Whether you’re gearing up for a game, practicing at home, or keeping active through workouts, your sports jerseys work hard and pick up stains fast. From red clay and grass to organic stains from sweat and protein, it takes care and technique to preserve performance fabrics and vibrant colors. In this blog, we will cover our expert-backed tips to help your team’s jersey stash look and smell fresh all season long, while protecting logos, numbers, and fabric integrity. 

Why Stain Care Matters for Athletic Gear

Stains can be stubborn and sometimes long-lasting. Here are three reasons you should focus on stain care for your sports jerseys and athletic clothing:

1. Technical fabrics are delicate. Many jerseys are polyester blends or sublimated fabrics. Using harsh heat or bleach can degrade dyes or stitching. These materials are designed for breathability and moisture control, but that also means they’re more sensitive to washing conditions. To keep their vibrant colors and stretch, always use mild detergents and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. We recommend using cold water for any sports fabrics you have.
2. Stains set over time. The longer you wait, the harder it is to remove a stain. The Cleaning Institute suggests dealing with a stain as soon as it happens, rather than letting it sit and potentially permanently altering your clothing.
3. You still need strong stain-fighting formulas. Using a good enzymatic or oxygen-based treatment improves your chance of full removal without damaging performance fabrics. Choosing the best stain remover for clothes will improve the longevity and durability of your activewear.

Pre-treat Fast & Correctly

When dealing with stubborn stains on athletic or porous fabric, pre-treating is a must. Here are a few tips on how to properly prepare your jerseys before you throw them in the wash.

• Rinse or flush off surface dirt. As soon as possible after practice or a match, run cool water through the stained area to loosen dirt, sweat, or clay before it binds deeper. Avoid using hot water at this stage; it can cause protein-based stains like blood or sweat to set. If you can’t wash the jersey right away, blot the area gently with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent the stain from spreading. We recommend treating stains based on their type—like grass, sweat, or dirt—and using the right blotting method for each to get the best results.
• Choose the best stain remover for clothes. Look for enzyme-based or oxygen-based stain treatments that are safe on colorfast synthetics. Choosing an oxygen-based stain remover ensures that your activewear fabrics stay stretchy, sweat-wicking, and odor-free.
• Gently work it in. Apply the treatment to the back side of the stain when possible. Use a soft-bristle brush or fingers to gently work the solution into the fibers, and avoid aggressive scrubbing that can damage fabric.
• Let it sit. Allow the treatment to dwell for at least 10–15 minutes, or per product instructions. For heavy or older stains, an overnight soak may yield better results.
• Bonus tip for on-the-go: To treat stains as they come, Conde Nast Traveler recommends you keep a portable stain pen or spray (Tide To Go, Shout Wipe & Go, etc.) in your gym bag for on-the-go touchups.

Using The Best Stain Remover For Clothes

Now that you have pre-treated your stains, it’s time to send them to the wash. Here are some reminders for your wash day in order to keep your jerseys fresh.

• Use the correct water temperature. Always follow the care label on your athletic gear. Cold water is usually the safest option since it won’t set stains or damage dyes, but warmer water can help dissolve oil-based stains if the fabric allows. According to The Spruce, it’s best to start with a cold wash when you’re unsure about which temperature to use.
• Use a gentle but efficient detergent. Choose a high-quality detergent with enzymatic or oxygen cleaning agents. Avoid overly harsh bleach unless fabric care allows it. We have an article detailing all of the proper detergents and stain treatments to use in order to select the best stain remover for clothes, especially your activewear.
• Inspect before drying. After the wash, check the stained area while still wet. If any stain remains, reapply stain remover and wash again. Never proceed to the dryer until stains are fully gone. If you must, use a gentle bristle brush or sponge to work out stains and problem areas by hand. Make sure the fibers on whatever tool you are using do not snag or tear your athletic fabrics.
• Air-dry or use low heat. Unless the garment label allows high-heat tumble-drying, air-dry, or use low heat settings. Heat can compromise elasticity, trim, or printed graphics.

Conclusion

Staying on top of stain removal is key to preserving your team’s appearance—and ensuring jerseys last through every season. Choose a high-quality enzymatic or oxygen-based product whenever possible, treat stains as early as you can, follow care label guidelines, and never let stains bake into the fabric.

Want professional support or full-service laundering tips for team gear? Contact Automatic Laundry today to learn how we can help manage your uniform care with precision and convenience.