How to Wash a Jersey So It’s Ready for the Next Game

Whether you’re playing yourself or supporting your favorite team, knowing how to wash a sports jersey is important in order for it to look (and smell) good. Washing a jersey is not the same as washing a regular cotton t-shirt, since jerseys often feature bright colors, embroidered details, logos, decals, and patches.

This means that extra care must be taken and the right wash cycle, water temperature, and detergent must be used to prevent any damage. There are also things you should absolutely avoid—such as using the dryer or adding fabric softener—but more on that below. To learn how to wash a jersey so it’s ready for your next game, follow this step-by-step guide and get our six best tips for washing a jersey.

How to Wash a Jersey

Follow these steps to wash a jersey properly and avoid any damage.

1. Check the Care Tag

   Before you get started, check the care tag on your sports jersey. While most are made from polyester, there may be embroidery or logo details that require special attention.

2. Turn It Inside Out

   Before throwing it in the washing machine, turn the jersey inside out. This will protect details such as embroidery, logos, and patches, especially if you are washing multiple jerseys at the same time.

3. Wash the Jersey

   Follow the care tag instructions on your jersey for best results, but if they have faded, here’s the general rule of thumb when it comes to washing a jersey:

   • Choose the cold cycle on your washing machine to prevent colors from bleeding.
   • Use a short wash cycle as a jersey is delicate and may get damaged in a long, high-spin cycle.
   • Add laundry detergent that fights odors but does not contain bleach to protect the jersey’s colors.
   • Stay away from fabric softeners as they can make odors linger even after washing.

4. Air Dry the Jersey

   To avoid shrinking and damage to the jersey, do not put it in the dryer. Once you take the jersey out of the washer, turn it the right side out, shake it out to release wrinkles, then either hang it up on a hanger or lay it out flat to fully dry.

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Six Best Tips for Washing a Jersey

• Pre-check the jersey. Before washing a jersey, check for stains and pre-treat them with the appropriate stain remover.
• Turn the jersey inside out before washing. This is to protect any special details such as embroidery, logos, patches, or decals that can get damaged if they rub against other garments in the washer.
• Wash with other related items. Wash a jersey with like-items of the same color, preferably other jerseys. Avoid throwing a jersey in the washer with items such as jeans or towels whose weight and texture can cause damage to the delicate jersey fabric.
• Choose a detergent with odor-fighting properties. Since a jersey can get pretty stinky, using a laundry detergent that specifically targets and eliminates odors is essential.
• Do not use fabric softener. While you may think that it will release wrinkles and make the jersey soft and comfortable to wear, what fabric softener does is take away the jersey’s moisture-wicking property. This means it affects the way the fabric absorbs odors and it will be harder to remove lingering odors from the jersey even after washing.
• Immediately hang up the jersey after washing. Once you’ve taken it out of the washer and turned it the right side out, shake it out to release wrinkles and hang it on a hanger so it dries quickly and creases are minimized.