Don't Let the Badge Fade! How to Wash Soccer Jerseys Correctly

For any fan, their team's jersey is more than just a piece of clothing: it's a symbol of passion, pride, and belonging. Whether it's the expensive official kit, a replica, or the jersey you play your matches in, you want it to last and look impeccable for as long as possible. However, washing them incorrectly can be disastrous: names and numbers cracking or peeling, badges losing color, technical fabrics getting damaged... Learning how to wash soccer jerseys properly is essential to protect your investment and your colors.

Can they go in the washing machine? What program should you use? How do you treat grass or rubber turf stains? In this complete guide, we'll give you all the tricks and steps to follow for washing your soccer jerseys, whether original or replica, with or without name sets, keeping the prints, colors, and fabric like new.

Why Do Soccer Jerseys Need Special Treatment?

Modern soccer jerseys aren't like regular cotton t-shirts. They are usually made with specific materials and techniques that require particular care:

• Technical Fabrics (Polyester): Most are made of polyester or synthetic blends designed to be lightweight, breathable, and wick sweat away. These fabrics are sensitive to excessive heat and certain chemicals.
• Delicate Prints (Screen Print, Vinyl): Numbers, names, sponsors, and sometimes even parts of the badge are often applied using heat transfer (vinyl) or screen printing techniques. Friction, heat, and harsh products can cause them to crack, peel, or lose color.
• Badges and Logos: Can be embroidered (more durable) or heat-sealed (more delicate).
• Seams and Construction: Designed for performance, but sometimes with fine or heat-sealed seams that can suffer from aggressive washing.

For all these reasons, gentleness and avoiding common mistakes are crucial.

Essential Preparation Before Washing

Don't just toss the jersey into the hamper or washer. Proper preparation prevents damage:

1. Read the Label: Always! It will give you specific manufacturer information about temperature, cycle, and prohibited products. Not all jerseys are the same. Check our guide to washing labels.
2. Wash ASAP (if sweaty/stained): Don't let a sweaty or stained jersey sit in the hamper for days. Sweat and dirt can set in and create hard-to-remove odors.
3. Turn it Inside Out!: This is the MOST IMPORTANT gesture. Always wash the soccer jersey inside out. This protects the outer part, especially the prints (number, name, sponsor) and badge, from direct friction with other garments and the drum.
4. Close Zippers/Velcro (if any): Although rare on jerseys, if it has any closures, close them.
5. Pre-treat Stains (Carefully): If there are specific stains (mud, grass, blood...), treat them before washing. Apply a little mild liquid detergent directly to the stain and rub VERY gently with your fingers or a cloth. Avoid rubbing on the prints. For blood stains, always use cold water.

Method 1: Hand Washing (The Safest Option)

This is the ideal way to wash your soccer jerseys, especially the most valuable, old, or delicately printed ones.

1. Fill a sink or basin with COLD or LUKEWARM water (max 30°C / 86°F).
2. Add a small amount of mild, neutral liquid detergent (no bleach or softener).
3. Place the jersey (inside out) and submerge it completely.
4. Let it soak for a few minutes (10-15 min).
5. Gently agitate the jersey in the water. Very gently rub the dirtiest areas (collar, armpits) with your fingertips. Avoid rubbing directly on the prints.
6. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all soap is gone.
7. Remove the jersey without wringing. Gently squeeze out excess water.

Method 2: Machine Washing (If the Label Allows)

If you opt for the convenience of the machine, maximize precautions:

• Always Inside Out: As mentioned, essential!
• Wash Bag (Recommended): Put the jersey in a mesh bag to further protect it from friction and potential snags.
• Wash with Similar Clothes: Wash it with other sportswear of similar colors and fabrics. Avoid mixing with heavy items (jeans, towels) or clothes with open zippers/Velcro.
• Program: DELICATE or SPORTSWEAR. Choose the gentlest cycle possible, with low agitation.
• Temperature: ALWAYS COLD! (Max 30°C / 86°F). Protects colors, prints, and synthetic fibers.
• Detergent: MILD/NEUTRAL LIQUID. One specifically for sportswear is ideal, as it respects technical fabrics and helps eliminate odors. No bleach or optical brighteners.
• NO FABRIC SOFTENER!: Softener clogs the pores of technical fabric, reducing its breathability and sweat-wicking ability. It's the great enemy of sportswear!
• Spin Cycle: LOW or NO SPIN. A high spin can damage prints and deform the jersey. Select the lowest speed (400-600 rpm) or, even better, turn it off.

For optimal care of all your sports gear, consult our best practices for washing sportswear.

Specific Stains from the Pitch

• Mud: Let it dry completely, then brush off the solid dirt before pretreating the remaining stain with liquid detergent.
• Grass: These are tough stains. Pretreat ASAP with an enzymatic stain remover or liquid detergent, rubbing gently. Sometimes, a little diluted white vinegar can help.
• Artificial Turf Rubber: The dreaded little black pellets! Very hard to remove once embedded. Try removing them dry with a brush or adhesive tape. If they persist after washing, try rubbing the area with a pencil eraser or even more "aggressive" methods at your own risk (like rubbing with a cloth with a bit of mild solvent like alcohol, always testing first!). Sometimes, unfortunately, permanent marks remain.

Always remember to check the garment after washing and before drying. If a stain persists, repeat the treatment. Never heat-dry a stained garment. Consult our general tips on how to remove tough stains.

Drying: Air Dry and Shade are Key!

Drying is just as important as washing to avoid damaging the jersey:

• DRYER FORBIDDEN!: The intense heat of the dryer is the number one enemy of prints (melts, cracks, or peels them) and can damage synthetic fibers.
• NO Direct Sunlight!: UV rays fade bright colors and can damage prints over time.
• The Best Option: Air Dry in the Shade.
  • Remove the jersey from the washer (or hand rinse) without excessive wringing.
  • Turn it right side out.
  • Hang it immediately on a plastic hanger (metal ones can rust).
  • Let it dry in a well-ventilated place, but away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators.

Storage: Folding is Better Than Hanging

To prevent the shoulder area from deforming due to the weight on the hanger long-term:

• Once dry, it's preferable to fold the jersey carefully and store it in a drawer or on a shelf.
• Avoid stacking too many clothes on top to prevent crushing the prints.
• If you want folding inspiration, check out the Marie Kondo method.

Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Soccer Jerseys

Taking care of your soccer jersey is taking care of a symbol of your passion. By following these simple but important steps, especially washing inside out, with cold water, mild products, and air drying, you'll ensure the colors stay vibrant, the prints intact, and the fabric in perfect condition for many seasons. Enjoy wearing it on the pitch or in the stands!