Football uniforms are prone to odors and stains from grass and dirt.

The heat from the dryer can damage the uniform.

Never use fabric softener, which affects the fabric’s ability to soak up sweat properly.

Red football uniforms being cleaned and hung up to dry next to wicker laundry basket

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Also, airing out the football uniform before laundering it will help reduce any odors.

Or, hang the uniform outdoors on a clothesline and spray it with a hose.

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy-duty laundry detergent and1 cup of baking soda.

Materials and tools to clean and care for football uniforms

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Allow the uniform to soak for at least one hour or overnight.

The detergent starts working on stains, and thebaking soda reduces the odors.

Allow the detergent to work for at least 15 minutes before washing as usual.

Red football uniforms hung on clothes line and rinsed with hose

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Apply the paste to the stain, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing.

you’re able to also brighten white football pants with alaundry whitener.

Swish it around a few times, rinse the pants, and then wash as usual.

Red football uniform being presoaked in plastic bin with water, laundry detergent and baking soda

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

These detergents contain active enzymes that cut through heavy soil, lifting it from the fabric.

Add 1 cup of baking soda to the washer drum for odor control.

To repair peeling decals, first back the number or letter with a piece of cardboard.

Soft-bristled brush scrubbing excess dirt and stains from football uniform sleeve

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Next, place a pressing cloth over the top of the number or letter.

Gradually increase the contact time until you see the decal adhering to the fabric.

Pads can be hung on hangers and stored in a cool, dry closet.

Heavy-duty laundry detergent poured into washing machine

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Football uniforms can be hung or folded and stored in the same fashion.

Uniforms stored in sealable plastic bins will be protected from off-season damp conditions.

Tips for Washing Football Uniforms

Polyester jerseys and pants do not shrink when washed.

Red football uniforms hung on clothes line to air dry

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

However, when youwash sports jerseysand pants, the fabrics still need special attention to tackle stains and odors.

No, putting football pants in the dryer can destroy the belt and ruin its fabric and padding.

Always air dry your football uniforms, including football pants.

Never dry-clean football uniforms.

Football uniforms should always be washed at home; the chemicals used in dry cleaning could ruin them.