11/22/2022

Caring for Team Jerseys

I am a huge college basketball fan.  While my team is the Indiana Hoosiers (no jokes here folks; I know they have been terrible for years), I’ll watch any Big 10 basketball game.  And while doing so, I will wear one of my many Indiana t-shirts or sweatshirts.  My brother-in-law is a huge Kentucky fan, so there is plenty of trash talk back and forth.  Jeff is so committed to his team that he has multiple prized team jerseys.

I checked online, and UK jerseys start at $100 and go all the way up to $350.  That’s a lot of money for a shirt, so now I understand why he is so careful while wearing one.  Just like Jeff, many of our customers don’t want to risk ruining such a prized garment, so they choose to have A Cleaner World care for them.  If you opt to care for your team jersey at home, here are a few things you need to know:

• These garments are usually made from synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, spandex, or a blend.
• The biggest concern while cleaning is dye bleeding, so it’s incredibly important to follow the instructions on the care label.  If the color does bleed when washed according to the manufacturer’s directions, return it to the place of purchase.
• If it is brand new, consider washing it alone the first go round.
• Treat any mud, grass, or food stains before placing in the washer.
• Turn the garment inside out to avoid abrasions.
• Dry in the dryer if the care label indicates that it is safe but avoid high drying temperatures.  Remove as soon as the cycle is complete. Shrinkage and permanent wrinkles may result, and anything with laminated logos should be air dried.  The heat from the dryer could cause the logo or letters to crack or stick together.
• Again, check the care label for ironing instructions.  Polyester is usually safe to iron on the lowest temperature setting but avoid ironing areas with laminated logos or letters because they can melt or smear.
• If your jersey is autographed, it is better off not being cleaned or washed.  All ink, including sharpie, fades with each cleaning, and over time, that special autograph will fade away.

If you have a team jersey that needs attention, drop it off at one of our locations or use our home delivery service.  We will take special care of it for you.