How I Keep Athletic Gear Looking Brand New—Even After the Muddiest Games

Now that the warm weather is here, outdoor sports are back—and with outdoor sports come outdoor stains. Whether you play soccer, rugby, or have a child who plays baseball, sweat stains are inevitable, but what about those other stains you don’t expect right away?

I’ve become a pro at getting all kinds of stains out of my partner’s sportswear, so here is my fool-proof method for tackling some of the most common sports-related stains.

Why Sportswear Is Tricky to Clean

Stains usually settle into sportswear because the synthetic materials that sportswear is made of are porous, making them absorb sweat, blood, grass, and mud much more easily than other kinds of clothes.

Treating stains regularly can increase the lifespan and improve the overall look of your gear.

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My Go-To Method for Getting My Boyfriend’s Sportswear Clean Every Time

First things first, I get the fabric wet as soon as possible to loosen the fibers and lift the surface stain. Always rinse stains with cold water because hot water can make the stains set in faster. After rinsing the stain under cold water for a minute or two, I’ll fill my sink or tub with more cold water and place the clothing in to soak with a little bit of detergent.

Depending on the stains present, I’ll either add a stain remover, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or baking soda into the water—or a combination of all. I’ve learned the hard way that the best thing to do is let these things soak for as long as possible before rinsing them, so I’ll let his sportswear soak for at least an hour as I go about my day doing other tasks.

When it’s time to rinse, I place the clothes under more cold water and make sure the fabric is free of detergent before I start inspecting for stains. I try not to scrub our sportswear too roughly to protect the fabric (who wants a pilled pair of shorts?) from damage, so if I see stains remaining, I’ll spot treat them with a stronger stain remover.

After popping them in the wash, the stains usually come out pretty stain-free—and I’ve got a secret for getting rid of bad odors too.

4 Tips for Preventing Set-in Stains

Stain removal can be tricky, so here are some tips to make it a little easier:

• Always rinse clothes under cold water to prevent stains from setting in.
• Keep a stain remover pen handy for game day touch-ups—the sooner the stain gets treated, the better.
• Wash jerseys separately from rough items like jeans or towels.
• Air dry clothes to prevent any lingering residue from setting in.