Can Football Shirts Go in the Washing Machine? Proper Care Guide

A football shirt isn’t just something you throw on. It’s what you wear on match day, the thing you proudly show off, and sometimes a collectible you’d never sell. If you’ve ever bought a new kit, you know that buzz when you finally get to put it on. And then the question hits you: “Can I just toss it in the washing machine, or will I ruin it?”

I learned the hard way. My first Manchester United kit? Threw it in with my regular laundry, set the “normal” wash cycle like it was just another T-shirt… and when it came out… disaster. The badge was peeling, the number on the back curling, and the shirt wouldn’t hang right. I was gutted. That’s when it clicked: yes, you can machine wash your football shirts — but only if you’re careful and smart about it. If you’ve invested in original football shirts, proper washing is essential to keep the fabric, badges, and numbers looking new.

Know What Your Shirt Is Made Of

Honestly, not all kits are made the same. Most of the new shirts these days are polyester or a mix. They’re light, they breathe, and they actually do a decent job at keeping sweat off your back when you’re running around. Old-school shirts? Usually cotton or cotton blends. Soft, comfy, but throw them in hot water or wash them carelessly and suddenly they’re smaller, or the colors start fading.

And don’t ignore the little things. Badges, numbers, logos — they’re not just decoration. Heat-applied vinyl, embroidery, or stitched patches can peel or crack if you scrub too hard or use the wrong detergent. I learned that the hard way once — seeing a player’s number curl and flake off is like getting a punch in the gut. Most modern kits are made from polyester football jerseys, which need cold washing to prevent fading and peeling.

Washing Your Shirt in the Machine—The Right Way

Yes, you can machine wash your shirt, but there’s a right way and a wrong way. Here’s how I do it, and it’s saved every kit I’ve owned since that first disaster:

1. Turn it inside out. That protects the numbers and badges from rubbing against other clothes or the drum.
   
2. Cold water only. Hot water shrinks cotton shirts and fades polyester colors fast.
   
3. Gentle cycle. The “normal” wash is too harsh. Treat your kit like the prize it is.
   
4. Mild detergent only. No bleach, no strong chemicals. You want clean, not ruined.
   
5. Skip fabric softener. It leaves residue and kills the shirt’s moisture-wicking ability.
   

Do all that, and your shirt will survive multiple washes without losing its shape or color.

Drying Your Kit

Drying is just as important as washing. A lot of fans ruin their kits here.

• Air dry only. No tumble dryers—heat shrinks shirts and peels numbers.
  
• Hang inside out or lay flat. Keeps badges safe.
  
• Avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight fades colors fast.
  
• Don’t wring it. Squeezing can distort fabric and badges.
  

I usually hang mine on a hanger in my laundry room—out of sunlight, out of reach from pets, and it dries evenly. Works like a charm.

When Hand Washing Is Worth It

Some shirts are too precious for even a gentle machine wash. Signed jerseys, rare editions, or retro kits? Hand-wash them.

Here’s my approach:

1. Fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent.
   
2. Gently swish the shirt—don’t scrub it like a muddy sock.
   
3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
   
4. Lay flat or hang inside out to dry.
   

Slower? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. My signed Ramos shirt still looks perfect because I hand-wash it carefully.

Common Mistakes Fans Make

Even die-hard supporters slip up. Some things I see all the time:

• Tossing jerseys in with jeans or towels—friction = ruined prints.
  
• Using hot water or bleach to “really clean it.”
  
• Throwing it in the dryer or leaving it baking in the sun.
  
• Washing it after every single wear, even if you only wore it for an hour.
  

Avoid these, and your kits will last seasons.

Storing Your Shirts

Taking care of your football shirts doesn’t end once they’re clean. How you store them matters just as much.

I always use padded hangers — it stops the shoulders from stretching out. If you’re putting them in a drawer, fold them carefully. Don’t crease over badges or numbers, or you’ll regret it later.

Keep them away from sunlight, moisture, and heat. These things silently ruin shirts over time. For rare or collectible kits, I even put acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases.

Think of your shirts like little trophies — because that’s exactly what they are.

Real Fan Story

I’ve made plenty of mistakes with my kits over the years. Take my first Liverpool away shirt from 2019 — I washed it in hot water, threw in some fabric softener, and even used the dryer. The reds faded, the badge started peeling, and the numbers on the back curled up. It looked… well, sad.

Now compare that to my Manchester United 2023 home kit. Cold wash, turned inside out, gentle cycle, air-dried. Months later, it still looks perfect. That’s all it takes — a little care makes a huge difference.

Whether it’s Manchester United football shirts or limited-edition kits, the same washing rules apply.

FAQs

1. Can I wash my football shirt in hot water?

Hot water can damage logos, prints, and fabric fibers, so please don’t wash with it.

2. Can I use a dryer for my football shirt?

No, it is not recommended; always air dry your jersey in the shade.

3. Is hand washing better than machine washing?

If you have expensive or signed jersey,s then it is better to wash them by hand.

4. Can I iron my football shirt?

Only iron from the inside out and never directly on prints.

5. How long do football shirts last?

With proper care, 5–10 years or more.

Final Thoughts

Your football shirt is not just made of fabric – it is comprised of memories, emotions, and a small part of your team. If you take precautions, then machine washing is acceptable: 

• cold water
• gentle cycle
• inside out
• and air drying. 

For shirts of high value or with signatures, the safest method is hand washing.

Consider your kits as trophies, and they will accompany you in every season, every goal, and every sorrow. Take care of them, and your support will be as vivid as that of your team’s colors.