Wash separately the first time, and then with like colors after that. Don't iron the prints/logos. We always recommend washing your gi in cold water, low/medium spin, and low/normal soil level, and then air drying. Never tumble dry your gi unless you want it to shrink, and even then do so VERY carefully.
Hydrogen Peroxide is an excellent alternative to bleach and can be used successfully to whiten your gi naturally without bleach. Add about a half cup to your wash with regular detergent and your gi will come out as white as ever. Hydrogen Peroxide is also a foolproof way to remove blood from your gi.
New generation preshrunk BJJ gi's (i.e. most pearl weaves) will barely shrink at all with a cool or even warm cycle wash (and hang dry); non-preshrunk judogi's on the other hand can go down 1-1.5 sizes on a hot wash and hot dry.
If your gi is super stinky, you can pre-soak it in a vinegar and water solution in your washing machine before washing it. Start with 1 or 2 cups of vinegar per gi and enough water to cover the gi(s). Use trial and error with the amount of vinegar and the time you need to soak it in order to get rid of the smell.
Competition: Kingz Nano Jiu-Jitsu GiThis gives you a lot of blank space to work with and apply your own badges and patches. Though the gi still looks fantastic if you wish to keep it unadorned. It comes 90% preshrunk which allows you to better choose the correct size as you can expect minimal shrinkage in the wash.
Here's a better solution:
- forget the baking soda.
- soak the gi in a water/vinegar solution.
- completely rinse the gi int he washing machine (no soap)
- Pull the gi out and pre-treat the stains.
- Soak the gi again in oxiclean.
- put the Gi back in the machine and add oxiclean.
- once complete, inspect.
Instructions
- Presoak Uniforms. Presoaking is essential in getting your uniform clean and keeping it white.
- Check for Stains.
- Select the Washer Water Temperature and Detergent.
- Wash the Uniform Alone.
- Whiten Dingy Uniforms.
- Air-Dry.
- Iron Properly to Remove Wrinkles.
Just hang dry it and throw it in the dryer on a low setting with fabric softener. You can also just toss it in high heat for 10-15 minutes and it should be the same. Either option will make the gi soft and shouldn't shrink.
also putting a gi in the dryer will make it feel softer. If you hang dry, when its done, try throwing it in the dryer on 'air' ,(thats no heat). that will beat it around and stop it from standing on its own like you starched the damn thing.
8 Tips To Save Your White Gi (And Re-Rescue It)
- Pre-soak with vinegar.
- Baking soda is your best friend.
- Lemony fresh.
- Give hydrogen peroxide a go.
- Say no to chlorine-based bleach.
- Bring in the big guns.
- Ditch the fabric softener.
- Face the sun.
Regardless of how many times per week you train, if it is more than one, you need two Gis. The reason for this is that you need to have a fresh Gi each time you come into training.
How to Properly Care for Your Gi
- Air dry your gi after training. If you gave it your best during training, you probably want to rest as soon as you get home.
- Check your gi for any stains or tears.
- Wash your gi in cold water.
- Don't bleach your gi!
- Hang to dry.
Turn Gi over and lay flat lengthwise down ironing board. The Gi should be open with the sides hanging down. Iron the back of the Gi with wide sweeping motion. Move Gi to one side and iron that portion.
Cold wash, hang dry. Tumble on NO HEAT setting if you want to soften it up. Never heat in wash or drying. White doesn't stretch as much cause it's usually pre shrunk.
Rolling around on mats while sweating can cause greater build up of bacteria. Belt durations in Jiu-Jitsu can often be longer than other martial arts. I do however wash my belts semi regularly in Jiu-Jitsu. I often will hang dry the belt post training, and then wash it every couple weeks as needed.
How do I shrink a gi? This is a good use of a dryer. After washing a gi, throw it in your dyer, and the hot air will shrink the cotton. Start conservatively, not going too hot yet.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Do not tumble dry. You can fold it and make a knot with the belt to avoid entangeling with other clothes. Beware, colored belts bleed, make sure not to wash your colored belt with your white Judogi.
Yes! And wash your belt too (just don't dry it). I hang dry everything then fluff up the gi in the dryer for a few min before I train. They go in the washer with whatever else I happen to throw in.
Fast removal from the dryer and some shaping before hanging should be enough to take care of any wrinkles in your karate uniform. But if it's not looking as crisp as you'd like, you can also iron your gi for maximum results.
