How to Wash Your Gi.

Your gi (the kimono-style uniform) takes a beating, soaks up sweat, and lives on hygiene. Wash it right and it stays fresh and lasts for years. Wash it wrong and it shrinks, fades, or smells. Here is the simple routine.

Wash it after every single session

This is the golden rule, and it really matters for hygiene. A gi worn even once and left in a bag gets funky fast and becomes a risk to your training partners. Wash it every time, for their sake and yours.

Use cold or warm water, not hot

Hot water is the main cause of shrinkage and fading. Wash your gi in cold or warm water (around 30 C) to keep it fitting right and looking good. Turn it inside out to protect the colors and any patches.

Air dry, do not tumble dry

The dryer is a gi's worst enemy. High heat shrinks cotton fast. Hang your gi to air dry whenever you can. If you must use a dryer, use no heat or the lowest setting, and take it out slightly damp to finish on a hanger. Air drying also helps it last longer.

Beating the smell

If a gi has gone sour, here is how to rescue it:

• Wash promptly. The longer sweat sits, the deeper the smell sets.
• Add white vinegar (about half a cup) to the wash. It neutralizes odor without damaging the fabric. Skip heavy fabric softeners, which can trap smell.
• Dry it fully and quickly. Lingering dampness is what breeds the mildew smell. Good airflow is your friend.
• For stubborn cases, a presoak in cold water with a scoop of oxygen-based cleaner works well.

Protect the fabric

• Wash inside out to reduce pilling and fading.
• Do not bleach a colored gi.
• Undo and refasten any drawstrings so they do not tangle.

How many gis do you need?

If you train a few times a week, two gis make life easier, so one is always clean and dry while the other is in the wash. It is a small investment that keeps you fresh and your gis lasting longer.