How To Wash NHL Jersey?

Your NHL jerseys are a way to show your support for your favorite team and players. Whether you wear them during games, gatherings or while you’re watching from the comfort of your home, you want your jersey to look its best every time.

Just like any other clothing item, it’s important to clean your NHL jersey regularly to keep it fresh and odor-free. But how do you wash an NHL jersey without ruining its quality or graphics?

In this article, we’ll guide you through some steps on how to effectively wash your NHL jersey without causing damage. From choosing the right detergent to avoiding common mistakes that can harm your jersey, our tips will help you maintain your hockey pride and prolong the life of your beloved jersey.

“Remember, each NHL jersey is unique and requires proper care. You don’t want to end up with a misshapen or faded jersey after mistakenly throwing it in the washer.”

So if you’re ready to learn more about washing your NHL jersey, read on!

Get the right detergent

Choose a detergent specifically designed for sports jerseys

If you want to wash your NHL jersey nicely, it is essential to choose the right detergent. Not all detergents are created equal, and many contain harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric over time. Therefore, you want to select a gentle detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. You should also avoid using regular household detergents as they may fade the team’s colors, making them less vibrant on game day.

The best solution is to opt for a detergent specifically designed for sports jerseys or activewear. Avoid going with cheap laundry detergents as they typically don’t have formulations to remove tough stains and odors. Instead, invest in high-quality detergents from reputable brands like Tide Sport, WIN, or Nathan Sport Wash. These specialized detergents were formulated to clean sportswear without compromising their performance, quality, or durability.

Look for detergents that are free of bleach and fabric softeners

We understand how tempting it could be to use extra cleaning agents such as bleach or fabric softeners to make your NHL jersey super clean and cozy. However, these can do more harm than good to your favorite hockey attire. Bleach contains harsh chemicals that break down fibers and damage color pigments, causing yellowish stains and weakened material. Fabric softeners, on the other hand, leave a film on the surface of the clothes, build-up over time, and block moisture-wicking properties.

Instead, look for detergents that are free of bleach, chlorine, ammonia, and enzymes, and even better if they are phosphate-free, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic. You might also want to consider investing in sport-specific spot treatments that target common stains like sweat, blood, and grass.

• Some top NHL laundry detergents to consider include:
• Tide Sport Laundry Detergent
• Gear Aid ReviveX Pro Cleaner
• WIN Sports Detergent
• SHEEX Active Stain-Release Fabric Spray
• Nathan Sport-Wash Performance Detergent

The key is finding the right detergent for your specific needs, as different types of jerseys have unique washing requirements. Still, if you stick to high-quality detergents that are free of harsh chemicals like bleach and fabric softeners, you’ll be able to keep your NHL jersey clean, stain-free, fresh, and comfortable, ensuring it lasts through seasons on end!

Pre-treat any stains

If you’re an NHL fan, it’s likely that you own at least one team jersey. And if you wear it often, it can get dirty with sweat, food stains, and dirt. Washing your jersey is important to keep it looking clean and fresh, but before throwing it in the wash, pre-treating any stains is a crucial step.

Identify the type of stain to determine the best pre-treatment method

The first step in pre-treating stains on your NHL jersey is identifying what kind of stain it is. Each type of stain requires different treatment methods, so knowing this will help you remove the stain more efficiently. Some common types of stains found on jerseys include sweat stains, grass stains, grease or oil stains, and food stains.

Sweat Stains: One of the most common stains on hockey jerseys, treat them with a mixture of baking soda and water. Spread the mixture over the affected area and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing as usual.

Grass Stains: For green stains caused by playing on artificial turf, use rubbing alcohol. Dab some onto a cotton ball and dab onto the stain until it disappears.

Grease/Oil Stains: Use dishwashing liquid soap mixed with warm water. Apply the solution to the affected area and leave it for about 15-20 minutes before washing normally.

Food Stains: Rinse the affected area with cold water as soon as possible, then apply rub glycerin directly to the stained area and rub until the patch comes off. If the stain remains, soak the area using borax or vinegar solution and rinse thoroughly before washing.

Use a stain remover or a mixture of vinegar and water to pre-treat stains

If the above methods do not work, you can use a commercial stain remover. Make sure that it is safe for your jersey’s material, though. Alternatively, you can also treat the stain by applying a solution of vinegar and water in equal parts. Be sure to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it liberally.

Avoid using bleach as it can damage fabric and further discoloration. Similarly, avoid using any harsh chemicals such as ammonia or chlorine as these may cause the colors of your jersey to fade.

Let the pre-treatment solution sit on the stain for at least 10 minutes before washing

After identifying the stain type and finding the appropriate treatment method, apply the pre-treatment solution directly to the affected area. Allow it to soak for at least 10-15 minutes before moving on to the next step. This will give the solution enough time to break down the stain, making it easier to remove.

Do not rub the stain vigorously as it may damage the fabric

Finally, when scrubbing off the stain, be gentle and avoid rubbing too hard since this could lead to damaging the delicate fibers of the jersey. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth and gently pat the affected area.

“When dealing with stained clothes always remember to read the care labels and follow the cleaning instructions recommended for each garment.” -Marci Liroff

NHL jerseys are designed to last long and endure rough usage over time without losing their color and quality. By taking good care of your hockey jersey, you can ensure that it stays in excellent condition game after game.

Use cold water for washing

If you want to keep your NHL jersey looking fresh and new, the first thing you need to do is wash it properly. One of the best things you can do is to use cold water when washing your jersey.

Cold water helps prevent colors from fading and fabric from shrinking, which are both common issues that occur when washing clothes in hot water. Most importantly, using cold water will help preserve the emblems and logos on your jersey so they don’t wear off easily.

When washing your jersey, avoid bleach or any harsh detergents that could damage the fabric. Instead, opt for a mild detergent that’s specifically designed for delicate fabrics.

Cold water helps prevent colors from fading and fabric from shrinking

The reason why cold water is better than hot water for washing clothes is that hot water can cause shrinkage and color loss. Hot water opens up the fibers of your clothes, allowing them to release dye and shrink more easily. This is especially true with delicate materials like those used in NHL jerseys.

On the other hand, cold water helps lock in dyes and prevents the fabric from stretching or shrinking. It keeps the fibers tight, maintaining the jersey’s shape and size even after multiple washes.

It’s also worth noting that washing your jersey in cold water will help save energy since heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used by washing machines.

Set the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle to avoid damaging the jersey

The next important step in washing your NHL jersey is setting the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. These settings are designed for fragile or lightweight clothing items, such as silk shirts, lingerie, and sports jerseys. By using these settings, you’ll prevent damage to the fabric and preserve the colors and design of your jersey.

When using a washing machine, remember to turn the jersey inside out to protect any lettering or numbering on the back. Also, avoid overloading the washing machine as this can cause extra friction which might compromise the quality.

“The most important thing is always to read the care label before washing your jersey. This will give you specific instructions and help you avoid damaging it.” -Laundry Care Expert at Tide

If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can wash your NHL jersey by hand. Simply fill up a sink with cold water and add some mild detergent. Then, gently swirl the jersey in the water until it’s clean. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and lay flat to dry, away from direct sunlight. Make sure not to wring out the jersey since this could damage the fibers.

In conclusion, cleaning your NHL jersey requires special care to keep it looking fresh and new for as long as possible. By using cold water, gentle settings, and avoiding harsh detergents, you’ll be able to maintain its color, shape, and emblems. Remember to always check the care label before washing and handle the jersey delicately to ensure it stays in good condition.

Avoid using fabric softeners

Fabric softeners can leave a residue on the fabric and reduce its breathability

If you want to keep your NHL jersey in perfect condition, avoid using fabric softeners. Fabric softeners may feel pleasant to touch, but they are not good for your clothes, especially if they are made of synthetic fibers like your hockey jersey. They contain chemicals that coat the fibers with a thin layer of waxy residue which makes it more difficult for sweat and moisture to evaporate. The result is that your skin will feel damp and sticky, and the shirt may start to smell bad even after washing.

According to the American Cleaning Institute, “Fabric softener residue can make clothing less breathable, trap odors, or cause yellowing due to a buildup of chemical compounds.” Instead of using fabric softeners, try adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle. The acetic acid in vinegar helps to break down any remaining detergent residues and make the fibers softer without leaving a coating behind.

Use wool dryer balls or a clean tennis ball to soften the fabric instead

If you don’t want to use vinegar, then consider using wool dryer balls or a clean tennis ball. These balls bounce around in the dryer, reducing static electricity and making fabrics fluffy. Wool dryer balls work by absorbing excess moisture from the clothes, thereby preventing them from clumping together and reducing drying time. You can reuse them for hundreds of loads before replacing them. Tennis balls also help fluff up clothes, but some people find the rubber scent unpleasant.

An alternative way to soften the fabric is to add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a mild abrasive, so it helps to eliminate odors and stains while softening the fibers at the same time. Don’t mix baking soda with vinegar though, as they cancel each other out.

Alternatively, air dry the jersey to prevent any damage from the dryer

If you’re worried about damaging your NHL jersey in the dryer or if it has a print that might peel off, consider air-drying it instead. Air-drying is the gentlest way to dry clothes and also helps to reduce wrinkles. However, keep in mind that jerseys may take longer to dry and may be more prone to developing mildew if left wet for too long. Hang them up on a drying rack or a clothesline away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

DON’T hang them by the shoulders or neck, as this can stretch the fabric and cause it to lose its shape over time. Instead, hang them upside down by the hem or fold them neatly over a hanger to avoid creases or sagging. Avoid ironing your hockey jersey, as the high heat can melt the synthetic fibers and leave scorch marks. If you need to get rid of stubborn wrinkles, use a steamer or gently pull the fabric while it’s still damp.

Do not iron the jersey as it may melt the synthetic fibers

“It’s best to avoid hot ironing anything made of polyester, nylon, spandex, or rayon,” says Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “These materials are sensitive to high temperatures and can quickly become damaged, causing puckering, bubbling, and melting.”

Your NHL jersey is likely made of a blend of synthetic fibers that mimic the properties of natural fabrics such as cotton or wool, but are much lighter and drier. Therefore, they do not require frequent washing or ironing. Ironing the jersey will only make it look worse because it can cause the numbers or logos to peel off, and may leave permanent burn marks. If you want to freshen up your hockey jersey, simply wash it with cold water and mild detergent, and let it air dry or tumble dry on low heat until it’s slightly damp.

Remember these tips when washing your NHL jerseys to keep them looking brand new season after season!

Dry the jersey properly

After washing your NHL jersey, it is crucial to dry it correctly. Drying a jersey improperly can lead to shrinkage, fabric damage, and color fading, ruining your beloved team gear.

Hang the jersey on a clothesline or a drying rack to air dry

Air-drying your jersey is the safest method for drying. Choose a well-ventilated spot where the jersey will receive adequate airflow; indoors on a hanger, outside hanging from a clothesline, or on a mesh drying rack are all great options.

If you choose to hang the jersey, make sure that the hanger is gentle on the material, as sharp edges or rough surfaces could cause snags or holes in the fabric. Additionally, avoid squeezing or wringing out any excess water from the jersey before hanging it to dry because doing so might stretch the fabric when wet.

Avoid direct sunlight as it may cause colors to fade

While sunlight may appear to be an excellent alternative to a laundry dryer, it’s not entirely true, especially for colored fabrics like NHL jerseys. Exposure to direct sunlight may create more harm than good, causing the colors to fade over time. If possible, place the garment away from direct sunlight to avoid loss of color.

You don’t want to waste your hard-earned cash by buying an expensive jersey only for its colors to dull down after just one wash cycle due to exposure to direct rays of sun.

Do not use a dryer unless the care label explicitly states it is safe

The best way to maintain the integrity of an NHL jersey without harming its delicate fabric is to follow the care label instructions labeled inside each jersey. The manufacturer provides recommendations detailing whether air-drying, washing machine drying, or handwashing is ideal for a particular jersey.

If the care label specifies that using a dryer is harm-free, then you can utilize it. However, if there is no mention of tumble-drying on the care label, avoid the dryer at all costs.

If using a dryer, set it to a low heat or air-dry cycle to prevent any damage to the fabric

If your NHL jersey’s care tag permits the use of a laundry dryer, start by setting up the dryer’s temperature correctly. The highest heat settings most times could be too high and damaging to delicate fabrics like those in NHL jerseys.

Air-drying involves tumbling clothes with no heat, which you can also consider utilizing for an NHL jersey after removing excess moisture from it by squeezing gently with towels before drying it directly under sunshine.

“It is important to know how long each garment requires to dry properly to provide safety precautions against shrinkages or damages while still maintaining their shape,” says lifestyle journalist Jiani Shaw.

• Drying an NHL jersey follows the purpose of preserving its value over time. This means employing the best techniques and practices possible to protect your investment.

• The above guide will undoubtedly help prolong their lifespan while saving money on frequently having to replace worn out garments as a result of improper laundering methods.

Frequently Asked Questions