With the weather getting colder and wetter as autumn takes hold, muddy playing fields will lead to an inundation of dirty sportswear to be washed.
However, it’s vitally important when washing sports kits that you use the correct method to avoid damaging delicate materials.
To help Brits, sports equipment retailer Net World Sports has shared their ultimate 7-step guide to washing sports kits ahead of the colder months.
They have also enlisted the help of AEG’s laundry expert and Lead product trainer Michael Forbes to share some top tips.
Net Worlds Sports Kit Washing Guide
1. Turn your kit inside out – Sports kits often have printed logos, numbers or sponsor details so always turn your kit inside out to protect the printing while washing.
2. Check the care label – Most shirts including FORZA football shirts should be washed at 30°C unless you plan to hand wash, as hotter temperatures can cause the nylon fabric to break down. Before washing always refer to the care label for specific instructions.
In a survey conducted by Net World Sports, just 1 in 5 Brits said that they felt ‘very confident’ with understanding washing labels when surveyed.
3. Separate colours – Sports kits should always be separated by colour which is especially important when washing football and rugby strips. Washing a coloured shirt with white shorts and socks can lead to them becoming permanently stained.
4. Wash at a low temperature – As most sports shirts are made with heat-retaining materials, it’s crucial to use low temperatures to avoid shrinkage or damage. It’s recommended that you set your washing machine to 30°c or below to best maintain your kit.
Michael Forbes from AEG advised, “Washing sportswear at a low or cold temperature like 30°C also extends the lifespan of clothes, and means you can save on energy, water and ultimately money, which we know is a key consideration for families as we head into the winter months.”
When surveyed 50% of Brits said they would wash their sports kit at 40°C or above putting the kits at risk of being damaged. Hotter temperatures can lead to printing melting and could potentially cause the delicate nylon fabric to shrink.
5. Use stain remover when required – Stubborn stains, such as mud and grass, may need pre-treatment with a stain remover or detergent. Be cautious when using strong stain removers on delicate sports gear and always do a patch test on a hidden area (e.g. inside the hem at the bottom of the shirt) to avoid unwanted bleaching.
Michael advised “When dealing with stains such as grass, start by applying detergent directly to the affected area. Gently rinse it under cold water before placing the garment in the washing machine. Remember, always dab – never rub!”
Pre-treating sports stains with a stain remover or detergent is the most popular stain-reducing method among Brits, with 40% opting for this approach. Meanwhile, 27% admit to skipping the pre-treatment and throwing their clothes directly into the washing machine.
6. Air dry your kit
Using a tumble dryer or radiator to dry your kit is always a risk as the hotter temperatures can lead to damage to both the printing and the fabric itself. Airdrying is the best way to maintain your kit and keep it smelling fresh. Outdoors is the best way to dry sportswear as it will also help to air out any odour that may still remain post-wash. However, with winter approaching hanging your shirts up inside is still a good alternative.
Michael also provided a useful hack for getting rid of odours, he said, “For lasting odours in sportswear made of materials such as cotton or nylon, you can clean the inside of the garment’s underarms with a bicarbonate of soda paste, which will absorb the sweat smells. Just give the item a good shake once set to get rid of any excess before you pop it in the washing machine.”
7. Ironing your shirt
While most people would tend to avoid ironing their sports kit, it can be effective if done in the right way. To start with turning the shirt inside out can protect any printing. Using very low temperatures and avoiding any printing can help keep the fabric looking sharp, although we would always recommend checking the washing care label first.
If you would like to credit any of the tips or survey results, please use the following link: https://www.networldsports.co.uk/football/football-kits.html
And to check out Net World Sports full kit washing guide click here: https://www.networldsports.co.uk/buyers-guides/football-kit-care-guide
