washer loaded and supplies gathered, follow these steps for washing hockey jerseys:
- Place jerseys inside a garment bag or mesh wash bag. This prevents excess abrasion in the wash drum.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent to the drum per the manufacturer’s instructions. For lightweight soils, less detergent is needed.
- Add the jerseys to the wash drum and start the cycle. Use cool or cold water on a delicate setting.
- After washing, check jerseys for any stains that may need re-treatment. Repeat washing if necessary.
- Line dry the jerseys or flat dry on top of a drying rack. Hang jerseys up using plastic hangers to prevent stretcher neck areas.
Dry Properly
It’s important to dry hockey jerseys flat to prevent damage:
- Lay clean, damp jerseys flat on top of a drying rack or on bath towels. Do not hang dry.
- Smooth out the fabrics to keep logos, numbers, and lettering flat as the gear dries.
- Avoid direct sunlight which can fade colors. Dry indoors or in shade.
- Allow jerseys to fully air dry. Do not machine dry or use a dryer which can ruin the fabrics.
- Once dry, the jerseys are ready to wear again! Stretch out any tight spots from washing.
Wash Different Materials
Hockey jerseys can combine various technical fabrics:
Polyester
The typical smooth, synthetic fabric often used for the main jersey body. Wash with cool water and air dry.
Spandex
Provides stretch and flexibility. Use gentle detergent and no fabric softener which can reduce elasticity.
Nylon
In mesh areas for ventilation. Pre-treat stains promptly as nylon can absorb dirt. Air dry only.
Cleaning Tips by Jersey Area
Target your washing techniques to different zones of the hockey jersey:
Main jersey body
- Turn inside out and wash right side out with mild detergent on a delicate cycle.
Collar
- Pre-treat sweat stains around the neckline before washing.
Underarm areas
- Check for body oils and deodorant residue. Pre-wash pit stains with stain remover.
Numbers and logos
- Wash inside out and avoid scrubbing these areas. Air dry flat.
Cuffs and hems
- Inspect for loose threads. Hand wash only if needed to avoid runs or unraveling.
Remove Common Stains
Even with proper care, hockey jerseys can get dirty. Try these methods to remove common stubborn stains:
Grass stains
- Pre-treat with stain remover, allow to soak 5 minutes, then launder. For set-in stains, try an enzyme cleaner.
Sweat & body oils
- Use an oxygen-based bleach alternative before washing to help break down odor and oils.
Mold & mildew
- Wash with bleach alternative and soak in equal parts water and vinegar solution. Rinse thoroughly.
Blood
- Rinse back of fabric under cold water ASAP. Pre-wash with an enzyme cleaner before regular wash.
Grime & ice marking
- Spot clean with rubbing alcohol (test first). Rinse and wash normally. May require repetition for ingrained marks.
Special Use Case Washing
In addition to game jerseys, also practice proper care when laundering other hockey gear:
Goalie equipment
- Use a sanitizing sports wash and rinse thoroughly. Dry pads flat, away from direct sun.
Compression undergarments
- Wash after each use. Use mild detergent, no softener. Do not wring or twist to prevent damaging the spandex.
Socks
- Wash socks inside out to protect padding. Use odor fighting detergent. Air dry thoroughly.
Neck guards
- Spot clean by hand with a small amount of mild soap and a washcloth. Rinse and air dry, keeping padding straight.
Jock straps & cups
- Hand wash only with an antimicrobial soap. Do not machine wash. Allow to fully air dry before next use.
Maintain Your Hockey Jerseys
With some extra care, your jerseys can stay in top shape:
- Hang up jerseys immediately after use. This prevents odors from setting in.
- Spot treat new stains quickly before washing. This prevents stains from becoming permanent.
- Disinfect gear occasionally in a sanitizing wash to kill bacteria.
- Check for loose threads, holes or damage after each wash. Make repairs as needed to avoid bigger issues.
- Replace old jerseys once they start showing excessive pilling, thinning, or can no longer be cleaned.
- Store jerseys folded or hanging up in a clean, dry area during off seasons. Avoid musty basements or garages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions on hockey jersey care? Here are some common FAQs:
Can I use bleach when washing hockey jerseys?
No, avoid using chlorine bleach as it can damage fabrics and fade colors. Opt for an oxygen-based bleach alternative if needed. Test first in an inconspicuous area.
How can I make my jerseys smell fresh?
Use an antimicrobial sports detergent to kill bacteria and odors. Soak gear in a mixture of water and distilled white vinegar. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and air dry after washing.
My numbers are peeling – what do I do?
Avoid harsh scrubbing of numbers and logos which can cause cracking and peeling. Hand wash printed areas gently. If damage has occurred, apply a fabric glue to re-adhere edges or have the jersey professionally re-lettered.
Why shouldn’t I use fabric softener?
Softeners and dryer sheets can coat athletic fabrics, clogging pores and reducing moisture wicking ability. This causes jerseys to feel heavy. Softener residue also reduces flame retardant properties.
Can I hand wash my hockey jerseys?
Yes, hand washing inside out with a gentle detergent allows you to target heavily soiled areas and prevents snags from machine washing. Remember to fully line dry after rinsing well.
How do I get odor out of my neck guard?
Treat with a washing soda soak before washing – 1/2 cup per gallon of water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry in direct sunlight which helps kill bacteria. Repeating washings with an antimicrobial detergent can also help remove stubborn odors.
Conclusion
Caring properly for hockey jerseys helps maintain the quality and extends their lifespan. Always turn garments inside out prior to washing. Wash using cool water on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent. It’s important to air dry hockey jerseys fully and avoid machine drying the heat-sensitive fabrics. Treat stains and odors promptly for best results. With some extra care, your hockey jerseys can stay looking great for many seasons on the ice to come.
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