Fall sports can put kids’ clothes through a lot. Soccer uniforms, practice shirts, socks, and shorts often come home covered in grass, mud, sweat, and smells that seem to stick around even after washing.
Many families will be dealing with piles of sports laundry this school year, since a recent KPMG survey found that 7 in 10 families plan to have their children participate in sports. Before giving up on a stained uniform or buying a replacement, try these laundry tips to keep your kids’ clothes wearable throughout the season.
Treat Grass Stains Before Washing
Grass stains can settle into fabric and become harder to remove if you leave them untreated. Rub liquid laundry detergent into the stained area, let it sit for the time stated on the label, then wash the garment according to its care instructions.
Let Mud Dry Before You Deal With It
Scrubbing wet mud can push dirt deeper into the fabric and spread the stain to a larger area. Let the mud dry completely, brush or shake off the loose dirt, and treat the remaining mark before washing.
Don’t Let Sweaty Clothes Sit in a Bag
Sweaty uniforms left in a closed sports bag can develop stubborn odors, especially when the fabric stays damp for hours. Take the clothes out as soon as your child gets home and let them air out before washing.
Pretreat the Worst Areas
Knees, elbows, collars, and underarms often collect more dirt and sweat than the rest of a sports uniform. Apply laundry detergent directly to those areas before washing, following the product label for the amount and waiting time.
For especially stubborn grass stains, ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Laundry Detergent may be worth trying as a pretreatment. Work a small amount into the stained fabric as directed on the label, then wash the item as usual.
Check Stains Before Using the Dryer
A stain that survives the wash may become harder to remove after exposure to dryer heat. Check the garment before drying it, and treat and wash it again if the mark is still visible.
Turn Uniforms Inside Out
Sports uniforms often have printed numbers, team logos, and other details that can wear down with repeated washing. Turn them inside out before putting them in the machine to reduce friction on the outer fabric and help wash away sweat and body oils.
Give Really Dirty Clothes Their Own Load
A uniform covered in mud doesn’t always belong in the same load as lightly worn shirts and everyday clothes. Wash heavily soiled sports gear separately when needed, follow the care labels, and avoid overloading the machine.
Related: Your Clothes Shouldn’t Age You — but These 12 Fashion Mistakes
Don’t Forget the Socks
Sports socks can hold onto grass, dirt, and sweat long after practice or a game has ended. Shake off loose dirt, pretreat visible stains, and turn the socks right side out before washing so water and detergent can reach the areas that need cleaning.
Related: Fun DIY Projects You Can Make With Old Socks
Air Out Sports Bags, Too
A musty sports bag can make freshly washed clothes smell unpleasant again if you pack them away before the bag dries. Empty it after each game, remove any damp items, and leave it open to air out before storing it.
Deal With Sports Laundry as Soon as You Can
Muddy and sweaty clothes are easier to manage if you don’t leave them in a pile for several days. Empty the sports bags, shake off dried dirt, and pretreat visible stains soon after practice so laundry day involves less scrubbing.
