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Caring for Your Jiu Jitsu Gi: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Jiu Jitsu gi is the most important - and expensive - training equipment that you will have on your Jiu Jitsu journey. For the sake of your gis, your wallet, and your training partners (please don't be the stinky gi guy or girl), it is so important to take great care of your gis.
 
To help maintain your gi's quality and longevity, we filmed an in-depth video guide on how to care for your Jiu Jitsu gi. It covers everything from whether you should put your gi in the drier to how to shrink your Jiu Jitsu gi (or avoid shrinking it!). Watch it here, or scroll down to read an abridged text version of the video:

Washing Your Gi

Washing your gi promptly after every training session is crucial. Use cold water to preserve the fabric and avoid any potential shrinkage. Regular detergent is sufficient. Steer clear of bleach, which can damage the fibers. Air drying is the best method, it prevents both shrinkage and color fading.

Shrinking Your Gi

Depending on the weight and weave, some gis will shrink minimally while some can shrink quite a bit. A good rule of thumb is that the heavier the gi, the more it will shrink! If you would like to shrink your gi, please use these steps:
 
1. Wash with cold water, low spin cycle, and put it in the dryer. Check the fit. If you would like it to shrink more...
2. Wash with hot water, low spin, and put it in the dryer. Check the fit. If you would like it to shrink more...
3. Wash with hot water, high spin cycle, and put it in the dryer again. This will shrink the gi as much as possible.

Removing Persistent Odors

We've all been there – your gi develops a stubborn smell that regular washing can't seem to eliminate. First, try adding some white vinegar with your detergent to your regular wash cycle. This will often be enough to fix mild odors. In extremely tough cases, soak your gi in a solution of 25% vinegar and 75% water for several hours.

Vinegar's natural properties combat odor-causing bacteria effectively. After soaking, launder your gi as usual, adding a bit of baking soda to the wash for an extra boost if necessary. This combination can rejuvenate your gi, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.

You can also use this vinegar trick with no-gi gear. It's a great way to remove the "funk" from rash guards or fight shorts.

Tackling Tough Stains

Stains are an inevitable part of any contact sport like Jiu Jitsu or Judo. To effectively remove them, act swiftly. Rinse the stained area with cold water and spot clean with detergent to prevent the stain from setting.
 
For stubborn stains, invest in a reliable stain remover like OxyClean. Apply it directly to the stain, following the product instructions carefully.
 
By following these guidelines, proper care will pay off in the form of a long-lasting, comfortable, and odor-free gi. Enjoy your training!

Follow these tips to ensure a clean, well fitting uniform that will serve as the best BJJ gi for your journey!