How To Wash A BJJ Rash Guard: 6 Important Steps

One thing is for sure: After training BJJ for 1 year, you’ll be a laundry expert!

Just follow the rules to wash your Rash Guards.

I messed up some of mine. I was lazy and tossed them in the washing machine with the rest of my clothes. It was a big mistake. Don’t be like me.

Rash guards are expensive, so make them last. Also, After All the Sweat, They tend to smell bad- at least mine do. Sometimes, it’s hard to get rid of it.

In this post, I will share everything you need to know about how to care for your BJJ rash guard so it stays in top shape for a long time.

Why You Need To Know How To Wash Your BJJ Rash Guard

After you choose your BJJ rash guard, you want it to last.

Rash Guards are made out of a mix of polyester and spandex. Therefore, washing BJJ Rash Guards the right way keeps them looking good and makes them last longer.

But there’s more to it. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about not stinking up the place. Trust me, no one wants to roll with the smelly guy with the smelly rash guard.

Hygiene is big in Jiu Jitsu. We all sweat during training sessions, and our skin is sensitive. Keeping your rash guard clean means you’re not just doing yourself a favor.

You’re helping your training partners, too. One person not caring for their gear can spread bacteria around the gym.

Also, finding a right-fitting Rash Guard is not easy. You don’t want to shrink your Rash Guard after your first wash.

So, you need to wash your No Gi Rash Guard to keep it last, keep it the right fit, prevent bad smells, and keep everyone in the gym healthy. Let’s move on to the how-to part.

How Should You Wash Your Jiu-Jitsu Rash Guard?

In the following, I’ll share with you the 6 key rash guard washing instructions you have to follow to wash your jiu-jitsu rashguards properly. If you wash and care for your rashguard the right way, your gear lasts a long time. 

1. Things You’ll Need

Before washing that rash guard, let’s gather what we need. You don’t want to be halfway through and realize you’re missing something.

Here’s a quick list:

• Washing Machine or Bucket: You can go high-tech with a washing machine or old school with a bucket. Either way works (Even though hand washing is preferred). I do mostly machine washing…
• Detergent: This is a no-brainer. You need something to clean the rash guard. Go for a mild detergent to keep the fabric nice and happy.
• Hang Dry Rack: After the wash, you’ll need a place to hang your rash guard. The back of a chair won’t cut it. Get yourself a real hang-dry rack.
• White Vinegar: Got a stinky rash guard? Vinegar helps get that smell out. Just a heads-up, you’ll only need about a ½ cup. 

That’s it! Not too many things, right? Now that we have everything let’s move on to the washing steps.

2. Get Your Rash Guard Ready to Wash

Before you wash your rash guard, separate it from your other clothes.

Mixing it up with other apparel might cause damage or affect the fabric over time.

Turn your rash guard inside out. This helps in two ways. First, it removes the sweat and bacteria from the areas that touch your skin. Second, it keeps the outside looking as good as new.

I didn’t do that in the beginning, ending up with old-looking rash guards. I feel like I have made every mistake possible when it comes to washing…:D

Now, should you hand wash or use a washing machine? Both are options. Hand washing is gentler on the fabric, but using a washing machine is quicker. You see now why I prefer machine washing?

To sum it up, separate your rash guard, turn it inside out, and choose your washing method.

3. Picking the Right Detergent

You can’t just grab any bottle off the shelf when it comes to detergent. You need a mild detergent for your rash guard. Strong stuff damages and weakens the fabric over time. Plus, a mild detergent is less harsh on your skin.

And stay away from it bleach. Bleach can really harm your rash guard, cause it to shrink, and even discolor the fabric. Bleach is a no-go for rash guard care.

So, pick a mild detergent and skip the bleach to keep your rash guard in top shape.

4. The Washing Process

It’s time to wash your BJJ rash guard. Here’s how you wash it so you can remove all bad smells from your rash guard.

Machine Wash

1. Soak in Cold Water: Wash with cold water. It’s gentle on the fabric and helps with proper washing.
2. Detergent: Use the mild detergent you’d normally use for a small load. Please don’t overdo it.
3. Add Vinegar: Got a stain or two? Add a ½ cup of vinegar to the water. This helps remove stains and will get the smell out of rash guards.

That’s it! Easy right?

Hand Wash

1. Bucket With Cold Water: Fill a bucket with cold water. Soak your BJJ rash guard in it for about 10 minutes. This preps it for washing.
2. Detergent: Mix in a small amount of mild detergent. Again, don’t go overboard.
3. Vinegar: Add ½ cup of vinegar to get rid of bad smells of your rash guard.

Remember, whether you use a washing machine or hand wash, always use cold water for proper washing, and be careful with how much detergent you use.

5. Drying Your Rash Guard

Once the washing part is done, it’s time to dry your rash guard. And here, what you do is almost as important as the wash itself.

Hang Dry

Let your Rash Guard hang dry.  Why? Because putting it in the dryer can mess it up. The heat from the dryer can cause it to shrink and even weaken the fabric. Plus, dryers can trap odors, making that freshly washed rash guard not so fresh.

So, hang it up to air dry. 

So that means don’t wash your Rash Guards last minute. I used to do that – wash it in the morning, put it in the dryer, take it out, and go to practice. So you see – the lifespan of my Rash Guards wasn’t long.

Now I wash the day before, hang them up and let them dry naturally.

Protect From Direct Sunlight

Where you hang matters. Direct sunlight might sound like a good idea, but it’s not. The sun can cause your rash guard to fade and lose its color. So find a spot that’s shady or indoors.

I’m a poor student, so I hang them in my bedroom. But if you have a warm room were the heater is on, you can let them dry there.

It’s best to hang dry your rash guard and keep it out of direct sunlight to ensure it looks and smells great.

6. Store Your Rash Guard Right

So you washed and dried your rash guard. But the job’s not done yet! Storing it right is key if you want to keep it in good shape and look like new.

Don’t toss it in your gym bag or shove it in a drawer. Fold it nicely or even roll it up to prevent wrinkling. Ensure the spot you pick is dry and moisture-free to avoid mildew.

Also, I’m speaking from experience! I wasn’t treating my Rash Guards with care, and I paid.

Want to keep that new-look shine? Store your rash guard in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Believe it or not, where and how you store it can help maintain its longevity.

So, take a few extra minutes to store your rash guard right, and it’ll keep looking and feeling good as new for a long time.

How Often Should You Wash Your Jiu Jitsu Rash Guard?

Here’s the deal—you must wash your BJJ rash guard after every use. This is a non-negotiable.

I have rolled with guys who had a smelly Rash Guard. It’s not fun at all for your training partners. And dangerous! There’s all kinds of bacteria in there.

• Wash It After Every Practice

Every time you train in jiu-jitsu, wash your rash guard. You’re sweating and rolling around, and your rash guard is soaking up all that sweat. So, it needs a wash for hygiene and for the sake of your training partners. Don’t go to practice with a smelly rash guard.

• Training Session Frequency Means More Wash Cycles

If you’re hitting the mat often, like multiple times a week, you’ll do a lot of laundry. Investing in a few more rash guards might be smart, so you’re not running out.

I have a couple of Rash Guards, but sometimes, if I have a good week, I run out of Them. Then, I use my regular compression shirts for BJJ practice. This is better than using a Rash Guard twice!

Extra Care Tips For Your Rash Guard

You love your rash guard and your BJJ gear, right? So here are some extra tips to keep them in great shape for a long time.

• Read Care Instructions

Remember to read the care instructions with your rash guard. Sometimes, a Rash Guard needs special care. Some Rash Guards shouldn’t be washed in a machine, and some can. I know it’s complicated, but it’s important.

Remember, no bleach, and keep it out of direct sunlight when drying. Follow these rules, and you’ll keep your gear in top form.

• Prevent Damage to Your Rash Guard’s Fabric Over Time

You’re putting in the hard work on the mat; don’t let it ruin your gear. Avoid stuffing your rash guard into a wet gym bag. Let it air out until you can wash it. This will prevent damage or weaken the fabric over time.

To sum it up:

• Wash often.
• Invest in more than one rash guard if you train a lot.
• Take those extra steps to care for your gear.

Your future self and your training partners will thank you.

What to Avoid When Washing Your Rash Guard

When you train hard in Jiu-Jitsu, your rash guard becomes your second skin. To keep it in top shape, there are some key things you need to avoid when washing it. Here’s a simple list to remember:

• Don’t Mix with Other Clothes: Washing your rash guard with other clothes causes it to tear, lose color and get old faster. Keep it separate to avoid damage.
• Skip Strong Detergents: Harsh chemicals in strong detergents can break down the fabric of your rash guard. Use a gentle, mild detergent instead.
• Avoid the Dryer: The high heat of a dryer can shrink and damage your rash guard. Air dry it instead.
• No Hot Water: Hot water can harm the material of your rash guard. Stick to cold or lukewarm water for washing.
• Don’t Hang in Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can fade the colors and weaken the fabric. Dry your rash guard in a shaded area.
• Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can affect the moisture-wicking properties of your rash guard, reducing its effectiveness.
• Gentle Cycle is Key: Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine to prevent excessive wear and tear.

Remember, taking care of your rash guard means it’ll take care of you on the mats! I made many of these mistakes, and I know I’m not doing them again. So it’s best if you don’t even start making them.

How To Wash Your Rash Guard: Final Words

If you follow all these steps, your rash guards will last a long time. Caring for your rash guard isn’t hard; it just takes effort. And honestly, rash guards are a fun part of the sport. You get to see all kinds of cool designs on the mat, and it’s fun to show off your own.

So invest in some good ones and then take proper care of them. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Got questions? Send me a message anytime.

And if you’re in the market for a new rash guard, remember to check out my blog post on the best rash guards in 2024.

Take care, and keep rolling!