Anyone who plays soccer knows: if you’re not sitting on the bench, you’re running nearly nonstop. All that action leads to some sweaty and stinky jerseys at the end of the day—meaning you’ll have some laundry to do to get ready for the next game. Here’s how to wash a soccer jersey to keep your uniform fresh and clean.
Quick Start Guide
Ready to wash your soccer jersey right away? The steps below should be all you need.
- Brush it off. If you took a few falls during the game, there might be some grass or dirt built up on the jersey. You don’t want to put that through the washing machine, so be sure to brush it off thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
- Machine wash in warm or hot water. Warm or hot water will help to release oils and odors from your jersey.
- Use the right detergent. Be sure to use a laundry detergent that is made specifically for treating synthetic fibers, like WIN Activewear Detergent. More on this issue below.
- Dry on low heat or air dry. High-heat drying can damage your jersey. Hanging your jersey to air dry is the best option. However, if you need to dry the jersey quicker, you can use the drier, but be sure to keep it on a low-heat or no-heat setting.
The Challenge Of Washing Synthetic Fibers
Your soccer jersey is most likely made from synthetic fibers—the standard material for most athletic wear. A jersey made from synthetic materials doesn’t absorb moisture to the same degree as a cotton garment, so the shirt will stay drier and lighter longer into the game. Synthetic fibers are also very durable, helping your jersey to hold up as the season wears on.
So, where does the challenge come in? Well, it can be hard to remove the odor from synthetic fibers. People often complain that their athletic wear continues to smell unpleasant even after it has been put through the wash.
The problem here comes down to the way the synthetic fibers in your jersey hold on to body oils. The water in your sweat is wicked away, but the oils remain. That’s a problem, because bacteria love to feed on these oils—and as they feed, they produce gas, which leads to a nasty smell. Because most regular detergents are designed to treat cotton, the oils (and bacteria) will often remain in your jersey, even after washing.
Removing Odor From Your Jersey
What can you do to get rid of the stink? Fortunately, the solution is simple: use the right detergent. Specifically, use a detergent that is designed specifically to eliminate oils from synthetic materials.
When the oils are removed, the bacteria will have nothing to feed on, and your shirt will smell much better. If you have been dealing with this problem for some time, you might be surprised—and even a little annoyed—to find out just how simple the solution really is.
Try WIN Activewear Detergent
Washing a soccer jersey doesn’t need to be difficult. We know you’d rather spend your time out on the field than in the laundry room, so we hope this guide helps you handle the wash quickly. Remember, using the right detergent is key. WIN Activewear Detergent is the perfect choice, as it’s made specifically to treat synthetic fibers common in athletic clothing. Place an order today to see and smell the difference!