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How to get stains out of sportswear
Sportswear attracting mud and stains like it’s a hobby? We’ll walk you through how to get muddy items clean again without the stress, guesswork, or endless scrubbing.
Sunday league football kits in a bit of a state after a game in the rain? Those stains might look dramatic, but they’re beatable with the right tactics. Here are a few simple steps that’ll get the job done.
Match the stain to the wash
Not all stains behave the same, and the best treatment for each one is a little bit different. Proteinbased stains — things like sweat or blood — prefer cold water. Heat makes them cling to fabric, which is the last thing you want. Mud, on the other hand, can be oily or greasy, which usually calls for hot water. But sportswear is often sweaty too, and a hot wash can bake those sweat stains in for good. The best method is a simple 2step routine:
- Cold wash first to stop sweat stains setting.
- Hot wash afterwards to properly shift the mud.
Let the mud dry
This part feels wrong, but it’s important not to rinse wet mud. All that does is push dirt deeper into the fibres, especially with stretchy synthetic fabrics. Let the mud dry completely before you touch it.
Once it’s dry, brush off as much as you can. A stiff brush works great, but we’ve found the edge of a spoon does the job too. If the mud is really caked on, a handheld vacuum or hose attachment can help lift the worst of it.
Pretreat, then wash
If you’re still seeing marks after brushing, it’s time for a quick pretreat. A little liquid detergent or soap rubbed in with your finger is perfect. Leave it for about 15 minutes so it can get to work.
Next it’s time for a wash. If there’s any sweat or blood involved, start with a cold option. Make sure those stains are gone before you introduce any heat from a dryer, iron, or hot cycle. Once you’re confident the stains are out, move on to a warmer wash to finish off any leftover mud.
And If grass stains join the party…
Grass stains are a whole different story. They contain protein and chlorophyll, which acts like a stubborn green dye. If your sportswear has both mud and grass stains (that must have been more than a casual kickabout), here’s what to do:
- Let the mud dry.
- Brush off as much as possible.
- Pretreat the grass stain.
- Wash on a cool cycle.
With a little patience and a few steps, even the muddiest kit can come back looking fresh. Treat stains in the right order, choose the right temperature, and your sportswear will stay cleaner for longer.
Need a washing machine that can keep up?
If your laundry basket regularly looks like it’s been on a countryside adventure, the right washing machine can make all the difference. We have a huge range of models built to tackle muddy kit, sweaty gym gear, and everything in between.
You’ll find Samsung machines with clever stainblasting cycles, Hotpoint models designed for everyday family mess, AEG washers that treat fabrics gently while still giving them a deep clean, and beko options that are brilliant value without compromising on performance.
Whether you’re washing for a weekend warrior, a fiveaside fanatic, or someone who just can’t resist a muddy trail, there’s a machine ready to take on the challenge.
