Knowing how to wash a football shirt correctly is essential if you want to protect prints, sponsors, and fabric — especially when it comes to retro football shirts and rare kits. Whether you’ve picked up a classic from our Original Retro Football Shirts collection or received a surprise from one of our Mystery Football Shirt Boxes, washing a football shirt the wrong way can cause peeling badges, cracked sponsors, and permanent damage. In this guide, we’ll explain the best way to wash football shirts, including how to clean retro and vintage football shirts, how to wash shirts with name sets, and what mistakes to avoid to keep your kit looking match-day fresh for years to come.

1. Pre-Wash Assessment:

Before diving into the washing process, take a moment to assess your football shirt. Look for stains, dirt, and any particularly stubborn spots. Identifying problem areas beforehand will help you treat them more effectively during the washing process.

2. Check the Care Label:

Most football shirts come with care labels that provide specific instructions for washing. Always read and follow these guidelines as they are tailored to the fabric and construction of the shirt. Ignoring care labels can lead to fading, shrinkage, or damage to logos and numbers.

3. Sort Your Laundry:

Separate your football shirts from other laundry items, especially those with abrasive materials like jeans or clothes with zippers. Washing them separately reduces the risk of snags or damage to the delicate fabric.

4. Turn the Shirt Inside Out:

Before placing your football shirt in the washing machine, turn it inside out. This helps protect the vibrant colors on the outside and minimizes friction against the logo and numbers, reducing the risk of peeling or cracking.

5. Choose the Right Detergent:

Opt for a mild detergent that is free from bleach or harsh chemicals. Bleach can fade colors and weaken the fabric. Liquid detergents are generally gentler than powders and are less likely to leave residues.

6. Use Cold Water:

Wash your football shirts in cold water. Hot water can cause colors to bleed and weaken the fabric. If using a washing machine set the temperature to no more than 20C.

7. Gentle Cycle:

Select the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This cycle is designed to minimize agitation, which can be harsh on the fabric and graphics.

8. Avoid Fabric Softeners:

Fabric softeners can leave a film on the shirt, which may dull the colors and affect the breathability of the fabric. It's best to skip the softener when washing football shirts.