How to Wash and Maintain Your Sports Uniforms

As summer approaches and the weather gets balmy, it’s a good time to start thinking how to wash and maintain your sports uniforms. You know it; things will get sweaty and stinky out there so why not think now how to keep your sports team looking chic and pristine? This article outlines how to wash and maintain your sports uniforms so you and your team can look its best.

1. First off we suggest loading your washing machine to a full load. Use the warm wash and a full load so the uniforms can move freely.
2. Add a full cap of your best laundry detergent. We like any brand containing Oxy Clean for best results.
3. If your uniforms are stinky (and we know they are,) then add a cup of baking soda. (Really!) Baking soda is a great household product and acts as an excellent deodorizer.
4. Next, add a cup of vinegar. (Seriously!) Vinegar is another terrific, very cheap household product which acts as a disinfectant and deodorizes as well.
5. Allow the cycle to complete as you normally would.
6. We suggest line drying your clothes, if possible. Or, use the dryer if you want to remove wrinkles. But line drying helps preserve the quality of the fabric and saves on your dryer bill too. 

Here are some other tips on keeping your sports uniform looking awesome all season around:

• Use a magic erase sponge, these work great!
• When the team gets really muddy; sponge off some of the mud before putting the uniforms in the wash. Have a parent or team mate sponge the mud off with a wet sponge while the uniform is still on.
• If you prefer air drying, hanging the uniforms on hangers in your laundry is a great way to avoid wrinkles. • Read the instructions on your garment before washing! If it says cold wash only, then cold wash only! • Once a year, send everything to the dry cleaner. This way you can preserve the uniforms for future team members.
• If you like drying the uniforms in a commercial dryer, remove the uniforms before they become completely dry. This avoids shrinkage.
• Train your team to not lean against a brick wall. This puts hideous stains on your uniforms and breaks down the fabric too. If treated correctly, most uniforms should last five to ten years. So, here is some other parting advice from our team:
• Assign a uniform cleaning person. That way the results will be consistent. Having the uniforms cleaned with the same machines and detergents will go a long way towards preserving the garments.
• Avoid the buildup of mildew in your uniforms by keeping them in an airy room with great ventilation. Do not put the uniforms in plastic bags.

Call us at 336-852-2335 anytime to discuss how else we can help you care for your uniforms!