As a parent of a rugby kid, it doesn’t take long to realise that you’re going to be dealing with a LOT of muddy clothing.
At the start of the season it might (if you’re lucky) still be dry and the rugby pitches not yet a quagmire of mud.
But give it a few weeks and you’ll get used to dealing with piles of muddy clothing, which get worse the older they get!
Here’s our favourite hacks for keeping their rugby kit clean and smelling fresh:
Hack 1: Wash your Kids’ rugby kit as soon as you get home
Try to wash the rugby kit immediately after each practice session or match (or even better teach your offspring to do this themselves!)
Leaving sweaty and dirty gear in the bag can lead to the growth of bacteria and unpleasant smells – or even mould.
Hack 2: Keep dirty and clean items separate
Get your child to keep a separate bag or compartment in his/her sports bag for dirty, sweaty gear.
This way, it won’t mix with the clean clothes – no-one wants to be doing extra laundry
Hack 3: Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
If you can’t wash the kit immediately consider using a mesh laundry bag to store the dirty rugby gear.
The mesh bag allows the clothes to breathe, preventing the build-up of odours and reducing the risk of mould or mildew.
Hack 4: Pre-Treat Stains
If your kid’s rugby kit has heavy staining from mud, grass, or blood, you may need to pre-treat them before washing.
Use stain removers or simply apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stains and let it sit for a while before washing.
This is more an issue if their kit is white or a light colour, so perhaps the first hack should actually have been to choose a club that wears dark colours!
Hack 5: Follow Washing Instructions
Always check the care labels on the rugby gear to understand the manufacturer’s recommended washing instructions.
Some items such as protective padding may recommend hand washing or specific water temperatures, so following these guidelines will help maintain the quality of gear.
Hack 6: Use a Quality Laundry Detergent
Choose a high-quality laundry detergent that is suitable for sportswear.
Look for detergents that target tough odours and bacteria, and avoid using fabric softeners as they can reduce the moisture-wicking properties of your sportswear.
Hack 7: Wash at the Right Temperature
Washing at a higher temperature can help kill bacteria and germs, but be sure not to use temperatures that might damage the fabric.
Generally, a warm or cold wash should be sufficient for synthetic fabrics, although 100% cotton is likely to benefit from a higher temperature to remove stubborn stains.
Hack 8: Avoid tumble drying rugby kit
Avoid using a dryer for rugby gear, as high heat can damage the fabric and elastic components.
Instead, air-dry gear outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Not only is this cheaper and better for the environment, the sun’s UV rays can also help with disinfection!
Hack 9: Have spare kit
If your child is playing rugby several times a week it can help to have multiple sets of rugby gear so that one can rotate them and give each set ample time to air out and dry completely between uses.
These are also a good idea if you know you’re going to ignore our first hack and don’t get round to washing it straight away!
By following our rugby laundry hacks you can ensure that your kids’ rugby gear remains clean, fresh, and safe to use, which will contribute to their overall comfort and performance on the field.
Before you go…..if you’re enjoying washing rugby kit, you might be tempted to your child’s collection with a replica kids sized rugby shirt. Read our hacks on how to make sure you’re buying the right replica kit here.
