How to Wash Rash Guard
Wondering how to wash a rash guard and how to get the smell out of rash guards then this is the post for you.
We’ve also included our top tips and our full care guide for how to properly clean your rashguard and make it last for a long time.
Link: If you’re looking for a new rash guard check out our post on the best bjj rash guards
How to Wash a BJJ Rash Guard
Immediately when you get in from jiu jitsu training throw it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water with strong detergents then let it hang dry.
Tips for Washing and Care:
- Do not use bleach
- Do not use softeners
- Do not iron
- Do not wash in hot water
- Wash the rash guard inside out
-Lastly, if the brand of rash guard says it pre shrunk, you can likely put it in the dryer on low heat (i’ve found that when I put my rash guards in the dryer they tend to smell better – but always check with the label/brand)
-See below for how to deal with a smelly rash guard or one that you cannot get the smell out of.
Full Rash Guard Care Guide
1. Throw It in the Wash Immediately When You Get Home
1.1 Do Not Let It Sit Unwashed and Sweaty in a Confined Space
The biggest mistake I see people make who start jiu jitsu in terms of washing their rash guard is that they leave it in their gym bag or in their trunk.
Having a rash guard sit sweaty and dry up is the number one thing that leads to a rash guard get a permanent smell to it.
While the tips mentioned further down in this post can help when dealing with a permanentaly smelly rash guard, sometimes you may just have to give up and buy a new one.
1.2 Follow Washing Instructions from the Brand
Let us be honest, how many times have you bought a piece of clothing but never read the care or washing instructions? While most jiu jitsu rash guards are safe to follow the common washing instructions outline in this post – it’s always good to check the brand.
Some rash guards may come pre-shrunk and some are able to be thrown in the dryer (while others will shrink terribly if thrown in the dryer).
I prefer to throw my rash guards in the dryer since I find them smelling better than hang drying, but the ones I do put in the dryer and meant for it. I’ve thrown by Nation, Gold BJJ, and Hyperfly rash guards in the dryer and never had an issue.
1.3 Wash Inside-Out
While this isn’t the most important tip, washing your rash guard inside out can help:
- clean it better
- better preserve any graphics on the outside
Most of the time, your bjj rash guard has a print all over or atleast on one portion of it. This can be either sublimated or silk screen. Now in order to preserve the details and design of your gear, we recommend washing it from inside-out. Another reason for doing that is to lessen the chance of having loose fiber or snags on the clothing.
1.4 Choose the Correct Washing Ingredients
Just like any piece of clothing, your bjj rash guard will have a care guide. This can come in the form of a tag attached to the clothing, or even a printed out copy. But here is the thing, you have to read the label in order to find the correct washing ingredients.
I strongly recommend using a sport detergent or one that has active ingredietns that can really help clean your gear and get the smell out of it.
Once you get the idea of what you are allowed to use, you can easily research and read reviews. Sometimes, it can be a trial and error process. Keep in mind that there are some ingredients/products that may work for others, but may not work for you. So just keep on trying to look for the best fit.
1.5 Wash In Cold Water
Washing in cold water guarantees no damage will come from washing your rash guard. If you was it in hot water it may shrink or damage it.
While I haven’t personally had a problem with washing my rash guards in hot water – cold water is always safer.
1.6 Avoid Washing it with other Velcro Clothing
As you know, your bjj rash guard is made of thin material that can easily be subjected to velcro damage. This is because velcros are made of rough material that can cause fabric picking on your rash guard. This means that the fiber ends of your rash guard have pulled away from the fiber surface. Therefore, do not wash your gear with pieces of clothing that have velcro.
2. Hang Dry
After washing your rash guard, we recommend that you hang it to dry. This can be indoor or outdoor. If you live in a warm and sunny place then you can even opt to hang it outside. This is also because the sun’s properties are actually a natural odor killer that can help kill remaining germs and bacteria in your gear.
1.1 Can Consider Using Dryer
While hanging drying your rash guard is always the safest bet, you can put your rash guard in the dryer on low heat if it is pre shrunk or if manufacturer shows dryer use is ok
I’ve found that when I put my rash guards in the dryer they smell better than letting them hang dry. This is someone you can test out on your own too – but make sure to check the manufacturers guide!
How to Avoid a Smelly Rash Guard
You probably have had a rolling partner who consistently has a smelly gi or rash guard. Did you know that this is something avoidable? Here are some of the tips we have for you:
- Never keep it enclosed in a tight bag.
- Toss it immediately in the washing machine.
- Read the washing instructions to ensure proper care and cleansing.
- Use the right laundry products that prevent bacteria build up and eliminate odor.
- Make sure that it is 100% dry before using again.
How to Get the Smell Out of Rash Guards?
Let us be honest, one of your peeves as a bjj practitioner is rolling with someone who smells like they haven’t washed their rash guard in ages or smelling like one of those guys. Well, we are here to help. Did you know that there are different ways for you to actually remove the stench of your rash guard?
Yes! It is possible to have a stink free gear all throughout training. Here are some of the effective tips we have for you:
- Mixture of ½ cup of vinegar and 2 tbsp baking soda – Vinegar and baking soda are actually odor neutralizers and bacteria cleaners. Now, you can mix this concoction to your detergent and spin your rash guard about 2-3 times to ensure that it will be odor free after. Another option is just to soak your rashguard in this mix with some water overnight.
- Oxyclean – One of the famous American cleaning supplies is Oxyclean. It is something less aggressive than bleach but does produce results. It is best used for stains and removing odor. If you would like to use this method, you can soak your bjj rash guard overnight then wash it as normal the day after.
- Detergents with “active ingredients” / made for sport – Selecting the right laundry products for your gear is important. Another option you have is to read product labels and ensure that the products you are purchasing are those with active ingredients or specifically made for sport. These products are often equipped with bacteria cleaning ingredients that can fight off the funk.
Check out this video on how this guy removes odor from his rash guard/gi.
How to Wash a Rash Guard by Hand
If you don’t have access to a washer or prefer to wash it by hand here are some basic steps:
- Using a bucket or bin inside of your tub
- Throw your rash guard in with luke warm water
- Add cleaning product (this can be laundry detergent, soap, and white vinegar)
- Let your rash guard soak for a bit
- Scrub it with your hand for severl minutes
- Lastly, rinse it with lukewarm water to get all the cleaning agents off of it
- And hang dry
While you can definitely wash your rash guard by hand, throwing it in the wash is always recommended as the more effective way to clean your rash guard.
How to Wash a BJJ Gi
Similarly to washing a rash guard:
To wash your bjj gi you should put it inside out in the washer on the cold water setting, use a strong detergent that doesn’t contain bleach, and let it hang dry. You should avoid drying it in the dyer or hanging it in direct sunlight.
The one thing that I would mention is that you should not put your gi in the dryer.
Unlike rash guards, I wouldn’t risk putting your gi in the dryer even if they are pre shrunk. Not only are gi’s more expensive than rash guards but putting it in the dryer can lead to unnecessary damage and shrinkage.
Link: Click here to see our full guide on how to wash a gi with a top tips
Can You Wash Rash Guard and Gi Together?
This is because of its individual composition and materials used. If you wash them together it can cause (minimal) damage. Therefore, ruining your gear.
One thing about it is that your bjj rash guard is actually made of smooth fabric. Meanwhile your gi is something that is made of rough textured material that can break apart some fibers of your rash guard. Another thing is that the required drying can be different from each other.
Thus, washing your gear individually may make your training gear last longer.
Hope this has been a great read! Catch you next time!
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wash a rash guard before wearing it?
If you bought a new rash guard you do not necessarily need to wash it before wearing it.
However, we strongly recommend washing your rashguard immediately after each class to make sure it is clean for the next training session. Just always make sure that you read care instructions to ensure proper washing techniques.
How Often Should You Wash Your Rash Guard?
Each time you go to training and use your rash guard, make sure that you wash it immediately. This means, you must wash your rash guard every after use.
Trust us, you do not want to delay washing your rash guard. The moment you get home from training, make sure you toss it in the washing machine already. By doing so, you will prevent build up of bacteria, dirt and odor.
Note: Never reuse a rash guard that has been worn already but not been washed. Always go to training with clean and well maintained gear.
Can I wash my rash guard in the washing machine?
Definitely! If you have the luxury to use a washing machine to clean your rash guard then by all means, do it. Just always make sure that the water that you are using is cold. This is to prevent possible damages to your rash guard. Aside from that, by using a washing machine you can make sure that all parts of your gear is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, making it good as new!
Can You Put Rash Guards in the Dryer
We do not recommend putting your rash guard in the dryer. Why? Well, because it can cause damage to your gear. If your sublimated rash guard is tossed in the dryer, although print will not fade, the stitches can break. Meanwhile, for a silkscreen rash guard, the print can look worn out or old. Lastly, putting your bjj rash guard in the dryer can cause it to shrink.
However, if it is pre-shrunk and the manufacturer recommends it than by all means feel free to put your rash guard in the dryer on a low heat setting.
Do Rash Guards Shrink?
More often than not, bjj rash guards are actually pre shrunk already. This means the gear is already tailored to fit your body. Moreover, rash guards are typically made of artificial fibres that are not capable of shrinking unless handled incorrectly. For instance, tossing your rash guard in a hot dryer can cost it to shrink.
The key to avoid the urge to toss your rash guard in the drier is to find a good brand that is already pre shrunk, dries quickly so that you can hang dry it and wear it after a few hours.
Why does my rashguard smell?
Your rash guard likely smells or will beging to smell when you begin sweating due to bacteria and germs that have not been fully remove during washing.
If this is the case we recommend using stronger detergents like those rated for sports such as items like Tide Sport or Oxyclean.
Why Are Rash Guards So Expensive?
Rash guards are so expensive for a couple reaons:
- materials used
- manufacturing process
- added benefits like:
- four panel flat lock stitching
- breathable armpit fabrics
- rubber lined waistband
- sublimated graphics
On top of the marketings specifically towards bjj and combat athletes, there are a couple benefits to wearing bjj rash guards that make them more expensive than T-shit or compression shirts.
