As autumn descends and the weather turns colder and wetter, muddy playing fields are leading to grubby sportswear that needs a good clean. With the October half-term on the horizon, dirty sports kits will soon be filling up our laundry baskets.
While it might be tempting to chuck everything into a high-temperature wash, some fabrics are too delicate to withstand such heat. Luckily, sports equipment retailer Net World Sports has teamed up with AEG’s laundry expert and lead product trainer, Michael Forbes, to share an incredibly affordable washing tip.
Adding a small amount of bicarbonate of soda to your wash can effectively tackle tough laundry problems. This wonder ingredient is widely available and could cost savvy homeowners as little as 65p.
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Bicarbonate of soda is particularly effective at eliminating nasty odours.
Michael from AEG explained, ” For lasting odours in sportswear made of materials such as cotton or nylon, you can clean the inside of the garment’s underarms with a bicarbonate of soda paste, which will absorb the sweat smells.”
“Just give the item a good shake once set to get rid of any excess before you pop it in the washing machine,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
Other top tips to get those kits looking as good as new again include
Turn your kit inside out
Sports kits often have printed logos, numbers or sponsor details so always turn your kit inside out to protect the printing while washing.
Wash at a low temperature
As most sports shirts are made with heat-retaining materials, it’s crucial to use low temperatures to avoid shrinkage or damage. It’s recommended that you set your washing machine to 30°c or below to best maintain your kit.
Michael said, “Washing sportswear at a low or cold temperature like 30°C also extends the lifespan of clothes, and means you can save on energy, water and ultimately money, which we know is a key consideration for families as we head into the winter months.”
Check the care label
Most shirts including football shirts should be washed at 30°C unless you plan to hand wash, as hotter temperatures can cause the nylon fabric to break down. Before washing always refer to the care label for specific instructions.
In a survey conducted by Net World Sports, as few as one in five people in the UK said that they felt ‘very confident’ with understanding washing labels when surveyed.
Separate colours
Sports kits should always be separated by colour which is especially important when washing football and rugby strips. Washing a coloured shirt with white shorts and socks can lead to them becoming permanently stained.
Air dry your kit
Using a tumble dryer or radiator to dry your kit is always a risk as the hotter temperatures can lead to damage to both the printing and the fabric itself. Airdrying is the best way to maintain your kit and keep it smelling fresh.
Outdoors is the best way to dry sportswear as it will also help to air out any odour that may still remain post-wash. However, with winter approaching hanging your shirts up inside is still a good alternative.
Use stain remover when required
Stubborn stains, such as mud and grass, may need pre-treatment with a stain remover or detergent. Be cautious when using strong stain removers on delicate sports gear and always do a patch test on a hidden area (e.g. inside the hem at the bottom of the shirt) to avoid unwanted bleaching.
Michael said, “When dealing with stains such as grass, start by applying detergent directly to the affected area. Gently rinse it under cold water before placing the garment in the washing machine. Remember, always dab – never rub!”