Soccer jerseys are technical garments — washing them incorrectly destroys the Dri-FIT or AEROREADY fabric, peels the heat-transfer badge, and fades printed names and numbers. Over 40% of jersey damage happens in the laundry, not on the pitch. Whether your jersey costs $55 or $160, these care steps keep it looking match-day fresh for years.
At Futstoreoficial, we've helped over 20,000 soccer fans find and care for their jerseys over the past 5+ years. This guide distills everything we know into practical, actionable steps.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Soccer Jersey
Step 1: Turn the Jersey Inside Out
Always wash soccer jerseys inside out. This protects the outer surface — particularly the print, heat-transfer badge, and sponsor logos — from direct friction against the drum. It takes 10 seconds and extends your jersey's life by years.
Step 2: Use Cold Water Only (30°C / 86°F max)
Hot water breaks down polyester fibers and causes shrinkage in technical fabrics. Set your washing machine to a cold or 30°C delicate cycle. Never wash a soccer jersey in hot water regardless of the soiling level.
Step 3: Use a Gentle, Non-Biological Detergent
Harsh biological detergents contain enzymes that degrade performance polyester over time. Use a mild, non-bio detergent — about half the recommended dose. Never use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets on technical jersey fabric.
Step 4: Select the Delicate or Gentle Cycle
A full spin cycle creates excessive friction and stretches jersey fabric. Use the delicate or gentle cycle with a slow spin speed (400-600 RPM). If your machine has a 'sports' setting, this works well for soccer jerseys.
Step 5: Air Dry — Never Use a Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryers are the fastest way to ruin a soccer jersey. High heat melts heat-transfer prints, warps polyester, and shrinks collar and cuff elastic. Hang your jersey on a plastic hanger (not wire, which can leave rust marks) in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Step 6: Remove Grass and Mud Stains Before Washing
Pre-treat grass stains with a small amount of dish soap or a sport-specific stain remover. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. For mud, let it dry first — washing wet mud spreads it further into the fabric fibers.
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What to Avoid
- Bleach: Destroys polyester fibers and causes irreversible yellowing or color stripping
- Fabric softener: Clogs the moisture-wicking pores in technical polyester, reducing breathability
- Iron directly on print: Melts heat-transfer elements — if ironing is needed, iron inside-out on low heat only
- Wash with rough items: Jeans zippers and Velcro scratch and pill jersey fabric; wash jerseys separately
- Wring by hand: Twisting the fabric distorts the shape and stresses seams — squeeze gently instead
- Store while damp: Traps mildew and creates permanent odor — always fully air-dry before storing
Quick Reference Table
| Setting | Correct | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Water temperature | Cold / 30°C | Hot (40°C+) |
| Cycle | Delicate / gentle | Normal or heavy-duty |
| Spin speed | 400-600 RPM | Full spin (1200+ RPM) |
| Detergent | Mild, non-biological | Bio, bleach, softener |
| Drying | Air dry on hanger | Tumble dryer |
| Orientation | Inside out | Right side out |
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the size chart — always check measurements before ordering online
- Machine drying — heat damages jersey prints and fabric integrity
- Using bleach — destroys moisture-wicking fabric technology
- Buying from unverified sellers — risk of receiving counterfeit jerseys
- Ignoring the edition difference — Fan, Authentic, and Player versions fit very differently
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a soccer jersey in the dryer?
No — tumble dryers damage soccer jersey fabric, melt heat-transfer prints, and shrink elastic. Always air dry on a plastic hanger in a shaded, ventilated area. Even 'low heat' dryer settings cause gradual damage over time.
How often should I wash my soccer jersey?
After every use if worn during play. For display or casual wear, wash every 2-3 uses or when visibly dirty. Over-washing accelerates fabric wear — spot-clean minor marks when possible rather than washing the full jersey.
Can I iron a soccer jersey?
Only inside-out on the lowest heat setting with no steam. Never iron directly over heat-transfer badges, sponsor logos, or printed names and numbers — these will melt. For most jerseys, air drying on a hanger removes wrinkles naturally.
How do I remove grass stains from a soccer jersey?
Apply a small amount of dish soap or sport stain remover directly to the stain. Let it sit 10-15 minutes, then wash on a cold delicate cycle inside-out. For stubborn stains, repeat before drying — heat sets stains permanently.
Will washing a jersey fade the colors?
Not if you follow the correct steps. Cold water, delicate cycle, mild detergent, and air drying preserve colors effectively. Using hot water, tumble drying, or bleach causes visible fading within 5-10 washes.
Final Thoughts
Washing a soccer jersey correctly takes almost the same time as washing it incorrectly — the only difference is the result. Cold water, inside-out, gentle cycle, air dry. Four steps that keep your jersey looking new for years. At Futstoreoficial, every order ships free worldwide and arrives in 7-11 business days — so you can focus on enjoying your jersey, not waiting for it.
Written by the Futstoreoficial Team — Soccer gear experts with 5+ years helping fans worldwide find their perfect jersey.