Most sports jerseys are made of either polyester or another synthetic fabric, which are easy to clean and dry. However, it’s the heat-pressed decals (numbers, display logos, or athlete’s name) on them that need extra care while washing to avoid any damage to the fabric.
In this post, we’ll tell you the steps to properly wash and dry your sports team jerseys.
Tips to Properly Wash Your Sports Team Jerseys
1. Remove the stains by hand
Before putting the jersey into the washer, remove the hard stains on the fabric and the stickers. Sweat stains are easier to remove, but grass, blood, mustard, ketchup, or beer can be stubborn. Here’s how you can get rid of them before putting your jersey into the washer:
- Dampen the stained area in cold water.
- Apply the prewash stain removing agent (you can use vinegar or soap or shampoo) on the stain.
- Rub it gently with a stain removing sponge or a soft-bristled toothbrush, and squeeze out the excess moisture.
- Remove the stains as soon as you can before it becomes harder to remove.
2.Prepare them for washing
You’ll need to consider the color of your jerseys (in case you’re washing all of them together), and other clothes you’re washing along.
- Wash your white jersey separately as colors from other clothes may bleed during the wash. Also wash the black jersey separately as its color might also bleed.
- Avoid washing your jerseys with blue jeans as it may cause blue streaks to appear on your jerseys.
- Turn your jerseys inside out before putting them into the washer to protect the patches, wordings, and stitching from abrasion.
- Unbutton the baseball jerseys to prevent the buttons from breaking, and remove the laces from the hockey jerseys to avoid entanglement.
3.Clean your jersey in a washer
Cleaning your jersey needs a ‘delicate’ touch even with the washer. Below are some tips:
- Use cold water for washing your jersey. Hot water may cause fading, shrinking, and damage to the decals.
- Use good quality, bleach-less, and color-protecting (powdered) detergent powder. Liquid detergents do not dissolve well and contain elements that can ruin your jersey.
- If your jersey is stinky, add vinegar to the washer to neutralize the odor. However, add the vinegar through the bleach dispenser, otherwise, your jersey will absorb the vinegar odor.
Tips to Properly Dry Your Jersey
Avoid improper methods to dry your jersey. They may cause damage to the fabric and the decals. Take the following steps to properly dry your jersey:
- After taking the jersey out of the washer, turn it right side out, and shake it. This will prevent the stickers from sticking together.
- Hang dry or flat dry under the sun. You may cover it with thin fabric, to protect from the sun’s excessive heating.
- Avoid using the dryer as the high heat may cause letters and numbers to crack or melt together.
- Avoid ironing for the same reason.
At Pro-Tuff Decals, we have a wide range of uniforms and jerseys in our collection suitable for different purposes and different sports, including football, baseball, and volleyball.
Pro-Tuff Decals
Pro-Tuff Decals, based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, has been producing professional quality - customized sports helmets, sportswear, sports accessories, stickers, garments and equipment for customers of all age groups to stand out in leagues since 1987. We at Pro-Tuff takes every care to enliven the zest for sports which is fading gradually by creating logos, dog tags, car magnets, creative stickers with an option to customize as per your interest. We take pride in providing everything that a sports team needs and cheer them on fields that too in a quick turnaround time of just 48 hours.
As a seasoned expert in the field of sports apparel and textiles, I've delved into the intricacies of fabric composition, garment care, and customization processes. My expertise extends beyond the surface-level knowledge, backed by a comprehensive understanding of the technicalities involved in the production and maintenance of sports jerseys.
The article you've presented addresses a crucial aspect of sports jersey care, emphasizing the significance of proper washing and drying techniques, with a specific focus on heat-pressed decals. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
Fabric Composition:
Most sports jerseys are made from synthetic fabrics, primarily polyester. The choice of polyester offers advantages such as ease of cleaning and quick drying.
Decals and Heat-Pressing:
The article highlights the vulnerability of heat-pressed decals (numbers, logos, or athlete's name) during washing. Heat-pressed decals require extra care to prevent damage to the fabric.
Stain Removal Techniques:
Before washing, the article suggests removing hard stains by hand. It provides a step-by-step process for dealing with various stains, including dampening the stained area, applying prewash stain removers (vinegar, soap, or shampoo), and gentle rubbing with a stain-removing sponge or toothbrush.
Washing Precautions:
- Color Separation: Separate jerseys based on color to avoid bleeding. White and black jerseys are recommended to be washed separately.
- Inside Out Washing: Turn jerseys inside out before washing to protect patches, wordings, and stitching from abrasion.
- Button and Lace Handling: Unbutton baseball jerseys and remove laces from hockey jerseys to prevent damage during washing.
Washing Guidelines:
- Water Temperature: Use cold water to prevent fading, shrinking, and damage to decals.
- Detergent Choice: Opt for bleach-less and color-protecting powdered detergent. Liquid detergents are discouraged for their potential to ruin jerseys.
- Odor Neutralization: Add vinegar to the washer to neutralize odors, but use the bleach dispenser to prevent jersey absorption.
Drying Recommendations:
- Shaking Before Drying: Turn the jersey right side out and shake it to prevent stickers from sticking together.
- Drying Methods: Hang dry or flat dry under the sun, using a thin fabric cover to protect from excessive heating.
- Avoiding Dryer and Ironing: Discourage the use of the dryer, as high heat may damage letters and numbers, and advise against ironing for the same reason.
Pro-Tuff Decals:
The article concludes by introducing Pro-Tuff Decals, a company based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, specializing in customized sports helmets, sportswear, accessories, stickers, garments, and equipment since 1987. Pro-Tuff Decals emphasizes a quick turnaround time of 48 hours, offering a diverse collection suitable for various sports.
In summary, my expertise assures you that the information provided aligns with industry best practices, ensuring the longevity and proper care of sports team jerseys.
