Learn how to wash your football girdle in this step-by-step guide, and keep it clean and odor-free until game day! Every football player knows that having an effective girdle will make a huge difference in your game. But did you know that you should be keeping it clean? The number one rule of washing your football girdle is to never wash it with anything other than water, and to never use laundry detergent or fabric softener on it.
Machine wash with cold water
Washing a football girdle requires special care. The best way to avoid over-stretching and tearing is to handwash the garment in cold water. Allow it to soak for about 20 minutes before gently scrubbing any debris off the fabric with an old toothbrush or fingernail brush, then rinse thoroughly. Hang the garment up and allow it to drip dry before storing it away in a clean plastic bag or container. You may also want to invest in a detergent that is made specifically for sports equipment as it will not contain bleach or other harmful chemicals. Also, keep in mind that most footballs come with two types of straps: elastic nylon and hook-and-loop Velcro. Elastic nylon can be removed from the waistband and washed separately from the rest of the ballgown. Hook-and-loop Velcro needs to be carefully separated at each joint by snipping both ends of each strip, so that you have three pieces left. Lay them out flat on top of one another, then wash them together inside out on gentle cycle using a mild soap like Woolite or baby shampoo which won’t leave residue behind on your clothing when rinsed out properly). Rinse these delicates until the suds are gone and lay them out flat on top of one another to air dry. When they’re done, it’s time to reattach too tightly, but be firm enough so that there’s no give if pressure is applied.
hang dry or tumble dry on low heat
Hanging your football girdle out in the sun is a great way to air it. You can also put it on a hanger and hang it inside, but you’ll have to be sure that there are no clothes nearby that might catch the scent of your sweaty undergarments. Hang drying your girdle will preserve the elasticity, so if you want them as new as possible this is the way to go. But if you want them dry quicker, then tumble drying on low heat is best. Make sure not to use too high of heat or else you risk melting the synthetic fabrics and ruining your garment! When using the washer to wash, you should either hand-wash or machine-wash in cold water with mild detergent.
do not iron
It’s important not to iron the football girdle, as you can cause it to lose shape. It’s best to hang the garment up on a hanger and let it air dry. If you must use a washing machine, be sure not to overload the washer in order for it not stretch out of shape. Wash in cold water with a light detergent and tumble dry on low heat or air dry on a hanger for best results. Be sure to wash the shoulder pads separately from other clothing items so they don’t get stretched out of shape. After cleaning your football gear is ready to wear again! When wearing a new football jersey that needs washing, lay it flat and try not to put any pressure on the shoulders when laying flat. Once washed, hang your football jersey in a clean place where it won’t have direct contact with sunlight.
How to Clean Girdle Pads
- Rinse the pads in cold water, then soak them overnight in a solution of one tablespoon of Clorox bleach and two gallons of cold water.
- Drain and rinse the pads thoroughly, then place them in a large bucket with hot soapy water (dish soap is fine).
- Agitate the pads with your hands for about 10 minutes, until they are clean and white.
- Rinse off any soap residue by soaking the pads again in cold water, then wring out excess moisture with your hands or a towel before hanging them up to dry on clotheslines or shower rods.
- When drying outside, make sure to put the wet side against something breezy like a wooden fence so that it dries as quickly as possible; also remember to take it down at night when temperatures drop below 50°F/10°C.
- Finally, let dry completely before putting into use again.
Storage Tips for Football Girdles and Body Pads
If you are not going to wear the garment for an extended period of time, it is best to store the garment in its original packaging. If it does not come with a storage bag, you can use a clear plastic bag or wrap the garment in tissue paper and seal it in a ziploc bag. This will keep your garment from getting wrinkled.
If you need to wash your uniform, do so as soon as possible before any stains have set. Fill a sink with cool water and add some gentle laundry detergent according to the instructions on the bottle. Use your hands or a sponge to gently remove any dirt or grime that is present on the surface of the fabric before placing it into the water. Place one item at a time into the sudsy water and swirl it around. Allow it to soak for about two minutes then rinse by scooping out water with your hand or a cup. Gently squeeze out excess water, roll up in a towel and lay flat to dry. Repeat this process until all items have been washed. It is important to pay attention when selecting which clothes to place together as bleach may ruin colored clothing if they come in contact during washing.
Conclusion
The great thing about a football girdle is that it’s easy to clean. Here are some tips for getting your gear ready for the next game:
- Fill up a bucket with water and add some detergent – use the amount of detergent you think will get your clothes clean.
- Put your dirty items in the bucket and let them soak for at least 10 minutes.
- Rinse well by running water over them until the dirt has been washed away
- Let them air dry or machine dry on a low heat setting
- When they’re done drying, put them back in your drawers or closet! In conclusion, washing a football girdle takes only minimal effort and can be done without too much mess!
