Tips for Cleaning an Authentic Football Jersey

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To remove stains from an authentic football jersey, follow these steps:

1. Pre-treat the stain: Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess liquid or debris. Avoid rubbing, as it may spread the stain.

2. Choose the appropriate stain remover: Based on the type of stain (e.g., grass, sweat, dirt), select a suitable stain remover. Read the instructions carefully and test it on an inconspicuous area of the jersey first.

3. Apply the stain remover: Apply the stain remover directly to the stained area and gently rub it in with a soft brush or cloth. Let it sit for the recommended amount of time.

4. Wash the jersey: Follow the care instructions on the jersey’s label and wash it in cold water using a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they may damage the fabric.

5. Air dry or tumble dry on low: After washing, either air dry the jersey or tumble dry it on a low heat setting. Avoid high heat, as it can shrink or warp the fabric.

6. Check for any remaining stains: Inspect the jersey after it has dried. If any stains persist, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process.

Remember, always check the specific care instructions for your football jersey, as different materials may require slightly different cleaning methods.


If you’re a dedicated fan of your team, wearing an authentic football jersey is a great way to show your support. However, if you wear the jersey to a tailgate party or while playing a game, it may get stained. The method you use to remove the stain depends on the type of stain you have.

The Fabric of a Football Jersey

An authentic football jersey is typically made of washable polyester. The manufacturer may recommend washing it in cold water.

Football jerseys often have decorative elements like lettering, piping, and decals in contrasting colors, which can complicate stain removal, especially if you have a white sports jersey. Check the care label on your jersey for any laundering recommendations. However, the label won’t provide specific stain removal tips. You need to identify the stain in order to treat it properly.

Removing Food Stains

If your jersey has food stains, such as ketchup, pretreat the stain with a strong liquid detergent before washing it. If the detergent doesn’t fully remove the stain, soak the shirt overnight in a water and bleach solution that is safe for all fabrics.

If these methods don’t work, you can try chlorine bleach. However, be aware that chlorine bleach may remove the color from the jersey. On a white jersey, it could also affect the contrasting elements. Test the bleach on a hidden seam to see how the fabric reacts. If the color bleeds during the test, chlorine bleach will likely change the shirt’s color or leave a discolored spot. In that case, you may choose to live with the stain.

Don’t wash and dry the shirt until you’ve successfully removed the stain or tried all the stain removal methods. Washing and drying could permanently set the stain.

Removing Grease Stains

If your football jersey has grease-based stains, such as from mayonnaise or a hamburger, quickly spray the stained area with a laundry stain remover. Use enough spray to saturate the stain. If the stain persists, rub some heavy-duty laundry detergent on the spot and wash it as soon as possible.

For stubborn stains on a polyester jersey, try using a color-safe oxygen bleach. If that doesn’t work, place the shirt over some paper towels (to protect the work surface) and apply dry cleaning solvent. Allow the solvent to dry and then rinse it out before laundering the garment.

Removing Grass Stains

Getting tackled and falling on the grass is part of football, so you may end up with grass stains on your jersey. The best approach to removing a grass stain is to use a commercial prewash stain remover. Apply the stain remover to both sides of the fabric and let it sit for a few minutes. Wash the shirt with heavy-duty laundry detergent and a color-safe bleach.

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