BJJ Gi Care Guide: How to Keep Your Gi Fresh, Durable & Competition-Ready

1. Washing Your Gi

Pre-Wash Prep

• Turn Inside Out: Protects outer fabric and patches/stitching from friction damage.
• Close All Velcro: Prevents snagging on other clothing.
• Pre-Treat Stains: Use a stain remover or baking soda paste on blood, grass, or sweat marks.

Machine Washing

• *Water Temperature: *Always use cold water (hot water shrinks fabric and weakens fibers).
• *Detergent: Use a mild, *fragrance-free detergent (e.g., Tide Free & Clear). Avoid bleach or fabric softeners—they degrade fibers and trap odors.
• Cycle Type: Gentle or delicate cycle to preserve stitching.
• *Frequency: Wash *immediately after training to prevent bacterial growth and odors.

Pro Tip: Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to kill bacteria and soften fabric naturally.

2. Drying Your Gi

Air-Drying (Best Method)

• Hang Dry: Use a sturdy hanger or clothesline. Shake the gi to reduce wrinkles.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays fade colors and weaken fabric. Dry in shade or indoors.
• Shape While Drying: Smooth out sleeves and collars to maintain fit.

Machine Drying (Use Sparingly)

• Low Heat Only: High heat shrinks gis dramatically.
• Remove While Damp: Finish air-drying to control shrinkage.
• Tumble with Towels: Adds cushioning to reduce abrasion.

*Pro Tip: Want slight shrinkage for a tighter fit? Machine dry *once on low heat, then air-dry afterward.

3. Storage Tips

• Don’t Leave in Gym Bag: Trapped moisture breeds mildew. Hang or fold immediately after training.
• Use Cedar Chips: Place in your gym bag or closet to absorb moisture and odors.
• Rotate Gis: Alternate between 2–3 gis to reduce wear and tear.

4. Odor Removal

• Baking Soak: Soak gi in 1 cup baking soda + cold water for 1 hour before washing.
• Vinegar Rinse: Add 1 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle weekly.
• Anti-Odor Detergents: Try brands like Hex Performance or Rockin’ Green (specially formulated for combat sports).

Avoid: Febreze or heavy perfumes—they mask odors but don’t kill bacteria.

5. Repair & Maintenance

• Patch Tears Early: Use iron-on patches or consult a tailor for ripped seams.
• Reinforce Collars: Hand-stitch loose collar stitching to prevent unraveling.
• Belt Care: Wash and dry separately to avoid dye transfer.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using hot water or bleach.
❌ Overloading the washing machine (causes uneven wear).
❌ Drying in direct sunlight (fades colors).
❌ Storing damp gis (mildew risk).

FAQ

Q: How do I stop my gi from shrinking?
A: Wash in cold water, air-dry, and avoid high heat. Preshrunk gis (like ours!) minimize shrinkage.

Q: Why does my gi smell after washing?
A: Bacteria linger in fibers. Use vinegar or anti-odor detergents, and wash ASAP post-training.

Q: Can I iron my gi?
A: Yes! Use medium heat and iron inside-out to avoid scorching patches.

Final Tip: Invest in a high-quality gi (like ours!) with reinforced stitching and pre-shrunk fabric—it’ll last years with proper care.

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