Washing a game used jersey

[gkdannecker@yahoo.com]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I use baby detergent since it has the strictest and probably least harmful chemicals. However I agree I have woo lite works well.

[G1X]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I have washed many jerseys over the years and always in cold water (various detergents). I have never put them in the dryer. I have always let them hang-dry on either a wooden hanger or a wide hanger in a lighted room.

Durene football jerseys do fine in the washing machine. I have always let a professional clean wool baseball jerseys as I never felt comfortable putting them in the washing machine based on my experience many years ago of ruining my favorite wool sweater.

I am not endorsing any of these methods other than to say that it has always worked for me without ever damaging a jersey.

Mark Hayne
Gridiron Exchange
gixc@verizon.net

[Clemson2004]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I would never wash my jerseys. The only way I would is if something were to get on one by accident, but then I would spot clean it. I actually received a 1989 Clemson jersey today and the guy had washed it, you could smell the spring air when I opened the box. Was kind of disappointed.

[scottishcowboy41]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I never really thought about the longterm effect of dirt, sweat and bacteria on the jersey fabric. That is a very good point if the game used jersey is a item you plan to keep forever.

It's funny how the thought of opening a parcel with a smelly dirty jersey inside (worn for sport use by, what in reality is a complete stranger) seems so appealing! Yet opening a school backpack containing my son's athletic gear, that has sat in a closet for the entire school vacation is enough to turn your stomach, lol! I guess that's why family and friends think we're strange, lol!

[cohibasmoker]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

Through the years, I have had the opportunity to talk to trainers, equipment guys and persons responsible for laundering professional jerseys. Back in the day, whether it was football or baseball, it was a matter of pride to take a worn and/or dirty jersey and return it to like new condition. So for me, getting a vintage jersey that does not show a lot of wear means little to me and yes, I do wash any jersey that comes into my home.

With the modern day players, has anyone ever given it any thought as to why the equipment guys wear rubber gloves when handling game worn jerseys and/or equipment? To add to that, how about a sweaty, dirty jersey shipped or stored in a plastic bag? I can't imagine the bacteria that would grow and thrive inside a plastic bag.
Jim

[Roady]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I had always liked the dirt and other stuffs on game used jerseys until I read this thread. I never liked the smell of some them though.
You guys make some very good arguments for washing them.

[paul457]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I don't know... maybe it's me but I'm sensing a little paranoia with regards to the long term effects of dirt / sweat / grass stains on fabric. Can anyone provide proof that leaving a GU jersey in-tact, with all staining etc, will ruin a jersey? Or is this just a theory? Bacteria and the like general flourish with moisture and exposure to various catalysts - if your jersey is dry and hanging in a controlled environment (I put mine in shadowboxes), I would assume the chance of further growth is minimal / deterioration. Just a thought.

Someone asked why equipment managers wear gloves when handling fresh GU equipment? It's because the players general spit, sweat, blow snots, and bleed all over the place during games, so it's a precautionary measure for the staff against getting sick, or having a disease transmitted.

I own a couple of GU jerseys, one is covered in stains and is beaten up, while it hangs next to one that was washed. In all honesty, the washed jersey just doesn't hold a candle to the beaten, stained jersey. Just my opinion.

[slab0meat]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

To add on, I too, have NEVER put a jersey in the dryer.

I have always washed with Woolite, cold water only, hang dry.

Spencer has been the only GU jersey I've washed, though... almost only retail authentics have been done.

[gkdannecker@yahoo.com]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I can send photos of the black mold that ate my tent.

[Roady]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I can send photos of the black mold that ate my tent.

Tents are usually put up wet. And since they are not usually allowed to dry out later I can see mold being a problem with them.

[Clemson2004]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

As a former Boy Scout who worked his way up to Eagle, I can say that you never put a tent up wet unless you have to, but then when you get home you hang it out to dry to keep it from molding and to make sure it is clean before putting back into storage. A jersey hanging up in someone's house in a temp controlled environment will not mold if it stays dry and the humidity doesn't stay too high in the house. If there ever is mold on a jersey, then I would probably just wash that area by hand. I have never seen a jersey with mold on it, but then again I have not seen every jersey. As for bacteria, I would probably just spray it lightly with one of those germ killing aerosol sprays if I was really worried about it, and I would have to ask my friend who is a physician, but I think when blood dries over time you do not have to worry about contracting anything, but I could be wrong.

[Roady]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I was never a boy scout and I have put up many tents wet. Mostly because it was raining at the time or because of the morning dew.
I usually unrolled them and allowed them to dry later at home, but not always.

[Roady]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

"As for bacteria, I would probably just spray it lightly with one of those germ killing aerosol sprays if I was really worried about it,..."

Good idea! Such a simple yet ingenious solution.

[flaco1801]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

threads like this are why the elder collectors no longer participate on this forum....anybody can take a game used clean jersey and grime it up if you want to pay more for it...anybody who puts a filthy jersey in their closet is not a collector he is a ....... Fill in the blank...

[Roady]

Re: Washing a game used jersey

I have noticed one thing about his forum.
Some here are so intolerant of anyone else or their ideas that communist China must look like a utopia to their feeble little minds.