How to Wash a Jersey

May 06, 2023 4 min read

kobe bryant swingman lakers basketball jersey

Introduction

As a sports fan, you may own 1-2 jerseys of your favorite team or athlete that you like to wear while watching their games or playing with friends. However, during the process of watching games, drinks or snacks may stain the jerseys, and after playing with friends, sweat, and dirt can also soil the jerseys.

Sports jerseys are expensive, ranging from $60 to $150 for NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL jerseys, with some limited edition jerseys being even more expensive. Therefore, it is important to take extra care when washing them, as incorrect washing methods can damage these jerseys. 

As a professional sports jersey manufacturer, we will tell you how to properly wash sports jerseys.

 

Step 1: Read the Care Label

Before washing your jerseys, let's take a look at the care label first, which is usually located at the back of the collar or the waist of the garment. 

They provide some basic washing and drying instructions. However, following these labels' instructions doesn't always guarantee perfect results. For example, sublimated jerseys and embroidered jerseys may have slightly different washing methods. We will explain this in the following steps.

Here are some common care labels for washing jerseys as a reference:

  • Normal wash
  • Do not bleach
  • Do not dry clean
  • Do not iron
  • Do not tumble dry

Step 2: Wash Jersey

Separate by color: 

Before washing your jerseys, it's best to follow a general principle: wash clothes of the same color together. If you find it too much trouble, separate white, light, and dark clothes when washing. 

 

This method also applies to other clothing. This is because the color of the dark clothes bleeds onto the light clothes during the washing process, and this situation is generally irreversible. Therefore, we should separate light and dark clothes when washing them.

 

Authentic jersey or swingman jersey hand washing: 

As the name and number on an authentic jersey are embroidered, special care should be taken when cleaning it.

  1. Add a little detergent to cold water, and soak the jerseys for 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to add bleach.
  2. Hand wash the jersey gently to avoid causing the names and numbers to crack. The sports jersey material is polyester, so it has strong resistance to stains. If possible, avoid machine washing and hand washing instead.
  3. Rinse several times with cold water after washing.

Alternatively, if you prefer machine washing:

  1. Turn the jersey inside out and put it in a laundry bag. This can reduce friction with other clothes during the washing.
  2. Choose a gentle detergent and wash with cold water. Select hand wash mode or gentle mode.
  3. After finishing, take out the jersey and turn it inside out again.
Other jerseys:
  • Replica jersey: It's better to hand wash if your jersey is a replica jersey. The name and number on a replica jersey are offset printed. Hand washing can extend its lifespan.
  • Sublimation jersey: You can choose machine wash when you wash sublimation jerseys. But it is still recommended to use cold water and avoid using bleach.

 

Step 3: Dry Jersey

When washing is finished, we recommend hanging dry. Do not wring or use a dryer, as it can damage the embroidered name and number. Avoid exposing the jersey to direct sunlight during the hanging dry.

 

Step 4: Store Jersey

Hang your jersey on a hanger and cover it with a plastic bag to avoid contact with dust and prevent the numbers from wrinkling. It's important not to iron jerseys with numbers, as high temperatures can easily cause the numbers and logos on the clothes to dissolve and deform.

Conclusion

In conclusion, washing sports jerseys is an essential task that should be done with care to ensure that the jerseys stay in good condition. 

It is important to follow the care labels, separate by color, and use the appropriate washing method for the type of jersey. For authentic and swingman jerseys, hand washing is recommended, while replica and sublimation jerseys can be machine washed. 

After washing, air-drying is preferable, and jerseys should be stored properly to avoid damage. By following these simple steps, sports fans can keep their jerseys looking great and extend their lifespan.

FAQ

Best Way To Wash A Jersey?

The best way to wash a jersey is hand wash in cold water. Just follow the guide above.

Can You Wash Jerseys In A Washer?

Yes, you can. But it is not the best way to wash a jersey. The best way to wash jerseys is hand wash. If you want to wash jerseys in a washer, turn the jersey inside outand put it in a laundry bag. Follow the guide above

How To Wash Football Jersey In Washing Machine?

3 steps

  1. Turn the jersey inside out and put it in a laundry bag. This can reduce friction with other clothes during the washing.
  2. Choose a gentle detergent and wash with cold water. Select hand wash mode or gentle mode.
  3. After finishing, take out the jersey and turn it inside out again.

Can You Put Nfl Jerseys In The Dryer?

Please don’t. It will damage the jerseys. Hanger dry andavoid exposing the jersey to direct sunlight 

How To Wash White Jerseys?

Separated with other color clothes, and hand wash if possible.

How To Wash A Stitched Jersey?

Hand wash. 

Add a little detergent to cold water, and soak the jerseys for 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to add bleach.

Hand wash the jersey gently to avoid causing the names and numbers to crack. The sports jersey material is polyester, so it has strong resistance to stains. If possible, avoid machine washing and hand washing instead.

Rinse several times with cold water after washing.

Can You Wash Baseball Jerseys?

Yes, you can. Follow the guide above, please.

Can You Dry Clean Nfl Jerseys?

No, you can’t.

Can You Shrink A Nfl Jersey? 

No, you can’t. NFL jerseys are made of polyester fabric. It will not shrink.


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