How to Wash a Football Jersey Without Ruining It: Care Guide for Prints and Colours

A good jersey can last for years if you wash it properly. The crest, the sponsors and the name and number on the back are the parts that wear out first, so a few simple habits make a big difference. Follow this guide to keep your football jersey looking like new.

Before you wash: read the label

Always check the care label inside the jersey. Different fabrics and prints can have slightly different instructions, and the label is the final word. The steps below are the safe, general approach for most football jerseys.

Step-by-step washing

1. Turn it inside out. This protects the crest, sponsors, name and number from rubbing against other clothes.
2. Close zips and velcro. They can scratch the fabric and the prints.
3. Use cold or cool water (around 30 °C). Hot water can make colours fade and prints crack.
4. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with a low spin speed.
5. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach and fabric softener. Softener can damage the technical fabric and the print glue.
6. Wash with similar colours. Wash white and light jerseys separately from dark or strongly coloured clothes.

Drying

• Air dry whenever you can. Hang the jersey on a hanger or lay it flat, in the shade and away from direct sun.
• Avoid the dryer. High heat can shrink the fabric and peel the crest and the print.
• Do not wring it. Press gently with a towel to remove extra water.

Ironing

Usually you do not need to iron a jersey. If you must, turn it inside out, use low heat and never put the iron directly on the crest, the name or the number.

Jerseys with a name and number

Personalised jerseys need extra care. Wash them inside out, avoid rubbing the back with brushes and do not use strong stain removers on the print. If you notice a small lift at the edge of a letter, stop washing at high temperatures and let it dry flat.

Taking care of white and retro jerseys

White kits show stains easily. Treat stains as soon as possible with cold water and a little mild detergent, press gently and rinse. Do not use bleach. Retro jerseys are collectibles, so wash them less often, by hand if you can, and store them folded or on a hanger away from sunlight.

Common mistakes

• Washing with hot water.
• Using bleach or fabric softener.
• Leaving the jersey in a damp pile.
• Drying it in the sun or the dryer.
• Washing it after every use when you can air it out instead.

How to store your jersey

Keep it clean and fully dry. Hang it on a wide hanger or fold it without pressing the print against other clothes. Avoid plastic bags for a long time and keep it away from humidity.

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