We are in the absolute insanity of spring youth baseball right now in addition to the last few weeks of school (yikes). This mean that when my kiddo dumps a bunch of white baseball pants in the laundry room engrained with red Georgia clay, my soul sighs and grumbles, “Ain’t nobody got time for this.” So for this post, I am sharing some tips and products that make laundry for sports/athletics easier.
White pants. Every season I groan when the uniforms are chosen and white pants are included. Most of the time (with regular dry dirt) I can get stains out fairly easily, but I’ll also cover what I use for the days where we play in the mud and rain.
Standard wash
First up, Murphy’s Oil Soap and Dawn Dish Detergent.
Put about 1/4 cup of Murphy’s Oil Soap in a bucket, then squirt some Dawn in. Add some water about halfway up, then put the pants in and swish them around.
Murphy’s Oil Soap is not the best smelling cleaner, so I usually set the bucket out on our covered porch overnight. In the morning, wring out the pants and wash like normal.
This usually works with low to moderate amounts of stains. It can work with heavier stains but you may need to rinse some of the mud off first before putting the pants in the bucket.
I never dry my kiddos pants just on the off chance there is a stain that I missed. Unless of course I forgot to pull the pants from the bucket and we have a game starting in an hour. Then just dry them and tell your kid to fall in the dirt as soon as they get to the field so no one is the wiser (pro mom tip).
Another option
Second option, Out White Stain Remover.
I have not tried this yet, but the majority of moms on the baseball team recommend it. Similar to the first option, fill a bucket with water and half a cup of Out White and let the pants soak.
This one is supposedly a stronger small than the Murphy’s, so again, recommend you do it outside. Then wring out and launder as usual.
When in doubt, throw multiple products at it
Another option that I have used and really like for the scent as well as how well it works is Fels-Naptha. Fels-Naptha is pretty much old school soap. Like what was used to clean kids’ potty mouths in the 1940s. (Probably. Disclaimer- do not ingest any of these products.)
I usually put the soap bar in a cup with warm water and use a brush to dip in the water/soap mixture and scrub the stains. Some people get the bar wet and rub it directly on the pants. And you can see most of the stain disappear before your eyes. Some parents cut up pieces of the bar of soap and put it in a water bucket to soak with the pants.
Pro tip– for really extreme stains, scrub the pants with Fels-Naptha and then soak in Murphy’s or Out White.
Many parents have also recommended the pre-laundry steps above and then using OxiClean White Revive in the washing machine with the pants. So far my regular detergent has done fine. However, I do try to sneak in some Downy Unstoppables cause my kiddo is a pre-teen and constantly stinky so every little bit helps.
Good luck on the next month or so of school and sports. Please share your tricks and ideas as well!
FAQ
Q: Why is it important to keep sports uniforms clean?
A: Keeping sports uniforms clean not only maintains their appearance but also ensures hygiene and helps prolong their lifespan. Clean uniforms can boost your child’s confidence and create a positive impression on the field.
Q: How can I establish a routine for cleaning sports uniforms?
A: Set a regular schedule for washing sports uniforms, such as immediately after each game or practice. Consistency is key to ensuring that the uniforms are clean and ready for the next use.
Q: Are there any pre-treatment steps I should take before washing the uniforms?
A: Yes, pre-treating stains is essential. Inspect the uniforms for any spots or stains and treat them promptly. Use stain removers or apply a mixture of laundry detergent and water directly to the affected areas.
Q: What is the best way to wash sports uniforms?
A: Check the care instructions on the uniform label to determine the appropriate washing method. In most cases, machine-washing on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water is suitable. Avoid using bleach unless explicitly instructed.
Q: Should I separate the uniforms from other laundry items?
A: Yes, it’s best to separate sports uniforms from other laundry items to prevent color bleeding and maintain their quality. Wash them separately or with similar-colored items to minimize the risk of discoloration.
Q: Can I use a dryer for sports uniforms?
A: It depends on the care instructions provided with the uniforms. If allowed, tumble drying on low heat can be convenient. However, air drying is generally a safer option to prevent shrinking, fading, or damaging any logos or prints.
Q: How can I remove stubborn odors from sports uniforms?
A: To eliminate odors, consider adding a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle. Alternatively, using a sports-specific laundry detergent or odor-eliminating sprays can help neutralize lingering smells.
Q: Are there any additional tips for maintaining sports uniforms?
A: Absolutely! Here are a few tips:
- Encourage your kids to remove their uniforms as soon as possible after each game or practice to prevent stains from setting.
- Teach them to avoid sitting on dirty surfaces while wearing their uniforms to minimize dirt and grass stains.
- Promptly address any spills or stains during games or practices to prevent them from becoming more challenging to remove later.
- Have spare uniforms or a backup set ready, so you have time to properly clean and dry the uniforms between uses.
Q: How can I involve my kids in the process of keeping their uniforms clean?
A: Make it a shared responsibility. Teach your kids how to properly care for their uniforms, such as removing stains, turning them inside out before washing, or putting them in the laundry hamper after use. Engaging them in the process will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Q: Are there any time-saving tips for keeping sports uniforms clean?
A: Yes, here are a few time-saving tips:
- Keep a stain remover pen or wipes in your bag for immediate stain treatment on the go.
- Sort and pre-treat multiple uniforms in one go, so they are ready to be washed when you have time.
- Consider using quick-wash or express wash cycles on your washing machine for shorter cleaning times.
Remember, while keeping sports uniforms clean may require some effort, establishing a routine and involving your kids can make the process smoother. By maintaining cleanliness, you ensure that your kids can focus on their game while looking and feeling their best on the field.
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