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How to Clean Soccer Gear & Remove Sweat Odors
August 31, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
For those who play soccer, it’s crucial to keep your gear clean. It’ll minimize the amount of residue that gets on your clothes and equipment. Not only that but playing with clean gear often leads to better performance on the field.
Having said that, soccer gear should not be washed the same way as normal clothes.
What’s the best way to clean your soccer gear? What products should you use? Keep reading for all the answers.
How to Get the Stink Out of Your Soccer Jersey
Soccer jerseys are made of synthetic materials such as polyester, which naturally expels sweat and moisture. Having said that, they can still develop odors.
Preventing Odors
Preventing odors from developing is just as important as eliminating them. The biggest tip that we can give is to always air out your soccer jersey after a game.
For the best results, let it air out for at least 15 minutes.
Soaking the Jersey
Excessively smelly jerseys should be pre-soaked before washing. To do this, fill a sink with water and ACTIVE Detergent, mix to combine, then submerge the jersey.
Make sure it’s completely saturated with the solution and let it sit for at least 20 minutes (you can also leave it submerged overnight).
Washing Your Jersey in the Washer
After soaking, you’re ready to wash your jersey and you can do that easily by using the washing machine.
Step 1: Use a Laundry Bag
Turn your jersey inside out and place it in a laundry bag. The bag will act as a shield, preventing logos or graphics from peeling or cracking.
Make sure the laundry bag is closed properly and load it into the washing machine.
Step 2: Add ACTIVE Detergent
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and run a gentle wash cycle. Remember to use cold water; hot water can damage the fabric.
Step 3: Let It Air Dry
Once the cycle is finished, take out the jersey and let it air dry naturally on a clothesline or drying rack. Depending on the thickness of the material, it can take a couple of days for it to dry completely.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Drying rack or clothesline
While you can wash your soccer jerseys with other items, remember not to mix light-colored garments with dark-colored ones as it can lead to dye transfer.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
The only detergent you’ll need to keep all your soccer gear fresh and odor-free.
Handwashing Your Jersey
Another option is to wash your jersey by hand and you can do so in a tub or sink.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Drying rack or clothesline
Step 1:
Fill a large sink or tub with water and dissolve a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy mixture.
Step 2:
Once the detergent is dissolved, place your jersey in the sink.
Make sure it’s completely saturated with the cleaning solution and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3:
Gently rub the material to remove any lingering oils and dirt then rinse the garment thoroughly with clean water.
Step 4:
Let it air dry on a drying rack or clothesline. Do not leave them under direct sunlight as UV rays can cause the colors to fade.
Washing Instructions for Soccer Socks
Putting Soccer Socks in the Washer
Soccer socks should be washed after each wear and you can do that by throwing them in the washing machine. If you have multiple pairs, you’ll want to separate them by color to prevent unwanted bleeding.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Drying rack or clothesline (optional)
Step 1:
Turn the socks inside out and place them in a laundry bag.
The bag will keep them together and prevent them from wearing out during the cycle.
Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and run a gentle wash cycle with cold water.
Step 3:
After washing, transfer the socks to the dryer and dry on the lowest heat setting.
Alternatively, you can let them air dry on a rack or clothesline.
Consider adding a few dryer balls to the dryer – they will help speed up the drying process.
Handwashing Your Socks
You can also wash your soccer socks by hand. It’s not as tedious as it sounds and only requires a few things.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Clean towel
- Drying rack or clothesline (optional)
Step 1:
Fill a sink or basin with water and add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent.
Step 2:
Place your socks in the bath and gently move them through the water to saturate the fabric with the solution.
Let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3:
Rinse the socks with clean water afterward. Avoid twisting or wringing the socks as that can permanently stretch out the material.
Step 4:
Use a clean towel to press out some of the excess water, then hang them up to dry.
You can also tumble dry on the lowest setting.
How to Wash Soccer Shorts
Soccer shorts are similar to jerseys in that they are typically made out of polyester. This means you can either toss them in the washing machine or wash them by hand.
Machine Washing Soccer Shorts
You can machine-wash soccer shorts with jerseys if they’re of similar colors.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Drying rack or clothesline
Step 1:
Start by emptying all pockets. Next, turn the shorts inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag.
Make sure the bag is closed and load it into the washing machine.
Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent.
Step 3:
Run a delicate wash cycle with cold water. Don’t use hot water as it can accelerate the rate at which the fabric wears out.
Step 4:
Let the shorts air dry on a drying rack or clothesline after drying. Avoid using the dryer.
Do not add bleach or fabric softener – it will prevent the fabric from wicking moisture.
Washing Your Soccer Shorts By Hand
You can wash your shorts by hand as long as you have a tub or sink. You can even wash them with your other soccer gear.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Drying rack or clothesline
Step 1:
Create a bath by filling a sink with water and mixing in a bit of ACTIVE Detergent.
Step 2:
Make sure the pockets are empty and place the shorts in the bath. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3:
Rinse the shorts under running water until there are no more soap suds.
Step 4:
Gently squeeze out the excess water then let them air dry on a drying rack or clothesline.
The Best Way to Clean & Deodorize Soccer Shin Guards and Pads
Putting Shin Guards and Pads into the Washing Machine
Shin guards are machine washable as long as you use a gentle cycle and follow the instructions on the care label.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
Step 1:
If your shin guards have a plastic casting, make sure to use a laundry bag; that will prevent them from getting damaged during the cycle.
Step 2:
Place your shin guards in the washing machine and add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent.
Step 3:
Run a delicate wash cycle with cold water.
Step 4:
Lay the shin guards on a clean surface and let them air dry. Do not put them in the dryer.
You can add a few towels to help balance the load, if necessary.
Handwashing Your Shin Guards and Pads
If they’re not too dirty, you can also wash them by hand.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
- Damp cloth
- White vinegar (optional)
Step 1:
Combine a bit of ACTIVE Detergent with water in a small bowl to create a cleaning solution.
If necessary, you can add a bit of white vinegar to help neutralize odors.
Step 2:
Dip a soft bristle brush into the solution and use it to scrub the surface of the guards and pads.
Step 3:
Wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
How to Wash Soccer Cleats
Soccer cleats can get dirty with regular wear. Fortunately, they are easy to clean.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
Step 1:
Remove the laces and wash them separately.
Step 2:
Gently hit the cleats together to remove some of the excess dirt.
You can also scrub the bottom with a soft bristle brush; that will help loosen any dirt or mud that’s attached to the sole.
Step 3:
Create a cleaning solution by mixing ACTIVE Detergent with water in a small bowl.
Step 4:
Saturate the brush with the detergent solution and use it to clean the surface of the cleats.
Remember to be gentle as you don’t want to scratch or damage the material.
Step 5:
Wipe the cleats clean with a damp cloth.
Never put your soccer cleats in the washing machine – that will damage them beyond repair.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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