How To Wash Adidas Jersey Without Damaging It

You’re in a rush to a get-together where the dress theme is soccer jersey and jeans, rummaging through your wardrobe for that perfect jersey.

Nothing fits like that sleek Adidas jersey hanging in your bedroom-the one that hugs you just right and makes you feel good.

You grab it, throw it on, and head out the door, ready to turn heads.

Just as you’re stepping outside, chaos strikes. A battalion of children runs past you, all wielding water guns and splashing color balls in every direction. Before you even have time to react, the blow has hit your jersey-water, color, and a splash of frustration all over it.

You can’t yell; you can’t even stop to process it. All you’re thinking is, “How am I going to wash this jersey without ruining it? ”

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

Can You Just Toss It in the Washer?

Not so fast. Your Adidas soccer jersey deserves much better than being thrown carelessly into the washing machine with the rest of your everyday laundry.

Jerseys are made from special materials that are lightweight, breathable, and often feature logos, numbers, and sponsor details that are far more fragile than they seem. A normal wash cycle might discolor the colors, pill the fabric, or peel off the decals.

Instead, here’s how you should handle it:

• Check the Care Label: The care tag inside your jersey is your best friend. Adidas generally gives clear instructions on washing, drying, and ironing-or not.

• Separate with Care: Always wash your jersey separately or with similar items. Dark colors may bleed, and zippers or buttons from other clothes may snag the fabric.

• Prep the Jersey: Turn it inside out to protect prints and embroidery.

SEE ALSO | How Do You Wear a Soccer Jersey With Jeans? 

What’s the Best Way to Pre-Treat Stains?

Whether it’s mud, grass, or an unfortunate spill like color balls, tackling stains early is key. Don’t wait until laundry day – you’ll want to act fast:

• Rinse It Out: Run cold water over the stain as soon as possible to remove excess dirt or debris.

• Use a Gentle Stain Remover: Go for a mild, enzyme-based product. Avoid anything too harsh—bleach is an absolute no-go.

• Blot, Don’t Rub: Since rubbing can force the stain further into the fabric, or even damage the kit fibers, gently blot with a soft cloth or sponge.

What Temperature Should You Use?

You may think hot water would help quickly get rid of sweat, but it is actually taboo for your jersey. High temperatures can shrink synthetic materials and weaken adhesives on patches and logos.

Cold water is both gentle on the fabric and serves its purpose of cleaning well.

Which Detergent Is Best for Jerseys?

Not all detergents are the same. For your Adidas soccer jersey, look for a mild, liquid detergent free from bleach or fabric softeners.

Powder detergents can leave residue, and fabric softeners can clog the breathable mesh fabric, diminishing its performance on the field.

How Do You Wash It by Hand?

Handwashing might sound old-school, but it’s often the best way to care for delicate sports apparel. Here’s a simple step-by-step:

• Fill a Basin: Use lukewarm water and mix in a small amount of mild detergent.

• Soak the Jersey: Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt and grime.

• Gently Agitate: Swirl the jersey around without twisting or wringing it.

• Rinse Thoroughly: Use cold water to remove all soap, ensuring no residue remains.

• Press Out Excess Water: Lay it flat on a towel and press gently. Avoid wringing-it’s tough on the fabric and embellishments.

Can You Use a Washing Machine Safely?

If handwashing feels like too much effort, you can use your washing machine-but only with the proper settings.

• Choose the Right Cycle: Select a delicate or gentle cycle to minimize agitation.

• Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: This extra layer of protection prevents snagging and reduces wear.

• Turn It Inside Out: Again, this protects any logos, numbers, or embroidery from damage.

• Skip the Spin Cycle: High-speed spinning can stretch the fabric or peel off decals. If your machine allows, reduce the spin speed or skip it altogether.

How Should You Dry Your Jersey?

The drying process is where many jerseys meet their doom. High heat from dryers can shrink the material, fade colors, or warp graphics.

• Avoid the Dryer: Air drying is your best bet. Lay the jersey flat on a clean towel or hang it on a padded hanger. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

• Don’t Squeeze or Twist: If in a hurry, gently pat dry the kit with a towel to take off excess moisture, after which it can air-dry.

• Smooth out wrinkles and correct the shape when it’s still damp so you can avoid odd creases.

How Do You Keep It Smelling Fresh?

Even if your jersey looks clean, the odors that linger will ruin the experience of putting it on. Here’s how to keep it smelling as good as it looks:

• Don’t Leave It in Your Gym Bag: Wet, sweaty jerseys left balled up are breeding grounds for bacteria. Air it out as soon as possible.

• Add White Vinegar: A cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle can neutralize odors without damaging the fabric.

• Use sports-specific detergents: These are designed to combat the toughest odors without being too harsh on performance fabrics.

What About Ironing and Storage?

Your kit may be wrinkled after washing, but do not iron it directly. The heat can damage synthetic fabrics and melt logos. If absolutely necessary:

• Use Low Heat: Set your iron to the lowest setting suitable for synthetics.

• Protect Logos: Put a thin cloth between the iron and the jersey to avoid direct contact.

• Store Carefully: Hang your jersey in a cool, dry closet or fold it neatly. Avoid stacking heavy items on top to prevent creasing.

SEE ALSO | How To Iron A Soccer Jersey Without Damaging The Fabric

How Often Should You Wash It?

That depends on how much you wear it and just how hard you go at your activities. After a sweaty game, wash immediately. For casually worn kit, you can get away with washing every few wears—just be sure to air it out between uses.

What About Long-Term Care?

If your jersey is more of a collector’s item than a game-day staple, you’ll want to take extra precautions:

• Frame It: For retired jerseys or memorabilia, consider framing them to protect against dust and fading.

• Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper: When storing, wrap the kit in acid-free tissue paper to preserve its color and fabric quality.

• Rotate Display Items: If you display your jerseys, then rotate them periodically to prevent long-term exposure to light.

Is There Anything Else You Should Avoid?

Absolutely. Here’s a quick list care don’ts.

• No Bleach: It’s too harsh for delicate fabrics.

• No High Heat: Whether it’s washing, drying, or ironing, heat is your jersey’s worst enemy.

• No Fabric Softeners: These can block the fabric’s pores, reducing breathability and performance.

• No Harsh Scrubbing: Treat your jersey like the MVP it is-gentle care goes a long way.