Volleyball is a great way to burn off some calories. Not only does it strengthen the upper body but it improves hand-eye coordination as well. Like all physically demanding sports, however, it can leave you sweaty by the end of a game. After all, you would have been jumping around trying to hit the ball in the court for over an hour! As you probably know, this can lead to an unpleasant odor.
This might be obvious, but it’s important to clean your volleyball gear on a regular basis. After all, you don’t want to be the one that is associated with the “stink”! Trust me, keeping everything clean will also help when it comes to playing your best on the court. Unlike regular clothes, though, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re washing your equipment. Don’t worry—we will be going over the steps below.
Without further delay, let’s take a look at how you can clean your volleyball gear!
Table of Contents
ToggleHow to Wash Your Volleyball Jersey
Machine Washing Your Jersey
Most jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester and spandex, meaning you can put them in the washing machine.
Step 1: Use a Laundry Bag

Turn the jersey inside out to protect the logos, then place it in a large laundry bag before putting it into the washing machine.
Step 2: Add Detergent

Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the drum. Skip the fabric softener.
Step 3: Start a Wash Cycle

Choose a delicate wash setting and wash with cold water. Don’t use hot water – the heat can cause damage to the material.
Step 4: Let It Air Dry

After washing, let the jersey air dry on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area. We don’t recommend using the dryer as the high temperature can cause the logos to peel or crack.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Drying rack
You can wash your volleyball jerseys with other workout clothes, as long as you’ve pre-sorted the colors.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Remove sweat, body oils, and bad odors from your volleyball gear.

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Hand Washing Your Jersey
You can also wash your jersey by hand if you don’t feel like running the washing machine.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Drying rack
Step 1:
Fill a large sink with cold water, then mix in half a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent.
We recommend swishing the water with your hands to dissolve the powder.

Step 2:
Place the jersey in the sink. Make sure the fabric is completely saturated with the detergent mixture.
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3:
Rinse the jersey by holding it under cold running water. Continue to rinse until all of the soap residue is washed off.

Step 4:
Gently squeeze the excess water out of the jersey, then let it air dry on a drying rack.

How to Remove the Sweat Smell from Your Volleyball Shorts
Similar to the jerseys, volleyball shorts are often made out of a polyester and spandex, the latter of which allows the garments to retain their shape. On top of that, the blend ensures that they are both breathable and comfortable for the player.
Machine Washing Your Volleyball Shorts
You can also run your volleyball shorts through the washer. There are just a few steps you want to be careful with.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag (optional)
- Drying rack (optional)

Step 1:
Make sure the pockets are empty and turn them inside out. While it’s not necessary, we highly recommend putting them in a laundry bag.

Step 2:
Load the shorts into the washing machine, along with the rest of your laundry, if you’re washing a mixed load.

Step 3:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent.

Step 4:
Run a gentle wash cycle with cold water.

Step 5:
After washing, transfer the shorts to the dryer and tumble dry on low.
You can also let them air dry on a drying rack.
Consider adding half a cup of white vinegar to the drum before the final rinse cycle if odors are an issue.
Hand Washing Your Volleyballs Shorts
You can also hand wash your shorts in a large sink or tub.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Drying rack
Step 1:
Fill a sink with cold water, then add half a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. Swish the water with your hands to dissolve the powder.

Step 2:
Place the shorts in the sink, making sure the fabric is completely immersed in the detergent solution.
Let them sit for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3:
Rinse the shorts with cold water. Continue rinsing until there’s no more soap residue on the fabric.

Step 4:
Gently squeeze the excess water out of the shorts, then hang them up to dry.

The Best Way to Wash Volleyball Socks
The easiest way to wash your volleyball socks is with the washing machine.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Drying rack (optional)

Step 1:
Place the socks in a mesh laundry bag and load them into the washer. The bag will prevent them from getting damaged and keep them together during the wash cycle.

Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent directly to the drum. Skip the softeners.

Step 3:
Run a gentle wash cycle.

Step 4:
Transfer the socks to the dryer and tumble dry on low. Alternatively, you can let them air dry on a drying rack.
You can wash your socks with your other volleyball gear, as long as you’re not mixing lights with darks.
How to Clean & Deodorize Volleyball Pads
Machine Washing Your Volleyball Pads
Most volleyball pads are made of a blend of fabrics such as polyester, cotton, and spandex, meaning you can safely put them in the washing machine.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
Step 1:
Secure all velcro and place the volleyball pads in a large mesh bag. It will prevent them from getting caught on your other items during the wash cycle.

Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the drum. Skip the bleach and fabric softener.

Step 3:
Start a wash cycle on a gentle setting. Make sure to use cold water.

Step 4:
Take the volleyball pads out of the washer once the cycle is finished and let them air dry in a well-ventilated space.

For the best results, wash the volleyball pads with other clothes. If you wash them alone, there’s a chance that they can hit against each other, which can cause damage.
Hand Washing Your Volleyball Pads
You can also wash your volleyball pads in a sink. Here’s how.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- White vinegar (optional)
- Clean towel

Step 1:
Fill a large sink or tub with cold water and add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent.
If necessary, you can also add a bit of white vinegar, which will help neutralize any odors.

Step 2:
Secure all velcros, then place the volleyball pads in the sink. Make sure they are saturated with the detergent solution.
For the best results, let them sit for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3:
Rinse the volleyball pads thoroughly with cold water, then blot them dry with a clean towel.
You can then hang them up to dry.
How to Remove Odors from Your Volleyball Shoes
Volleyball shoes are relatively easy to clean, given that they’re typically only worn indoors.
Supplies:
- Paper towel
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Stain-repellent spray (optional)
Step 1:
Dampen a paper towel with water and use it to wipe the surface of the shoes.

Step 2:
Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply a liberal amount to the inside of the shoes.

Step 3:
Let the shoes air dry before washing them again.

It’s a good idea to apply a stain-repellent spray to your volleyball shoes (ideally when you purchase them). This will protect them from getting dirty.
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