Our sports demand a lot from us, but they also demand a lot from our gear. Whether it’s muddy soccer cleats, sweaty jerseys, or grass-stained baseball pants, keeping your equipment in top shape for game day can feel like an endurance event all on its own. But with a few pro-level moves on how to clean sports clothes, you can make sure your gear is fresh, clean, and ready to tackle the next big play. Here’s your ultimate playbook for keeping your sports gear game-ready all season long.
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1. Pre-Treat Stains ASAP
Sports gear takes a beating. Sweat, dirt, and grass stains set quickly, so pre-treating stains as soon as possible is a must. Use a pre-treatment spray or a paste of water and baking soda on tough spots to help break down grime. For more stubborn stains, apply a bit of white vinegar directly to the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing — just make sure to test a small amount of the vinegar on an inconspicuous part of the uniform (like an interior seam) first, to check for colorfastness.
Related: Does Dry Cleaning Remove Stains?
2. Wash Uniforms Separately
Mixing sports wear with everyday clothes can lead to color bleeds and transferred odors. To keep colors vibrant, wash sports uniforms separately using cold water to prevent shrinkage and preserve the fabric. Look for detergents designed for sports fabrics, as they’re formulated to break down sweat and grime effectively while protecting uniform materials.
3. Clean Pads, Gloves, and Protective Gear
Unlike uniforms, many forms of sports pads and protective gear can’t just be tossed in the washing machine. Instead:
- Hand wash pads and gloves in warm water with a mild detergent.
- Disinfect with a vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar, 2 parts water) to remove bacteria and odors. If the sweat stink persists, you may need to treat them multiple times.
- Air-dry completely to avoid mildew growth. Hang the items in a well-ventilated area or place them outside in the sun if possible.
4. Deodorize with Baking Soda
Sweaty sports gear can start to smell real strong, real fast. A sprinkle of baking soda in gym bags, shoes, and even helmets can neutralize odors between washes. Just let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then shake out the baking soda before your next use.
Related: How to Remove Sweat Stains & Odors From Hats
5. Use Mesh Laundry Bags
Mesh laundry bags are lifesavers for smaller sports gear like socks, shin guards, and headbands. Washing these items in a mesh bag helps prevent them from tangling and keeps everything together, so you don’t lose smaller items in the wash.
6. Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softener can break down performance fabrics over time, reducing their breathability and capacity to wick away sweat. Instead, stick to a sports-specific detergent for all sports wear, which is gentler on technical fabrics.
7. Proper Storage Between Games
Storing your sports gear correctly helps keep it fresh and extends its lifespan. Let gear air out after each use, avoiding stuffy closets or damp spaces. Hang jerseys and uniforms to prevent wrinkles, and use a shoe deodorizer or baking soda for cleats and sneakers to keep them odor-free.
8. Clean Shoes and Cleats with Special Care
Shoes and cleats are often the messiest items of all, and so naturally they require a little extra love:
- Wipe off mud and dirt after each use with a damp cloth.
- Hand wash removable inserts and let them air dry separately.
- For fabric shoes, use a gentle detergent and water mix to scrub the exterior, then air-dry.
9. Use Professional Cleaning for Delicate Materials and Tough Stains
Some messes need an extra level of care, and sports gear is no exception. A reliable professional can handle everything from complex fabrics to heavy-duty stains, making sure your gear is clean, fresh, and game-ready.
Fresh Gear, Better Performance: Leave It to the Pros
Keeping your sports gear clean shouldn’t be harder than the game itself. If you’ve got uniforms or delicate sportswear needing professional care, Dependable Cleaners is here for the assist. With our quality guarantee, eco-friendly cleaning methods, same-day service, free pickup & delivery, and 24-hour self-serve kiosks, you can focus on practice and making the big plays — knowing we’ve got the gear covered.
For the cleanest sports uniforms around, call us at 303-777-2673, or visit one of our convenient Denver area locations.
