How to Wash a Soccer (Football) Jersey Without Fading or Damage

Turn the jersey inside out, wash in cold on gentle (or hand-wash), use mild liquid detergent, no softener/bleach, and air-dry only. Keep heat away from prints, names, and badges.

A great jersey deserves great care. Whether it’s an authentic/player-issue shirt or a replica/fan version, the routine below keeps colours bright, stitching clean, and numbers intact.

Before You Wash

• Read the care label. Most modern jerseys are polyester blends that prefer cold water and low agitation.

• Know your version. Authentic tends to be lighter with heat-applied details; treat more gently than replicas with thicker fabric or stitched elements.

• Separate colours. Dark/dyed kits separate from whites to prevent transfer.

• Turn inside out. Reduces friction on names, numbers, and crests.

Hand-Wash Method (Safest)

1. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of liquid detergent.

2. Turn the jersey inside out and soak for 10–15 minutes.

3. Gently agitate by hand—do not scrub crests, badges, names, or numbers.

4. Rinse with cold water until it runs clear.

5. Press water out with a clean towel (do not wring).

6. Lay flat or hang on a wide hanger, away from direct sunlight, to air-dry.

Machine-Wash Method (If You Must)

1. Place the inside-out jersey in a mesh laundry bag.

2. Choose cold water + gentle/delicate cycle with low spin.

3. Use mild liquid detergent; no fabric softener or bleach.

4. Remove immediately after the cycle and air-dry. Never tumble dry.

Stain Cheat-Sheet

• Sweat/odour: pre-soak 15 minutes in cold water with a little detergent, then wash.

• Grass/mud: allow mud to dry, brush off gently, then dab with diluted liquid detergent and rinse.

• Deodorant/yellowing on whites: apply a mild, diluted detergent solution to the spot, then rinse cold.
  Avoid harsh stain sticks and bleach—they can discolour logos and weaken adhesives.

Names, Numbers, and Badges—Keep Them Safe

• Always wash inside out.

• Do not iron directly on prints or crests. If absolutely necessary, use a cool iron on the reverse side with a pressing cloth.

• If numbers start to lift/peel, pause washing until repaired.

Drying & Storage

• Air-dry only. Heat is the #1 jersey killer.

• Dry out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Store on a wide hanger or folded flat; avoid thin wire hangers that cause shoulder bumps.

• For signed jerseys, consider a UV-protective frame and acid-free backing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hot water • high spin • tumble dryer heat • fabric softener or bleach • washing with zips/rough items that can snag mesh

FAQ

Do soccer/football jerseys shrink?
Polyester doesn’t shrink like cotton, but heat can warp fabric and weaken adhesives. Stick to cold water + air-dry.

How often should I wash a jersey?
After heavy use, yes. Otherwise, air it out and wash only when needed to extend the life of prints and colours.

Is machine washing safe?
Hand-wash is safest. Machine washing is acceptable only with inside out + mesh bag + cold + gentle + low spin, and never use a dryer