Dealing with your soccer jersey can be very difficult, especially if you are an active player. You get dirt, sweat, and other issues on your jersey, and the pressure of maintaining the overall quality of the jersey can also pose a problem.
Learning how to clean and maintain your soccer jersey will always be an issue. Taking care of them should be your priority. In this article, you will learn more about how to clean and maintain soccer jerseys and perform all the best practices to keep them in top shape.
How to Clean Your Soccer Jersey
To understand how to clean your soccer jersey, you should also know what kind of dirt and other debris is stuck in your jersey.
Proper cleaning and maintenance are key to ensure that your jersey will always look new.
Cleaning your soccer jersey requires a lot of care to get the best results. Follow the guide below to learn how to clean your soccer jersey.
Treat the Stains First
The first step in cleaning your soccer jersey is to treat the stains. Much like with other dirty clothes, you need to pre-treat the stain.
It is an important step to allow the stains to be easily removed when you wash them. Apply the stain remover or detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes to half an hour before washing it.
After treating the stains, turn your soccer jersey inside out to protect the colors and logos from damage when washing.
Wash Colored Jerseys Separately
Most soccer jerseys are often colored ones, and you should always separate them from the white ones.
Many jerseys usually bleed color and you do not want your white ones to have colored stains in them.
Even if the tag says you can wash it with the other jerseys, it is safe to separate the colored ones from the white ones just to be sure.
Use Cold Water
When washing your soccer jersey, always use cold water instead of warm or hot water. Hot water will prevent your jersey from shrinking and losing its shape, and it will also help prevent the color from fading.
Cold water also limits the damage caused by heat from hot water. Using a mild detergent is also effective, especially when dealing with delicate fabrics like your jersey.
When washing, try to avoid using bleach or other chemicals, as they can affect the color of the jersey. Wash your jersey properly and take the time to allow the detergent to do its work.
Using the Appropriate Detergent
Using the right detergent is key to taking good care of your soccer jersey so it will last longer.
Not all detergents are made equally; you should always note the kind of detergent you use.
Use a detergent specifically made for synthetic fibers. This detergent will help wash and clean your soccer jersey more thoroughly than any other detergent.
Always Air Dry
You might be tempted to use the dryer after washing your jersey, but it is still best to air dry it instead. Avoid using the dryer as it can cause heat, which is counterintuitive, after avoiding hot water when washing your jersey.
Hang your jersey outside where there is enough air circulation. This can prevent any smell from forming, especially if you hand it inside the closet or in your room. Also, take the time to check for any damage to your jersey.
Look for any peeling from the letters and fix it if necessary. Be gentle in handling the peeling, as it can easily tear up the entire thing.
Maintaining the Quality of Your Soccer Jerseys
Washing your soccer jersey from dirt and other stains is just one part of the entire process.
You should also take care of your jersey in between washes so that it can last for many years.
Here are some things you can do to help maintain your soccer jersey properly.
Hang Your Jersey After Use
If you won’t wash your jersey immediately after using it, always hang it to air dry. This prevents any smells or molds from growing especially if you leave it inside your bag.
Once you arrive home, remove it from your bag, hang it, and allow it to dry properly through air circulation before you wash it.
This makes it easy to remove the stains and dirt and prevent lowering the quality of the jersey.
Protect Your Jersey from the Sun
Just like you should avoid using hot water when washing your jersey, you should also avoid putting it in direct sunlight when air drying it.
This helps prevent peeling and discoloration caused by heat. Place or hang your jersey only where there is circulating air, and avoid direct sun exposure at all costs.
You will thank yourself later on when your jersey lasts more than the others.
Try to Use Other Jerseys as Well
We always have a favorite soccer jersey to wear during our sessions, and you may be tempted to wear it every time.
This can mean you’re also washing your jersey almost every week, which can deteriorate the quality faster.
Try to alternate using other jerseys as well. Rotate between other jerseys, especially the colored ones, to extend the longevity of your soccer jerseys.
Hand Washing Your Jersey
If you are traveling and you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can always hand wash your jersey using the same detergent.
Be gentle when handling your jersey, as it is made of delicate materials. It is important that you thoroughly rinse out your jersey with detergent, as the residues can irritate the skin.
Do not pack it in your travel bag after washing. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before you put it in your bag.
Conclusion
Modern sportswear, such as your soccer jersey, is made to be very resilient to damage, but you still need to take good care of it to ensure that you can wear it for many years. Follow the expert tips mentioned above so you can wear your favorite soccer jersey for many years to come.
