mtwellington
Debutant
- Oct 1, 2013
- 114
- 124
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
Anyone have tips on treating unwashed match worn jerseys/jumpers?I'm just airing it out. I know a few people like to wash their dirty jumpers but I would never do that.
I want it to stay like it was when it came off the ground, or as close to it as possible.
I get a few NRL Warriors jerseys and find I have to treat them. Airing them out and hoping the wind and the Suns UV light treats it isnt enough for the New Zealand climate. Because soil is loaded with bacteria, everytime theres a noticeable change in temperature the higher moisture levels in the air start making the jerseys smell again.
I also read somewhere that the sweat on them is bad in the long run because of the urea contained in perspiration. Has a slow degrading effect on fabrics.
Both issues cant be good for the jumpers longevity?
Personally I soak the jerseys in a colourless bleach overnight then hang to dry. I take extreme care not wash it in any way or work it unnecessarily. Even when I take it out of the tray I leave it to drip dry as it came out. I use large fish tray which means I only have to fill it with about 40mm of water to cover any jersey completely.
I have never had any problems with signatures as well as dirt, field marking paint and grass and coming off. They do fade slightly but thats a small trade off for the longterm preservation of the garment. I hope to one day hand my collection down to one of my sons.
Always wondered if there was a correct way of going about it? Part of the joy of owning the jerseys is being able to see the battle stains and finding match pics that have same stain. Be really interested to hear others feedback on this and how others treat their prized possessions...