Caring for Athletic Uniforms

When the ball's in play, a clean uniform is the last thing on anyone's mind. But, once that final whistle blows, those dirty uniforms come in from the field and off the court to confront their next challenge: getting clean.

The best cleaning method depends on the fiber content of the fabric, the type of soil and the colorfastness of the dyes. Synthetic fibers, including nylon, polyester and spandex, are commonly used to create fabrics that are washable at high temperatures. However, because the dyes used for athletic uniforms are often water-soluble, fading or dye transfer during washing may be a problem. To avoid this, read and follow instructions on garment care labels. Frequently, a cold-water wash is recommended because higher temperatures may cause the colors to bleed. To prevent bleeding, it's also best to avoid soaking the items for long periods of time. If a damp garment cannot be cleaned immediately, hang it to air dry

Mud, grass and perspiration are common enemies of clean athletic uniforms, warns The Soap and Detergent Association. Before treating these stains, test the removal procedures in an inconspicuous spot on the garment.

For mud stains, let the garment dry and then brush off as much of the mud as possible. Petreat with a pretreat product, a paste of granular detergent and water or a liquid laundry detergent.

For grass stains, pretreat with a product containing enzymes. If the stains remain, launder with an all color bleach that is safe for the fabric.

For perspiration stains, apply a prewash stain remover or rub the affected area with bar soap. If the fabric color has changed, treatment depends on the age of the stain. For fresh stains, apply ammonia; for old stains, apply white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly, then launder. If the stains remain, wash in a product containing enzymes or oxygen bleach.

Athletic uniforms should be dried at a low temperature. A high temperature may cause shrinkage and permanent wrinkling. When dry, remove items from the dryer and hang them up to help prevent permanent wrinkling.

Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-8290 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.