If your child is in youth soccer, that uniform is going to see a lot of activity. Whether they come from diving to block a goal or tripping on the field, mud and grass stains are part of every game. To keep your child's uniform clean and bright so they look their best at the next meet, follow these instructions.

How to Care for Your Soccer Player’s Uniform

1. Never Use Heat

Most soccer uniforms are made of stretchy polyester, which can shrink or be damaged by heat. Heat also sets stains—meaning if the mud or grass doesn't come out in the first wash, and you put the uniform through the dryer on high, it may become permanent. 

The numbers, logos, and lettering on a jersey are also vulnerable to heat and can come off or break up. Only use cool or warm water and air dry the uniform if possible. If you need to use the dryer, use a low heat setting.

2. Choose Your Bleach

Chlorine bleach damages polyester and won’t remove stains. Use an oxygen bleach if possible. Keep this in mind when buying stain remover.

Oxygen bleach is also known as "all fabric" bleach, and you can use it on anything except silk and wool. This way, you won’t need two sets of cleaning products for your laundry.

3. Soak Before Washing

The longer a stain sits on fabric, the more likely it is to soak in and become hard to remove. As soon as your child is home from their youth soccer training or game, put their uniform into a tub of water with a small scoop of laundry detergent and a cup of baking soda.

If your home has hard water, add a water softening product so the extra minerals won't dull and discolor the uniform. Let the uniform soak overnight before running it through the washer by itself. Soak and wash whites and colors separately.

Use these tips to keep your child's Beachside Soccer Club uniform clean. Based in Norwalk, CT, they serve players age five and up in Fairfield County and are a gateway program into prestigious youth soccer organizations like the U.S. Soccer Academy Program. To talk with their experienced coaches about enrollment, call (203) 852-6969, or learn more about their teams and coaches online.