Stains and Fabric

Average reading time: 5-7 minutes

Your Gi is an investment in your martial arts practice. Proper care extends its lifespan, maintains hygiene, and shows respect for your training. Here's how to keep your uniform in top condition.

The Science of Sweat and Fabric

Intense training sessions and synthetic blends common in contemporary uniforms require different care than pure cotton. Before diving into care instructions, read the fabric label of your Gi and know what you're working with.

Cotton Gis are traditional but prone to shrinkage. Hemp blends resist bacteria naturally but need gentle handling. Synthetic materials are durable but can trap odors if not properly maintained.

Here are some things to keep in mind before hitting the mats:
» Never train in a damp Gi - bacteria thrive in moisture
» You train frequently? Own multiple Gis to prevent wear and tear
» Hot, humid dojos require more frequent washing of your Gi

Post-Training Protocol

Time is your enemy once training ends. The longer sweat and bacteria remain in contact with fabric, the more likely you will have permanent staining and odor problems. Develop a ritual that begins the moment you leave the mats.

» Shake out each piece to remove surface moisture and debris
» Gis hate closed bags — use mesh laundry bags if possible
» At home: Are there stains or fabric tears you need to attend to?
» Hang items separately in a well-ventilated area if you can't wash immediately

The Washing Ritual

Treat washing your Gi like meditation—methodical, purposeful, and complete. Cold water preserves fabric integrity and prevents shrinkage, but it's less effective against bacteria. The compromise: lukewarm water, never exceeding 30°C.

Skip the fabric softener entirely. It leaves residue that can trap odors and reduce breathability. Instead, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to break down soap buildup and eliminate lingering odors. Once a month will do.

For stubborn stains, create a paste from baking soda and water, applying it directly to affected areas before washing. Blood responds well to hydrogen peroxide applied immediately, while general discoloration benefits from oxygen bleach—never chlorine bleach though, it weakens fibers and can cause yellowing.

Here are some advanced methods if you're still not getting the results you need:

1. Double wash method
   Run cold water cycle without detergent first, then wash normally
   
   
2. Salt soak
   Dissolve 1 cup sea salt in cold water, soak Gi for 30 minutes before washing
   
   
3. Enzyme pre-treatment
   Apply enzyme detergent to problem areas, let sit 15 minutes before washing

The Drying

Never underestimate the importance of proper drying. Heat destroys elastic fibers and causes shrinkage, so the dryer is off the table. Instead, hang your Gi by the shoulders, ensuring the jacket maintains its shape. Pants should be hung by the waistband, not the legs, to prevent stretching.

Direct sunlight naturally bleaches and disinfects, but prolonged exposure can weaken fibers. Morning sun for 2-3 hours provides benefits without damage. Indoor drying requires excellent air circulation—a fan pointed at hanging uniforms dramatically reduces drying time and prevents mustiness.

For faster drying without heat damage, lay the Gi flat on clean towels, rolling them together to absorb excess moisture before hanging. This method can cut drying time in half while maintaining fabric integrity.

Belt Handling

The belt is more of a divisive element when it comes to treatment. There's a strong fraction that follow the tradition of not washing the belt at all to preserve the wisdom gained though training. And there are those who are in favour of hygiene and demand regular cleaning.

The compromise: gentle hand washing in cold water with minimal agitation, followed by careful air drying while maintaining the belt's shape. The choice is yours.