Jersey Care 101: How to Wash and Maintain Your Custom Jersey
RESTO Athletic
Nothing lasts forever. This is especially true for jerseys as the season progresses. Sweat, dirt, and grass stains–they all contribute to and accelerate the degradation of your jerseys if you’re not careful. You also have to take into account how the uniforms are washed as well.
You might think washing jerseys is simple, but without the right care, you’ll quickly notice faded colors, peeling decals, or stretched-out shoulders. These common mistakes can permanently ruin your custom apparel in just a few washes. This guide covers the essential steps for cleaning and maintaining your jerseys, ensuring they stay in top condition season after season.
Why Should You Care for Your Custom Jersey?
Custom jerseys are investments. They’re valuable assets you don’t want losing value the moment they hit the field. Schools typically spend thousands outfitting teams with quality apparel. Yet many teams damage their jerseys through improper care before they even reach mid-season.
If you’re in an organization, jersey care is important, as it represents your organization’s identity, professionalism, and unity. Well-maintained jerseys show that teams radiate pride and discipline. Damaged ones give off the impression that the team is careless. Not to mention that proper care extends a jersey’s lifespan significantly. It saves money from not having to spend on replacements and helps the environment by reducing textile waste.
Improper jersey care directly impacts player performance and team image. Incorrect washing destroys moisture-wicking properties, leaving athletes feeling hotter and heavier during competition. When elastic is damaged, the fit suffers, causing the fabric to bunch or shift during play. To add onto this, faded colors and cracked numbering create an unprofessional appearance on the court or field.
Before You Wash
Check for Stains
Inspect the jerseys before washing. Treat visible stains immediately rather than letting them set. Grass stains, blood, and mud respond better to pre-treatment than dried-on stains. Use cold water and gentle rubbing for pre-treatment. Avoid harsh chemicals that damage fabric. Let treated areas sit for 15-30 minutes before washing.
Separate By Color
Wash light-colored jerseys separately from dark ones. New dark jerseys can bleed color onto lighter fabrics even in cold water. Separating prevents color transfer and protects your entire collection.
Turn Jerseys Inside Out
To prevent cracking and fading, always turn jerseys inside out before washing. This technique reduces surface wear and protects graphics, numbers, and logos from friction against the machine drum. For maximum preservation, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, which also prevents color fading and fabric shrinkage.
Washing Your Jerseys
Water Temperature
Always use cold water. Never use hot water because it can fade the jersey’s colors, weaken its fibers, and can shrink its blend. Unlike hot water, cold water cleans just as effectively without the risk of weakening the fabric. There’s no real incentive to use warm or hot water to justify the damage.
Detergent Selection
Use mild detergent formulated for athletic wear. Regular laundry detergent contains harsh chemicals and perfumes that break down moisture-wicking properties. Sports-specific detergents clean effectively while preserving fabric performance. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Bleach damages colored fabrics and weakens synthetic fibers. Fabric softener coats fabric and reduces breathability in athletic apparel.
Wash Cycle
Use a gentle or delicate cycle. Aggressive washing with high agitation creates unnecessary wear. Gentle cycles clean uniforms whilst minimizing friction and stretching. If your machine doesn't have a gentle setting, use the normal cycle with reduced water level.
Load Size
Don't overload the washing machine. Jerseys need room to move freely in water. Cramming too many items together increases friction and prevents proper rinsing. Wash jerseys with similar fabrics to avoid damage from zippers or rough textures on other clothing.
Drying Your Jerseys
Air Drying
Air drying is the best option for custom apparel. Hang jerseys on padded hangers in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Air drying averts shrinkage, protects elastic, and eliminates heat damage. Allow jerseys to dry completely before wearing or storing. Damp fabric encourages mildew growth. Most jerseys dry within 24 hours in normal conditions.
Machine Drying
If machine drying is necessary, use the lowest heat setting and remove jerseys while slightly damp. High heat shrinks synthetic fabrics and accelerates elastic breakdown. It’s important to never use high heat on custom sublimation jerseys as it can damage printed designs.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Don't dry jerseys in direct sunlight. UV rays fade colors, especially on custom-printed designs. Indoor drying or shaded outdoor areas protect color vibrancy without heat damage.
Storage Between Washes
Post-Game
Don’t let sweaty uniforms sit in duffle bags or lockers overnight. Hang them in a well-ventilated area immediately after games. This prevents mildew growth and reduces odor-causing bacteria buildup.
Once dry, fold jerseys for storage using acid-free tissue paper between folds. Store in breathable cotton bags rather than plastic bins. Proper storage techniques for long-term jersey preservation go beyond day-to-day care.
Climate Control
Store jerseys in climate-controlled spaces between 60-75°F with 40-50% humidity. Basements and attics expose jerseys to temperature extremes and moisture swings that degrade fabric.
Keep jerseys away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting. Light exposure fades colors even in storage. Dark storage spaces preserve appearance indefinitely.
Maintaining Performance
Moisture-Wicking
Harsh detergents and fabric softener coat fabric and reduce moisture-wicking ability. Using proper detergent and avoiding softeners preserves breathability. If jerseys stop wicking moisture well, rewash with sports-specific detergent and skip the softener.
Elastic and Stretch
High heat and aggressive washing break down elastic fibers. Cold water, gentle cycles, and air drying preserve stretch properties. Jerseys should maintain their shape and feel through years of proper care.
Color and Graphics
Sublimation printing embeds design directly into fabric, making it extremely durable when cared for properly. Cold water, gentle washing, and UV protection keep colors vibrant. Avoid bleach and aggressive scrubbing that can damage printed areas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hot Water: Fades colors and weakens fibers in ways that can't be reversed.
Regular Detergent: Breaks down moisture-wicking properties that increase functionality within gear.
Fabric Softener: Reduces breathability and builds up on fabric gradually.
High Heat Drying: Shrinks fabric and damages elastic permanently.
Bleach: Warps colors and weakens synthetic fibers beyond repair.
Leaving Wet Jerseys in Bags: Causes mildew and persistent odor that's difficult to remove.
Maintenance Schedule
After each game, hang jerseys to dry immediately and inspect for stains. Weekly, wash jerseys in cold water with mild detergent on a gentle cycle and air dry completely. Monthly, inspect stored jerseys for moisture or odor and refold them to prevent permanent creases. At the end of each season, deep clean jerseys one final time before long-term storage and ensure they're completely dry before packing away.
Keep Your Jerseys Looking New
Proper jersey care extends lifespan and maintains appearance through years of competition. The right washing routine takes just a few minutes but protects your investment significantly. Teams that care for jerseys properly report they last multiple seasons with minimal wear.
At RESTO Athletic, we create jerseys built to last when cared for properly. Our custom sublimation jerseys maintain color and performance features through years of regular use. If you’d like to learn more reach out by visiting this link or try out our AI jersey designer to create your own custom jersey in minutes!
