Removing Funny Smells from Your Gi
Let's say you somehow committed the cardinal sin of not washing your gi after training, and now it has is a funky smell that won't wash out. People make funny faces around you and your training partners don't want to train with you anymore. No worries, we've got you covered:
1. Make a Vinegar and Water Mixture
25% Vinegar, 75% Water is the mixture we use. Vinegar kills odor-causing bacteria that have grown in your gi. It is a time-tested remedy for smelly garments.
2. Soak Your Gi
Leave your gi in your vinegar/water solution for 5+ hours, to allow the vinegar to really soak in and do its work.
3. Wash/Rinse
Wash as usual. You can add baking soda to assist in smell removal, but it isn't necessary.
For really bad situations, you may have to repeat this process again - but for the most part, it will do the trick.
Removing Stains from Your Gi
Jiu Jitsu is a contact sport, so it is likely that your gi won't stay new-looking for long. Stains can come from anywhere and tend to ruin your style. Here's what we have found great success with for stain removal:
1. Wash in Cold Water
Follow the instructions for Washing Your Gi above, and do so as soon as possible. Do not use hot water, it will actually set the stain for good.
2.OxyClean Spray or Powder
Helps with tough stains and maintains the fabric and color.
Pro Tips
- For new colored gis, you can actually preserve the color by washing them in the vinegar solution above. You can't stop fading completely, but this technique will keep your gi looking newer for longer. Of course, you may want your gi to show the mileage from all the training you've been putting in, it's all personal preference.
- For white gis, you can use a minuscule amount of color-safe bleach to try to keep the white coloration. Beware, it can fade any color on the gi, and it will reduce the life of your gi. On the plus side, as the bleach breaks down the fibers, the gi will be a bit softer to the touch and so a bit more comfortable to wear - but you will be shopping a new gi sooner than if you avoided bleach.
Do you have any gi care secrets?
Let us know what you do to keep your gis lasting and feeling great at team@goldbjj.com.