As a cheerleader, you want your uniform to look its best for every performance. Proper washing and care is key to keeping your uniform clean, vibrant, and in good condition.
Follow these steps to wash your cheerleading uniform the right way.
- Pre-treat Stains: Before washing, check your uniform for any stains. Use a stain remover or make a mixture of detergent and apple cider vinegar to pre-treat any trouble spots. This will help lift the stains during the wash. If it’s really dirty, leave it in the solution overnight. Don’t use hot water because it can make the fake fibers bend and the colors might run.
- Turn it Inside Out: To protect the embellishments, crystals, or rhinestones on your uniform, always turn it inside out before washing. This prevents the decorations from getting damaged in the washing machine.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: Select a gentle, delicate cycle on your washing machine. Avoid using a heavy-duty or regular cycle, as this can be too rough on the fabric. Also, use a mild, color-safe detergent. Skip the fabric softener, as this can dull the colors. For white uniforms with lots of beads, hand wash them using a gentle, clear detergent without any extra stuff.
- Wash in Cold Water: Always wash your cheerleading uniform in cold water. Hot water can cause the colors to fade or bleed. Cold water helps maintain the bright, vibrant colors of your uniform.
- Air Dry Only: Do not put your cheerleading uniform in the dryer. The heat can damage the fabric and cause the colors to fade. Instead, lay the uniform flat or hang it up to air dry. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Store with Care: Make sure your uniform is completely dry before storing it. You can wrap it in a paper bag to prevent moisture buildup. Avoid storing it in plastic, as this can trap humidity.
Here are a few more tips to keep your cheerleading uniform in top shape:
- Use a makeup wipe to remove deodorant marks.
- Hand-wash any items with specialty fabrics, like metallic or embroidered pieces.
- Always follow the care instructions provided with your uniform.
- To get rid of smells, soak the uniform in warm water with some ACTIVE detergent and baking soda.
What type of detergent should be used to wash cheerleading Uniforms?
When cleaning cheerleading uniforms, it’s best to use a gentle soap like Tide. Don’t use bleach, as it can harm the uniform’s colors and fabric. Wash the uniform on a gentle setting and turn it inside out to keep any decorations safe. It’s better to let the uniform air dry instead of using a dryer, which could damage it. For stains, make a mix of baking soda and white vinegar to clean them. Always wash the uniform by itself to avoid color changes and damage.
Can cheerleading uniforms be washed with other clothes?
No, it is recommended to wash cheerleading uniforms separately from other clothes. This practice helps prevent color bleeding, fading, or any alterations that could occur if washed with other clothing items. By washing uniforms separately, you ensure that the delicate fabrics and specialty materials used in cheerleading uniforms are properly cared for, thus maintaining their quality and appearance over time.
How often should cheerleading uniforms be washed?
Cheerleading uniforms need to be washed regularly to keep them looking good and clean. How often you wash them depends on how much you use them and how active you are. If you use them regularly, it’s best to wash them after every practice or performance. If they’re not too dirty, you can wash them less often, like once a week.
What is the best way to dry cheerleading uniforms?
The best way to dry cheerleading uniforms is to air-dry them by laying them flat or hanging them up, away from direct heat or sunlight. This method helps prevent shrinkage, damage to embellishments, and color fading. It is recommended to avoid using a clothes dryer, as the high heat can cause the uniform to shrink and fade. For specific materials, such as polyester or nylon, it is important to use a mild detergent and cool water, then air-dry to prevent shrinking and melting of any adhesives used for embellishments. Natural fibers, like cotton, should be washed in cold water and laid flat to dry to maintain the integrity of the fiber and prevent stains from setting in permanently.
How to remove wrinkles from cheerleading uniforms after washing
To effectively remove wrinkles from cheerleading uniforms after washing, follow these steps:
- Avoid High Heat: Do not use an iron with a high heat setting for extended periods of time, as it can leave discolored marks on the uniform. Instead, use a lower heat setting if necessary.
- Air Dry: After washing, resist the temptation to throw the uniform in the dryer. Instead, carefully hang the uniform up to air dry naturally in a spot with good air circulation but away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
- Use Wide Hangers: Use wide hangers that support the garment’s shape without causing creases or stretches in the fabric while drying.
- Steamer: If your uniform has obvious wrinkles, you can use a steamer instead of an iron, as the heat from a steamer is not as extreme and will not damage the uniform.