Any youth sport coach will tell you that a dirty uniform is a beautiful thing — a sign of true effort and hustle.
As the parent, however, your hard work begins after the game, to get that uniform bright and clean again. To help you out, we’ve compiled some tried-and-true ways to keep your child’s jersey and other associated gear in great condition all summer.
Here are some field-tested tips for washing baseball and soccer gear.
How to wash a baseball or soccer uniform
Your child’s team-issued uniform likely includes a jersey, hat, pants or shorts, and socks. There may be additional pieces such as a warm-up shirt or other spirit wear.
Without the official uniform, your young athlete can’t go on the field. As such, all pieces should be treated with extreme care during the washing process to avoid any damage, shrinking or discoloring.
Here’s a step-by-step game plan for uniform washing:
Your step-by-step game plan to washing kids sports gear:
Step 1: Label everything
Label all uniform pieces with your child’s name and number to prevent mix-ups with teammates. The Mabel’s Labels Kids’ Sports Label Pack is designed especially for this.
Step 2: Check the tag
Many jerseys are made from high-tech, moisture-wicking fabrics. These may require:
- Cold water only
- Hang to dry
Plan ahead so everything has time to fully air-dry before the next game or practice.
Step 3: Pre-treat like a pro
Uniform stains can include:
- Dirt, grass, sand, clay, turf
- Gatorade
- Post-game ice cream
Apply stain remover generously before washing. For tougher spots:
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- Pre-soak in the laundry tub
- Or scrub with an old toothbrush
A side note about laundry products: the best advice and recommendations come from other sports parents. Once at a tournament in Pittsburgh, I struck up a conversation with a random mom about the difficulties of washing white baseball pants. She happily shared all her trade secrets and laundry hacks — including one I still haven’t tried, which was to take an old-fashioned laundry soap bar, run it over a cheese grater, and add the grated-up flakes to the washload.
- Step 4: After proactively treating the stains, launder the uniform at the appropriate water temperature. Take advantage of any bonus features on your washing machine, such as “pre-soak,” “heavy soil” or “extra rinse”.
How to laundry stripping your kids’ sports gear (for next-level stink)
If regular washing isn’t cutting it, try “laundry stripping.”
This method involves soaking clean clothes in a tub with:
- Water
- Borax
- Washing soda
- Powdered detergent
After about four hours:
- Gently wring out the clothes
- Run a final rinse cycle
It’s a deep clean that can help tackle stubborn odors.
Tips for washing baseball and soccer gear
Here are a few simple steps to keep your child’s important (and expensive!) sports gear in prime condition.
Washing footwear
- Take cleats outside and knock off dirt and grass
- Wipe mud with a soft cloth
- Remove insoles if wet
- Let everything dry in the sun
How to wash soccer shin pads
On busy weekends:
- Spritz with disinfectant spray to control bacteria
For a deeper clean:
- Scrub with soapy water (inside and out)
- Soak for 15 minutes
- Rinse well
- Dry in the sun
Most shin guards can go in the washing machine:
- Use a pillowcase or delicates bag
- Choose a gentle cycle
- Always air dry (never the dryer)
How to clean catcher’s gear for baseball or softball
A catcher’s leg guards and chest protector have multiple straps and buckles that aren’t well-suited for the washing machine. It’s best to perform a full cleaning before or after the season:
- Manually scrub with soapy water
- Rinse thoroughly
- Hang outside to dry completely
Washing baseball and softball helmets
Catcher’s masks (traditional):
- Wipe inner padding with a disinfecting wipe
Goalie-style masks:
- Remove padded inserts (if possible)
- Wash separately in a pillowcase or bag
- Dry outdoors or on low heat
Batting helmets:
- Wipe the outer shell
- Leave inner foam alone
- Air out after games to prevent odor buildup
Tips for cleaning smelly baseball and softball gloves
Leather and water don’t mix, so avoid dunking a baseball glove in a washing tub or spraying it with a hose. Instead, manually clean it with a soft brush or towel, as suggested in these expert tips.
Similarly, batting gloves are made from specialized materials and require careful cleaning. Check the specific company’s website for care and maintenance instructions.
How to clean baseball caps
I don’t believe in those plastic cap cages for the dishwasher or washing machine.
In my experience, soaking a hat can ruin its shape.
Instead:
- Spot-clean with a damp cloth
- Let it dry on a volleyball (or similar-sized ball) to hold its shape
With these simple tips, you’ll be sending your child out on the field looking clean, professional and ready to compete. After the game, remember to praise their dirty shirt or grass-stained pants, as it shows they’re trying their best!
Wondering how to wash hockey gear? Check out these tips!
