Sports uniforms are a significant part of every athlete’s gear. Whether you play soccer, football, basketball, or any other sport, your uniform endures heavy wear and tear. From sweat-soaked practices to mud-splattered games, your gear gets pushed to its limits. Proper care can not only extend the life of your uniform but also ensure it performs at its best, keeping you looking sharp and feeling comfortable on the field. Here’s how you can give your sports uniforms the TLC they deserve.
1. Pre-Treatment Is Key
Sports uniforms often take the brunt of grass, mud, and sweat stains. Before tossing them into the washing machine, it’s essential to pre-treat stubborn stains.
- For mud or grass stains: Gently brush off any dry dirt or debris. Then, apply a stain remover or a mixture of water and vinegar directly to the stained area and let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing.
- For sweat stains: These can linger around the underarms or necklines. Treat these areas with a pre-wash stain remover, like our Stain & Stink Remover Spray, let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing.
2. Wash with Care
Sports fabrics are engineered to handle heavy activity, but they also require specific care to maintain their performance qualities like breathability and stretch. Here’s how to wash your uniforms properly:
- Turn the uniform inside out: This helps preserve the logos, numbers, and any patches on the uniform while preventing color fading.
- Use cold water: Hot water can damage the fabric’s elasticity and fade the colors. Cold water helps retain the uniform’s shape and vibrancy.
- Choose a gentle detergent: Use a detergent specially formulated for performance fabrics, like HEX Performance, to deep clean odors and prevent future buildup. HEX helps keep your uniform’s breathability and stretch intact while ensuring the colors stay vibrant.
3. Skip the Fabric Softener
While it may seem like fabric softener would make your uniform feel cozier, it can actually ruin performance fabrics. Fabric softeners leave behind a residue that clogs the fibers, reducing the fabric’s ability to wick away moisture and breathe. Stick to a specialized detergent designed for activewear.
4. Avoid High Heat
High heat can cause shrinkage, damage logos, and break down fabric fibers. Always air dry your sports uniforms or tumble dry them on a low setting. Air drying is the best option for preserving the uniform’s integrity. Hang them in a well-ventilated area or outside to avoid odors.
5. Separate the Colors
To avoid any color bleeding or fading, always wash your sports uniforms separately from other clothes, especially whites. Uniforms can bleed colors in the wash, and no one wants their white gear turning pink or grey.
6. Don’t Overwash
Over-washing your uniforms can wear down the fabric, causing colors to fade and fibers to weaken. Unless the uniform is exceptionally dirty, aim to wash it only after games or intense practice sessions.
7. Store Them Properly
When not in use, store your uniforms in a cool, dry place. Avoid stuffing them into gym bags where they can stay damp and start to smell. Air them out after every use and hang them in a closet or locker.
8. Rotate Your Uniforms
If possible, having a second set of uniforms can make a significant difference in how long they last. Rotating between sets gives each uniform time to rest and prevents excessive wear from frequent washing and use.
Bonus: HEX Performance for Long-Lasting Care
Performance fabrics require specialized care to maintain their moisture-wicking, stretch, and breathability. HEX Performance laundry detergent is designed specifically for sports and activewear fabrics. Our formula penetrates deep into the fibers, eliminating trapped odors and preventing future odors from forming, while maintaining the fabric’s softness, stretch, and performance.
