How To Wash Your Football Shirt

Whether you’re having a kickabout with your mates or training hard for a match, we all take pride in our football shirts. Whether it’s the jersey of your favourite team or Mystery Shirt Box, looking after your sports shirts doesn’t just keep it clean and fresh — it helps it last longer too. 

1.   Always read the label

Before you start washing your football shirt, it’s important to check the care label. Different shirts come with different washing instructions and following the wrong method could damage your football shirt.

Most football shirts are made from polyester, which makes them more resistant to shrinking but constant exposure to heat can still weaken the fabric and affect its performance.

You’ll usually find the care label inside the shirt, often at the back of the neck or along the inner side seam. Look out for specific instructions such as:

·       The recommended water temperature

·       Whether the shirt is safe to machine wash

·       If it can be tumble dried or should be air dried

Taking a moment to check the label can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your shirt looking its best.

2.   Pre-treat any stains

If your football shirt has any stains, it’s best to pre-treat them before putting it in the wash.

Apply a small amount of stain remover or mild detergent directly onto the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently rub it with a soft-bristled brush or your fingers to help lift the dirt. This step can make a big difference, especially for stubborn stains like grass, mud or sweat.

Sometimes, a regular wash just won’t cut it. For tough stains that refuse to budge, try using a trusted stain remover brand but be cautious (see more details below).

3.   Turn the shirt inside out

Before putting your football shirt in the washing machine, make sure to turn it inside out.

This simple step goes a long way in protecting the shirt’s logos, numbers, and printed details. When left exposed, these elements can rub against other clothes or the drum of the machine, leading to damage like cracking, peeling, or fading.

4.   Separate your colours

Just like with any laundry, your football shirts should be washed with similar colours.

There’s nothing worse than pulling out your favourite white shirt only to find it’s turned a faint shade of pink all thanks to a stray red sock. To maintain the original colour and quality of your shirt, always wash it with clothing of the same colour family.

If you're unsure or want to play it safe, wash your football kit on its own. It might seem like extra effort, but it’s worth it to avoid unwanted colour transfers or damage. When it comes to football shirts, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

5.   Wash the shirt

Now it’s time to wash your football shirt. Use a mild detergent and set your washing machine to the recommended water temperature listed on the care label, usually 30°C or lower for most football shirts. Harsh detergents or high heat can damage the fabric and wear down printed logos or lettering over time.

If your shirt is made from delicate material or the care label advises against machine washing, it’s best to hand wash it instead (see details below)

Always follow the care label closely to avoid damaging your shirt especially if it’s a limited edition, retro classic or holds sentimental value.

6.   Dry the shirt

After washing, always check the care label to see if tumble drying is allowed. If air-drying, hang the shirt in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.

Avoid using a tumble dryer unless the label specifically says it’s safe, heat can cause shrinkage and damage. Just as you avoid hot washing, avoid hot drying. Air drying is the safest choice.

For best results, hang your shirt outside with a breeze to keep it fresh. If that’s not possible, hang it indoors in a ventilated area. Anything that avoids quick heat drying will help preserve your shirt’s fit and quality.

 

How to hand wash football shirts 

If you’ve decided to play it safe and hand wash your football shirt, here’s what you need to know:

1.    Turn your football shirt inside out.

2.    Fill a sink, bowl or your bath with warm water and some colour-safe detergent.

3.    Let your shirt soak for 10-15 minutes.

4.    Ring your shirt a few times to properly rinse away any dirt or grime.

5.    Rinse your football shirt with clean, cold water to wash away and residue.

6.    Flip your shirt the right way around and hang out to air dry naturally.

 

Removing Stains from Your Football Shirt Without Specialist Products

We’ve touched on this before, but there are simple and affordable ways to remove stains besides using specialist products. For example, white vinegar is a great, cheap option to tackle sweat stains and odor-causing bacteria.

How to Use White Vinegar:

Add one cup of white vinegar to your washing machine, either directly into the drum or through the detergent dispenser. Then add your usual detergent and softener. The vinegar’s acidity helps break down tough stains and odors, leaving your football shirt fresh and clean. Don’t worry, your kit won’t smell like vinegar after washing, as the detergent and rinse cycle remove the vinegar smell completely.

Dealing with Mud and Grass Stains:

For stubborn mud or grass stains, pre-soaking your shirt can make a big difference. Use a pre-soak product available at most supermarkets. Follow the instructions on the bottle and soak your shirt for about 30 minutes before washing. This loosens the stains, making them easier to remove during the wash.

Patch Testing and Care:

Always patch test any products you plan to use and carefully read both your shirt’s care label and the product instructions. It’s better to be safe than sorry—no one wants to ruin their favourite football shirt!

 

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