How to care for your football shirt: a complete guide

Owning a football jersey means taking care of it to maintain its vibrancy, shape, and the quality of its print. Proper care extends the life of the fabric and prevents fading or deterioration of the flocking. The following tips cover washing techniques, best practices, and what to avoid.

Pre-treatment of stains

• Treat stains quickly: after a match or training session, dampen mud, grass, or sweat stains with cold water and apply a mild stain remover. Avoid high temperatures which set dirt.
• Leave on for a few minutes before washing .

Hand wash

• Warm water and mild detergent: fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of liquid detergent without bleaching agents. .
• Turn the jersey inside out: place the jersey inside out to protect the designs and logos. .
• Rub gently: clean the soiled areas with your hands without wringing the fabric; then rinse thoroughly with clean water. .
• Wring out without twisting and hang or spread out to dry.

Machine wash

• Pre-wash and turning inside out: if it is very dirty, pre-wash by hand to remove the dirt, then turn the jersey inside out .
• Separate colors and fabrics: do not mix jerseys of different colors or garments with zippers that could damage the fibers .
• Delicate cycle and cold water: Use a delicate program with cold water or at 30°C to preserve synthetic fibers. .
• Suitable laundry detergent: choose a gentle liquid detergent, without bleach or whitening agents; avoid fabric softener which clogs micropores and reduces breathability. .
• Moderate spin cycle: do not exceed a low spin speed to limit wear and preserve the flocking. .

Drying and ironing

• Natural drying: after washing, hang the jersey on a hanger or lay it flat in the shade; air drying preserves the fibers and colors. Avoid direct sunlight, which will fade the fabric. .
• Avoid using a tumble dryer: high heat can damage the fibers and melt the prints Always opt for natural drying.
• Do not iron directly: modern swimsuits hardly wrinkle. If creases persist, use steam (shower) or a hairdryer held at a distance, or place a thin cloth between the iron and the swimsuit and iron at a low temperature without steam. .

Storage and preservation

• Ensure the jersey is dry: storing a damp jersey promotes mold growth. .
• Suitable storage location: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. .
• Careful hanging or folding: If possible, hang the jersey on a hanger to avoid creases. If you must fold it, place tissue paper between the folds to protect the prints. .
• Avoid plastic bags: opt for a breathable cover or a fabric bag, as synthetic fibers need to circulate.

Preserve the flocking and logos

• Always wash inside out: this precaution protects names, numbers and logos that are sensitive to heat and friction.
• Do not use fabric softener as it may damage the prints .
• Do not iron directly : protect the flocking with a cloth if you iron. .
• Avoid excessive heat from tumble dryers and irons, which can cause the prints to peel off. .

What not to do

• Do not wash at high temperatures: exceeding 40°C may damage the fibers and cause the jersey to shrink. .
• Do not use harsh products: bleach, strong stain removers or fabric softeners should be avoided to preserve colors and breathability.
• Do not leave a damp jersey in a bag: this encourages the growth of bacteria and odors. .
• Do not iron directly over logos or flocking ; direct heat will damage them. .

By applying these simple tips, your football shirt will retain its new look longer and remain comfortable to wear.