10 Tips on How to Wash Rugby Gear
Rugby is a fun and exciting sport, but it can make your clothes very dirty. Rugby shirts, shorts, socks, and other gear get muddy, sweaty, and smelly after every game. If you want your gear to last longer and stay fresh, you must wash it the right way. In this blog, we will share 10 simple tips to wash your rugby gear. These tips are easy to follow and will help you keep your clothes clean, safe, and ready for the next game.
1. Check the Labels
Every piece of rugby gear has a small label. The label tells you how to wash it safely. It shows the best water temperature, whether you can use a washing machine, and if bleach is safe. If you ignore the label, your gear can shrink, fade, or get ruined. Always check the label before washing so your rugby shirts and shorts stay in good shape.
2. Rinse Off Mud and Dirt First
Rugby games are often played on muddy fields. If you put muddy clothes directly into the washing machine, the dirt can spread and make a bigger mess. Before washing, rinse your clothes with cold water. Use a tap or sink to remove big dirt and mud. This step makes it easier to wash the gear and keeps your washing machine cleaner too.
3. Separate Colors
Your rugby gear may have dark and light colors. If you wash them together, the colors can mix, and your white clothes may turn gray. Always wash dark colors like black, blue, and red separately from light colors like white and sky blue. Separating colors keeps your clothes bright and looking new for longer.
4. Use a Gentle Detergent
Rugby clothes are made from strong materials, but harsh detergents can still damage them. Use a mild detergent to clean your gear. If your clothes are very sweaty or smelly, choose a detergent made for sports clothes. Sports detergents remove sweat, odor, and stains without hurting the fabric. This keeps your gear fresh and safe to wear.
5. Wash in Cold Water
Hot water can shrink your rugby shirts and shorts, and it can also make colors fade. Cold water is the safest choice. Washing in cold water removes dirt and sweat while keeping your clothes the same size. It also protects logos, numbers, and colors so your gear looks great after many washes.
6. Turn Clothes Inside Out
Before putting your rugby gear in the washing machine, turn each piece inside out. This simple step protects the logos, numbers, and designs printed on the clothes. It also helps remove sweat and dirt from the side that touches your skin the most. Turning clothes inside out keeps them looking new and prevents scratches on the fabric.
7. Use a Laundry Bag for Small Items
Rugby socks, mouthguards, and small accessories can get lost or damaged in the washing machine. To prevent this, put small items in a mesh laundry bag. The bag keeps your items together and protects them during washing. It also stops them from tangling with bigger clothes, making washing easier and safer for all your gear.
8. Avoid Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners make clothes feel soft and smell nice, but they are not good for rugby gear. Softener can damage the fabric, reduce breathability, and make the material sticky. Instead, use a little extra rinse if your clothes feel rough. Avoiding fabric softener helps your rugby gear last longer and keeps it comfortable for playing.
9. Air Dry, Don’t Use a Dryer
Rugby clothes can shrink or lose shape if you put them in a dryer. High heat can also fade colors. The best way to dry your gear is to air dry it. Hang shirts on hangers, and hang socks and shorts on a line. Drying inside out can protect colors and designs. Air drying keeps your rugby clothes in great condition and ready for the next game.
10. Clean Your Gear After Every Game
Some players wait a few days to wash their gear. This is not a good idea. Sweat, mud, and bacteria can make clothes smelly and unhealthy. Washing your rugby gear after every game keeps it fresh and safe. Clean clothes also prevent skin irritation, rashes, and bad odors. Always wash your gear soon after playing to protect yourself and your clothes.
Extra Tips for Tough Stains
Rugby can leave tough stains like grass, mud, and blood on your gear. Don’t worry—there are simple ways to remove them. For grass stains, rub a little soap on the stain before washing. For blood, always use cold water, not hot. For mud, let it dry first, then brush it off. These extra tips help your clothes stay clean and look new, even after tough games.
How to Keep Your Gear Fresh Longer
To keep rugby gear fresh, wash your hands and body before putting on clothes. This stops extra dirt and sweat from getting on your gear. Store wet or sweaty clothes in a dry place to prevent mold and odor. If your clothes smell between games, use a sports deodorizing spray. Small habits like these keep your gear smelling fresh and lasting longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many rugby players make simple washing mistakes. Washing gear with heavy clothes like jeans can tear shirts. Using bleach can ruin colors and fabric. Not rinsing mud before washing can leave stains. Drying clothes in direct sunlight can fade colors. Avoid these mistakes to keep your gear safe, clean, and in good condition.
Why Washing Rugby Gear Properly Matters
Washing rugby gear the right way is important. It keeps your clothes clean, removes bacteria and sweat, protects colors, and makes your gear last longer. Clean gear also helps you stay healthy and prevents skin problems. Taking care of your rugby clothes ensures you are always ready for the next match.
Conclusion
Washing rugby gear properly is more than just keeping your clothes clean. It is about taking care of your health, your gear, and even your performance on the field. Rugby is a tough sport, and your gear goes through a lot every time you play. Mud, sweat, grass stains, and even blood can make your clothes dirty and smelly. If you do not wash your gear properly, it can shrink, fade, or get damaged. You might even risk skin irritation or infections.
By following the 10 tips in this guide, you can keep your rugby shirts, shorts, socks, and other accessories fresh and long-lasting. Checking the labels, rinsing off mud, separating colors, using gentle detergent, washing in cold water, turning clothes inside out, using laundry bags, avoiding fabric softener, air drying, and washing after every game—these steps may seem simple, but together they make a big difference.
Taking care of your rugby gear also saves you money. Quality rugby clothes are not cheap, and proper washing ensures they do not wear out too quickly. It also helps maintain the team logos, numbers, and designs, so your gear always looks professional and sharp.
Finally, washing your rugby gear properly teaches good habits. It helps you develop discipline, responsibility, and respect for your sports equipment. Clean, well-maintained gear makes you feel confident on the field and ready to give your best performance every time.
Remember, your rugby gear works hard for you during every game. Washing it the right way is your way of working hard for it. Take care of your gear, and it will take care of you.
FAQs About Washing Rugby Gear
Q1: Can I wash rugby gear in hot water?
No, hot water can shrink your clothes and fade the colors. Always use cold water to protect the fabric and logos.
Q2: Can I put my rugby gear in the dryer?
It is better to avoid the dryer. High heat can shrink clothes and ruin the shape. Hang your gear to air dry instead.
Q3: How often should I wash my rugby gear?
You should wash your rugby gear after every game. Waiting too long can make clothes smelly and increase bacteria growth.
Q4: Can I use bleach on rugby clothes?
No, bleach can damage the fabric and fade colors. Use mild detergent or a sports detergent instead.
Q5: How do I remove tough stains like grass or blood?
For grass stains, rub a little soap on the stain before washing. For blood stains, use cold water. For mud, let it dry first and brush off the dirt before washing.
Q6: Should I wash small items like socks and mouthguards with big clothes?
No, small items can get lost or tangled. Use a mesh laundry bag to wash small items safely.
Q7: Can I use fabric softener on rugby gear?
It is better not to. Fabric softeners can damage the fabric and reduce breathability. Use extra rinse if the clothes feel rough.
Q8: How can I keep my rugby gear fresh between games?
Store your gear in a dry place, wash your body before wearing clothes, and use sports deodorizing spray if needed.
Q9: Why should I turn clothes inside out before washing?
Turning clothes inside out protects logos, numbers, and designs. It also helps remove sweat and dirt from the inside.
Q10: Will washing rugby gear properly make it last longer?
Yes! Proper washing keeps the fabric, colors, and designs in good condition. Your gear will look new and last many seasons.
