Washing hockey jerseys, just like washing basketball jerseys, is its own art form and requires thinking it through before you simply throw it in the washer. As you can imagine, lots of people crammed together in an indoor arena is a surefire way to produce smelly jerseys—for the players and spectators alike.
If you have a hockey family you already know that the sweaty hockey gear smell is probably one of the strongest odors that exist. Unfortunately, sometimes that stink is not so easy to get rid of once it is on your clothes. You might think it is enough to wash the item with some harsh laundry products or simply wash it more often. But when it comes to hockey jerseys, we are talking about an expensive item of sportswear and improper washes may ruin it.
Chances are very good that you will be cleaning a jersey that has a combination of mustard, ketchup, beer, sweat and blood on it. And we are talking about both players and spectators!
- Prep the jersey carefully by using cold water to blot the stains and apply a prewash anti-stain agent such as Persil® ProClean® OXI Power liquid laundry detergent, then rub the marks gently with a toothbrush while squeezing away the extra liquid. Go easy on it.
- Remember you are cleaning someone’s prized possession, so be sure to do a sample test first with the prewash solution you use.
- The best way to wash a hockey jersey is to wash it all by itself so there is no mixing of stains or overlapping of various colors. Keeping the color bright and the jersey crisp and ready for the next wear is a great way to show how proud you are of your favorite team.
- Also be sure to turn the garment inside out so it will not get caught on the machine in any way.
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Be sure to follow the care instructions on the jersey but if there isn’t any then wash it in cold water on a gentle setting. You are not only protecting the colors, but also the decals and stitching. The jersey takes a beating on the rink and in the stands—yet needs to be treated with love when being washed.
- Use high-quality bleach-free laundry detergent with color protection, such as Persil® ProClean® Intense Fresh® liquid laundry detergent, which works just as effectively in cold water.
- Do not use any fabric softeners on a hockey jersey.
You should also pay special attention when drying a clean hockey jersey.
- Never dry in the dryer as it may ruin the letters and numbers.
- And, of course, NO IRONS!
- Dry on a flat surface under the sun or hang up on a hanger. Allow to air dry.
We hope you enjoyed our tips on how to wash a hockey jersey. Check out our other cleaning and laundry tips such as how to remove oil stains, washing work clothes at home and laundry tips for sensitive skin.
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