Washing a game used jersey

[paul457]

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]

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]

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

[Roady]

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]

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]

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]

"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.

[cohibasmoker]

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.

Your 2nd thought is perfect.

The question is, where does all those bodily fluids go? Perhaps a nice warm moist plastic bag and/or frame may not be the place to go but hey, its your money - spend it the way you want.

Jim

[otismalibu]

The whole point of the game used hobby is use u clown! and u wash it away?

Don't equipment mgrs 'wash away the use' after each game?

[Roady]

If you have a jersey that has a stain and you have it photomatched I would not want to wash it.

Anyone could always fabreeze them I guess and see it that helps with any smells. I have some game used jerseys that have not been washed that don't smell at all. I have some that do, not overly ripe, but it is there if you put your nose close enough.
I have hundreds of game used jerseys in a closet and you can open the door and will not notice any smells. Now my closet is cedar lines so I am sure that helps. And they are all in individual garment bags as well.

Now if anyone knows how to make batting gloves stop stinking I am all ears.