Athletes and their families know all too well that sports athletic uniforms present a unique cleaning challenge. Not only are they expensive, but they are subjected to a different kind of wear and tear than everyday clothes. And, come with their own brand of stains and odors. Dirty uniforms can also potentially harbor mold, fungus, or bacteria like staph or MRSA. It’s true, getting junior’s white pants clean after he slides into second base may seem like a daunting task. However, here are some tricks and tips that can help to keep athletic uniforms looking and smelling its best.
READ THE LABEL OF ATHLETIC UNIFORMS
While this may seem like common sense, it is particularly important to read the care label inside athletic uniforms. Many uniforms are made of synthetic materials, and will not be as forgiving as other fabrics if washing and drying instructions are not closely followed. The majority of uniforms should be washed in cold water, and it is a good idea to turn jerseys inside out to protect the printing on the outside. For best results, athletic uniforms should be washed separately from other garments. This prevents colors from bleeding, and insures that the uniform will be able to move freely inside the washing machine without being crowded by an overly full load.
WASH ATHLETIC UNIFORMS ASAP
The best way to prevent the spread of bacteria and to keep odor to a minimum is to wash athletic uniforms as soon as possible. Doing laundry right after the game is ideal, and makes stain removal a bit easier. This is particularly important if a player has been injured and there is blood on the uniform. Uniforms should be laundered in a mild detergent with a pH of less than 10, and fabric softener should be avoided. For removal of really tough odors, add a cup of vinegar to the washing machine’s bleach compartment and wash as directed or pre-soak the entire uniform in a solution of 1 quart of warm water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda before washing.
PRE-TREAT OR PRE-SOAK ATHLETIC UNIFORMS FOR TOUGH STAINS
Stains like mud and grass cannot always be completely removed with normal washing. One option is to pre-treat exceptionally dirty areas with an enzyme-based stain remover or heavy-duty detergent before washing. For grass stains, another option is to create a scrub using 1/4 cup of white sugar and just enough water to create a paste. Rub the paste into the grass stain with a soft brush for about 60 seconds, and wash the garment as usual, making sure to leave the paste in place. For red clay or dirt stains, start by scraping the dried dirt or clay gently in the direction of the weave of the fabric. Then, saturate the stained area using a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar and 3 teaspoons iodized salt. Allow to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Finally, wash as directed.
AVOID THE DRYER
While some care instructions may advise using the dryer on low heat, a better option is to air dry uniforms. Air drying helps to avoid wrinkles, and can prevent laminated letters and numbers from melting or warping. Drying uniforms outside in the fresh air is ideal, but direct sunlight should be avoided, if possible. For households without an outdoor laundry line, the next best choice is to dry uniforms on hangers indoors. Make sure to dry uniforms completely, as any amount of moisture inside a gym bag can breed fungus or bacteria. If ironing is necessary, use the lowest possible setting.
SEE A PROFESSIONAL FOR ATHLETIC UNIFORM CLEANING
Even with diligent home care, it is important to take athletic uniforms to be professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Professional cleaners are able to not only clean but also disinfect uniforms. While newer home equipment offers more and more options, professional cleaners have highly programmable equipment able meet the specific needs of athletic garments.
Just like sports, keeping athletic uniforms in top condition is a team effort. Responsible home care in conjunction with the expertise of a professional cleaner will keep uniforms clean, fresh, and safe, and will allow them to last longer. Following a few simple tips and tricks will allow you to focus less on the laundry and more on rooting for your favorite team!