Dirt, sweat, and many other impurities can easily build up on basketball jerseys during a game.
You might not think there’s much to washing a basketball jersey as it is a fairly simple task.
While that is true, one does need to be careful when doing it as certain incorrect practices may affect the texture and feel of the jersey.
In this guide, I’m going to cover the steps to be followed when washing a basketball jersey correctly.
Here are the 5 steps:
- Pre-soak the jersey.
- Prepare the washing machine.
- Put the jersey in.
- Start the wash cycle.
- Dry the jersey.
Read on to find out more about how to wash a basketball jersey. Happy reading!
What you need
To get started with washing a basketball jersey, here’s what you need:
- A tub of cold water
- Mild or strong detergent (a special detergent for basketball jerseys is the best choice)
- Washing machine with a suitable washing cycle
- Clothes hanger (for drying)
Step 1 – Pre-soak the jersey to remove stains
It is highly unlikely your basketball jersey will be free of stains after an exhausting game.
Ideally, stains should be removed before the actual washing part. This is usually done by soaking the jersey.
To get started, soak the jersey in a tub of cold water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
After that, you’ll need to gently scrub off the stains using your hands. For more persistent stains, soaking the jersey for a bit longer does the trick.
Step 2 – Prepare the machine and set up the cycle
Next, you should set up the washing cycle for the jersey. Basketball jerseys should be washed with cold water and a mild or strong detergent (depending on how dirty they are).
For best results, use a dedicated detergent specifically made for basketball jerseys.
The wash cycle should be a gentle one and shouldn’t last long. Ideally, a 20 or 30-minute wash cycle is perfect for basketball jerseys.
Step 3 – Put the jersey into the machine
Once you’ve prepared your washing machine and selected the correct cycle, throw in the basketball jersey so that the washing cycle can begin.
If you’re washing your jersey along with other laundry items, make sure you don’t overstuff the washing machine. This may damage the jersey.
Also, avoid wrinkling or folding the jersey too much when you put it in the machine.
Step 4 – Start the washing cycle
Once the cycle has begun, wait for it to complete before you can take out the jersey and start drying it.
As I mentioned before, the ideal duration for a wash cycle for basketball jerseys is between 20 and 30 minutes.
Step 5 – Dry the jersey properly
This step is important. And doing it incorrectly can affect the feel and texture of your jersey.
After the wash cycle is complete, you can either let the jersey dry naturally or put it into the dryer.
If you’re letting it dry on its own, hang it on a clothesline directly, or use a clothes hanger. In humid or damp weather, the jersey will take longer to dry.
Alternatively, you can pop the jersey into the dryer and run it on a low-heat setting.
Final thoughts
Washing a basketball jersey isn’t a difficult task, but it does require some care and patience.
A basketball jersey can be washed by first soaking it to remove stains and then washing it on a delicate and short cycle using cold water and mild detergent.
Afterward, the jersey can be dried outdoors on a clothesline, or in a drier on low heat.