How do you wash a basketball jersey

How to Wash a Sports Jersey Properly. Nike.com

Product Care

Use these tips to thoroughly clean a sports jersey after a sweaty game.

Last updated: May 11, 2022

4 min read

Time Required

30 min

Estimated Cost

$5

Supplies

• White vinegar
• Laundry detergent
• Baking soda

Tools

• Clean, spare toothbrush

If you’ve ever put on a sports jersey you thought was clean, only to discover it’s still smelly from the last time you wore it, the cause is likely that odor-causing bacteria hasn’t been fully washed out. To avoid encountering that stale, unpleasant smell, follow these tips to properly wash a jersey.

First, Check the Care Instructions

Jerseys are often made from polyester or synthetic fabrics that are machine-washable, but some jerseys feature embroidered letters or numbers that require extra care. In general, when washing a sports jersey or other workout clothes, it’s best to use cold water and to avoid the dryer. However, be sure to check the label inside the garment to make sure you’re taking the proper steps to wash and dry.

RELATED: Here’s How You Can Get Sweat Stains Out of Shirts

How to Prep a Jersey Before Washing

1. Turn it inside out. This makes it easier to wash out any oils or sweat that have invaded the surface of the clothing. Washing jerseys inside out also helps keep any iron-on letters or numbers from peeling off or fading in the machine. For added protection, put the inside-out jersey in a garment bag before washing.
   
2. Wash in cold water and on a gentle cycle. Washing in cold water helps prevent fading, shrinking or damage to letters or numbers on the jersey.
   
3. Avoid using fabric softener. Adding fabric softener can make it more difficult for the detergent to fully penetrate the fibers where the odors and bacteria may be trapped.

Using White Vinegar to Remove Stubborn Odors

If there’s a household staple to have on hand for deodorizing stinky gear, it’s white vinegar. This type of vinegar, which you may already have at home, can be used to clean just about anything around the house.

To use white vinegar to clean a jersey, take a cup of vinegar and pour it into the washing machine (or inside the bleach dispenser if the machine has one). Then add the laundry detergent, as you normally would. The acid in white vinegar is a powerhouse at removing odors from fabrics, and it doesn’t leave clothing smelling like vinegar.

If you have stubborn odors that don't disappear after using the vinegar-and-laundry-detergent method, add a half cup of baking soda directly onto the jersey after you’ve thrown it into the washing machine with the vinegar and detergent. Then, run the wash cycle.

How to Soak and Pretreat Stains

If there are grass stains, dirt or other grimey spots on the jersey, be sure to presoak the stain. Make a simple solution of white vinegar, water and baking soda. Mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar together, then add in a tablespoon of baking soda. Allow the stained part of the jersey to soak in the mix for at least 30 minutes.

You can also use store-bought, presoak treatments to loosen up stains and odors. Whatever ingredient you choose for a presoak, it’s best to let the jersey remain submerged for at least 30 minutes before throwing it into the washing machine.

For extra stubborn stains, such as those from grass, try making a paste out of equal parts baking soda and vinegar, and pour it directly over the stained area. Use a clean toothbrush to rub the paste into the stain. Then, let the fabric absorb the paste for at least an hour before washing it in the machine.

Avoid the Dryer

Over time, heat can damage a jersey causing any letters, numbers or other details on the jersey to crack or peel off. It’s best to avoid throwing the jersey in the dryer. Instead, allow it to air dry on a flat surface.

No Matter How Much You Sweat…

Remember to wash similar clothing together, and avoid throwing your workout gear in the laundry with towels, fleece or other materials that may have a lot of lint. Over time, washing athletic apparel with these other items may cause pilling. Also, don’t overdo it with the detergent. Using an excessive amount of detergent won’t make the clothing cleaner. Instead, it can create an unwanted buildup of soap and residue that can trap odors in clothing after being washed.

Words by: Claire Tak

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How to Wash a Basketball Jersey | WIN Sports Detergent

Sure, a game of basketball may not cover you in mud and grass stains the way soccer or football can, but players are usually still drenched in sweat by the time the final buzzer sounds. Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you wash your basketball jersey. Learn how to get sweat and odor out of your jersey with these simple steps.

Quick Wash Guide

It’s a pretty quick process to clean your basketball jersey once you know what to do.

• Check the tags. Before going any further, quickly check the tags on your jersey to review the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Pre-wash for stains. You probably won’t stain your basketball jersey too often, but it can happen from time to time. To perform a pre-wash, fill a bucket or sink with cold water and a bit of detergent. If necessary, use your hands to gently work the stain out of the jersey.
• Use the right detergent. Be sure to use a laundry detergent that is made specifically for treating synthetic fibers, like WIN Sports Detergent. Most regular detergents are designed to treat cotton and may not be as effective when washing your jersey.
• Solo trip. Wash your jersey by itself whenever possible. If you put your jersey through the wash with other garments, those garments may leave lint behind that will be difficult to get off the jersey after it dries.
• Gentle in the washing machine. To help prevent damage, be sure to use the gentle cycle and lukewarm water.
• No dryer! Do what you can to keep the jersey out of the dryer. Not only is the heat of the dryer bad for the jersey’s material, but it can also damage any numbers or writing that are on the jersey. If you plan ahead, you should have enough time to let the jersey hang dry.

A Smelly Problem

It seems like a basketball jersey should be pretty easy to keep clean. They are typically worn indoors, after all, and they don’t even have sleeves. So why do they stink even after you take them out of the wash? It all comes back to the synthetic materials used to create the jersey.

Make no mistake, synthetic fibers are a great thing for athletic wear. They dry much more quickly than cotton, so you can play for hours without sweat drenching the jersey and weighing you down. Plus, when cared for properly, synthetic garments can last for years. However, the drawback of artificial fibers is the way they hold on to body oils as you sweat. These oils are collected in the fibers and can become a breeding ground for odor-producing bacteria if they are not washed away. The problem is that most regular detergents are not designed to remove oils from synthetics, so your garments can still stink even after washing.

Sports Detergent to the Rescue

The solution to the problem of smelly bacteria hanging around your basketball jersey is to wash it using the proper detergent. A detergent that has been designed specifically for athletic wear, like WIN Sports Detergent, will work its way into the synthetic fibers and root out the oils that feed the bacteria—helping your garment to finally smell fresh again.

Make the Job Easier

While using the proper detergent is a big part of this battle, there are a couple of other steps you can take to improve the smell of your jersey over the long run. The first is to let the jersey dry as soon as possible after a game. Instead of wearing it home, change into a different shirt and let the jersey air out. Also, don’t stuff it into the bottom of your bag and leave it in your locker or car—it needs open air to dry out quickly.

One other helpful step is to only wear your jersey for games. During practice, wear a different shirt. This will limit the amount of sweat that the jersey soaks up over the course of the season, and it will make the garment easier to clean successfully after games. Plus, every type of clothing, no matter what material it is made with, will wear out eventually. To delay that outcome for your basketball jersey, only put it into action when it’s game time.

Order a Bottle of WIN Detergent!

The right detergent will leave your basketball jersey smelling great for the next game. With a formula designed to thoroughly clean synthetic materials, WIN Sports Detergent is ideal for cleaning your basketball uniform and other workout clothes. Order your bottle today and notice the difference after a single load!

Try WIN Today

How to choose a basketball uniform?

Basketball is a team game. Each participant must have a full set of equipment: shorts, T-shirt, sneakers and protective paraphernalia.

Requirements for sportswear:

• Sewing using special technologies. Equipment should not fit tightly on the body. Loose fit for comfort and freedom of movement. Each product must have strong, flat, carefully closed seams with which the athlete will avoid irritation.
• Use of breathable synthetic materials. With intense loads, the basketball uniform absorbs and evaporates moisture well, and opens the air to the body. Proper thermoregulation will help the basketball player maintain strength until the end of the game, which will affect the results. Elastic fabric will prevent tears during sudden jumps and movements.
• Compliance with player requirements and FIBA ​​rules. Basketball clothing must have a dominant color that helps to easily distinguish between participants. It is important to choose the right combinations, apply logos, team name and surnames.

Shoes are chosen based on the type of playing surface - an open-air playground or a hall. High-quality shoes are comfortable and increase the performance of the game.

The adult set consists of a T-shirt and shorts.

Characteristics of sportswear:

• T-shirt is bought exactly in size. A product with a perfect fit will not cause discomfort. Wear-resistant synthetics will cope with profuse sweating. Single and double sided models are allowed. If sleeves are present, they must be above the elbow. For training in the cold season, take a T-shirt with long sleeves. On the game, models with such a cut are not used.
• Buy shorts one size up. This will give you freedom of movement. The elastic band is fixed under the parameters of the waist. The length should be above the knee. Tight overalls are also allowed.
• Special basketball equipment is allowed: knee pads, ankles, arch supports, protection of the thigh, shoulder, shoulder joint. The player can wear compression stockings and sleeves, use a transparent mouthguard, headbands, wristbands.
• Socks are chosen so that they are visible from the sneakers.

The player may need outerwear. It is sewn from artificial materials for natural air exchange.

What to look for when choosing a basketball uniform

Proper equipment affects the success of the game. The main requirements for the form are imposed by the FIBA ​​and NBA committees.

What to look for:

• Comfortable training/playing basketball uniform that doesn't hug the body and doesn't restrict movement. Shorts and T-shirts made of soft synthetics are considered the best. Modern fabrics are light, instantly remove moisture, which accumulates a lot during the game.
• Comfort is enhanced by closed, durable and extremely flat seams that do not rub against the skin during sports activities.
• A constant and systematic supply of air to the skin is a prerequisite for high physical exertion. The shape with high breathability will give better thermoregulation. The body will not overheat or overcool. The athlete will retain strength and show high endurance on the court, which will improve overall training and game progress.
• Teams are presented with the same design of equipment. Rigorous design is required to compete. T-shirts, shorts, socks must be of the same dominant color on both sides. Numbers are applied front and back. Hue should contrast with the main one. Protective and additional equipment for basketball is matched in one solid color.

A team must have at least 2 sets of jerseys.

How to choose basketball shoes

Shoes for the game must meet strict standards. The right sneakers securely fix the ankle, dampen the impact force in jumps and reduce the risk of injury. The player feels stable in any physical activity and quickly picks up a high starting speed.

Requirements for basketball shoes:

• Maximum comfort and high stability.
• Good grip on all types of surfaces. Outdoor asphalt courts require a tough, indelible rubber outsole. For parquet - softer, shock-absorbing from synthetic materials, with balloon, spring inserts.
• Good cushioning, shock absorption.
• Ankle and foot support. Fasteners are zippers, Velcro, laces and combinations thereof.
• Wear resistance, strength and quality.
• Sneakers can be in different color combinations. Reflective inserts, decor and flashing lights are prohibited. The best material is a combination of leather and synthetics.

Manufacturers produce 3 types of basketball shoes. The choice should be based on the game specialization of the player.

High

Sneakers with a high last are designed for heavy, powerful forwards, center forwards - the largest, tallest members of the team. The footwear is steady, is characterized by the maximum depreciation when performing jumps. This is achieved through a full closure, better hold and a high sole. Models of the High type hold down the step and reduce the speed due to the large weight.

Mid

A solution for versatile players - shooting guards, snipers and small forwards. Shoes with a lower sole increase mobility on the court. It is light and comfortable, but less securely fixes the foot.

Low

Shoes for basketball players with high agility, players who often change direction during the game, moving in jerks, with sudden stops. Low is chosen by point guards and shooting guards. The lightest shoes are as mobile as possible, practical and do not constrain movements. It poorly fixes the ankle and wears out faster.

Basketball equipment maintenance

Keeping the uniform clean is not only a neat appearance, but also an efficiency during a match or training. Perfect equipment will help you better control maneuvers and movements on the court.

Care rules:

• Hand wash at 40°C and below. It is recommended to use gentle mode for automatic washing.
• Use mild detergents. Do not use bleach, scented laundry detergents, fabric softeners, alcohol. It is better to take a neutral eco-friendly washing powder.
• Without intensive wringing, twisting. It is better to choose a gentle rinse and drain.
• No strong effect on inscriptions, logos.
• Iron inside out or through the lining material.
• Drying on the battery is prohibited. This will lead to deformation of the characters, seams and product.

Sneakers are washed after 1-2 workouts. Dry shoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Leather models can be treated with a small amount of leather shoe care.

Basketball uniform 🏀 to order — RusFlag

Manufacture of a basketball uniform with print

Intensive training and important basketball competitions take a lot of energy. A high-quality form, pleasant to the touch and having the ability to "breathe" will help to engage with maximum comfort and full return.

• Our products are of high quality.
• Materials last for a long time without losing their original appeal.
• Modern printing makes the logo extremely durable.

Quality fabric is washable and retains its shape. A colorful logo attracts attention and forms a team spirit.

A basketball uniform should be not only beautiful, but also comfortable. For its tailoring, we select a hygroscopic and lightweight fabric that can be washed frequently without worrying about the brightness of the color.

The set will fit perfectly on the player and will help you feel comfortable both during training and in important competitions.