A Guide to Washing Jerseys.

  

As a longtime Barça fan, I have collected a few or 30 Barçajerseys over the years. Many always ask me how I keep them in good shape. It is not that difficult to preserve the quality of your jersey; it just requires following some simple steps. Thus, here are my tips on how to keep your jersey looking good for a long time.

Tip #1 – Use of the Jersey

The most obvious step in preserving a jersey is examining how it is worn. The best advice is not to wear the jersey and play or exercise in it. It’s one thing to wear it when you’re out with friends or at a game. Just wear a cotton t-shirt underneath and have fun. However, if you are going to wear it and play with your friends at the park, then good luck! All that exposure to sun, grass or dirt from the ground, the sweat, possibly tugging and other wear and tear will not help preserve it, especially if the jersey has a numbering and lettering on the back of it. So tip #1, it is better not workout or play with the jersey.

Tip #2 – Detergent

Now, after wearing the jersey and you want to clean it to get rid of the smell of food or cigarettes, or some simple stain, you will have to wash it. Now, hand washing is the best way but it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. I prefer using the washing machine to clean my jerseys over washing them with my hands. Now, both methods require the use of soap. It is Very Important to make sure the detergent you will use DOES NOT CONTAIN BLEACH. If it does, then kiss that jersey goodbye. So please, read the label on the detergent. For the record, I use Tide Plus Febreeze, since it cleans and also leaves a nice smell to the jersey.

Tip #3 – Cycle

Now, once you have your detergent handy, it’s time to choose the right cycle for the washing machine. It is best to go with Delicate/Gentle Wash Cycle. Since Regular wash cycle will is the longest cycle, it could lead to wear and tear of the jersey with repeated use. Thus, Delicate/Gentle Wash Cycle is the one I would recommend for cleaning your jersey.

This cycle consists of a slower wash, spin and rinse cycle. Don’t be misled by the mention of slower wash. It will last less than ten minutes before it is done. Overall, it will provide less wear and tear on your jerseys which is perfect for the longevity of the jersey. Now, the type of detergent will play a part in the cleanliness of the jersey. I usually let the water run first and slowly fill the bottom of the washing machine and then I add the detergent and watch it get soapy before I throw in the jersey.

Tip # 4 – Water Temperature

Cold water! Always Cold water! Using hot or warm water on jerseys will damage it. So just use cold water.  Most, if not all jerseys, are made of polyester, so to avoid making them shrink or dissolve their colors; stick with cold water.

Tip #5 – Inside Out

Before you throw the jerseys inside the washing machine, make sure to flip the jersey inside out.  It helps protects the jersey. No one sees what’s inside the jersey, so if any problems do occur…..well, it will not be noticeable since it is inside the jersey. Flipping the jersey inside out also protects the letters and numbers from wear and tear along with the jersey itself from wearing out.

Tip #6 – Drying

Now, the Delicate/Gentle Wash Cycle is not a long cycle so it won’t be long before you move on to the next step; drying the jerseys. Do Not Use The Dryer. The best way for the shirts to dry is to air dry them. The Delicate/Gentle Wash Cycle will ensure the jersey will be wet but not dripping wet so it needs to be hanged to air dry. If you have clotheslines in your backyard, you can air dry the jersey that way. Personally, I never was a fan of outdoor air drying. I grew up in Florida and the combination of the sun and humidity bothered me. I tried it once and although the jersey was dry, the sun made the jersey feel a bit crispy and the humidity gave the jersey a funky smell.

Instead, I try to air dry the jersey indoors. Once the jersey is out of the washing machine, flip the jersey back to its normal form and then use a hanger to hang it. I usually hang the jersey on the metal bar of the shower or on the door casing and after 6-10 hours, the dry jersey should be hanging in the closet for future use.

 

If you leave a wet and crumpled jersey inside the washing machine for a long period of time after it has been washed, then expect it to stink later on, and you will have to rewash it. So it is best to get the jersey out of the washing machine while it’s wet and have it up and hanging. Also, some jerseys with plastic letters and numbers sometimes bubble up or wrinkle if left crumpled up when wet, so it’s best to hang the shirt once it has been washed in hopes of not damaging the lettering and numbering.

There you have it; My system for washing jerseys. I cannot guarantee you that mistakes might not happen, so exercise caution and pay attention to what you are washing. I try to wash the jerseys alone without T-shirts and other clothes just to be on the safe side. I would recommend you wash some jerseys you don’t like for a test run first before washing your favorite jerseys.