Did you know that the average life expectancy of a football jersey is around 3 years? After being washed and worn so often, it’s not surprising. But what if we told you there was a way to make your football jersey last long enough to be passed down to your children?
You read right. With these four easy steps, you can make your current jersey last at least 12 years.
Read on to learn these three easy steps to help make your jersey last longer.
Step One: Proper Storage
The first step to making your football jersey last longer is proper storage. The less time your jersey isn't in use, the longer it will last.
If you want to keep it in great condition, keep it on a hanger, not folded up in a drawer. This will help prevent the fabric from wrinkling and creasing.
If hanging isn’t an option, then store your jersey in a breathable cotton bag or box in order to keep it from getting dirty or wrinkled. Cotton is an absorbent fabric that will help maintain its shape and give it some extra life.
It's also important to store your jersey in a cool and dry place that is free of sunlight. UV light is known to cause damage to fabrics like cotton and polyester, so putting your jersey somewhere away from direct sunlight is important for its longevity.
Step Two: Laundering
Wash with a cold water cycle in the washing machine. Use high quality color protecting detergent. Make sure it’s bleach-less and powdered. Liquid detergent can damage the fabric over time.
Hand-wash your jersey every fourth wash to maintain its shape, preventing any unnecessary stretching or shrinking.
Never put your jersey in the dryer. Hang it up to dry after every use so that the shape remains intact. You'll also see a major improvement in its longevity. Be sure not to hang it on a clothesline outside, however, to avoid keeping it in the sun for too long.
Step Three: Treat Stains Right Away and Store the Jersey Correctly
So, you have a stain. Now what? It’s important to treat stains right away. To do this, get some paper towels or a sponge and place it over the stain before applying pressure with your finger. This will absorb the liquid without damaging your jersey.
Wash your hands immediately afterward to avoid staining the shirt even more. Then soak the stain in cold water, and take a sponge and rub the powder detergent into the stain. Before long the stain should fade away.
Conclusion
Use these few tips to keep your jersey as fresh as the day you proudly bought it. When you want to show off your jersey, you don’t want anything taking away from the effect. Whether you’re at the sports bar, at home watching the game with your friends, or just out and about rocking your Keep it clean and pristine as you cheer on your team.