Baseball season means new baseball and softball jerseys for players. But unless they’ve outgrown last season’s size or changed teams, does every year really need a brand new softball or baseball jersey?
It does if you didn’t take care of the last one properly. Both baseball and softball are sports almost designed to get their players dirty. There is no lack of options to dirty your jerseys or stain your baseball or softball pants. This makes proper upkeep important not just for appearing in the next game, but in order to get the longest life possible out of the gear you spent hard-earned money on.
Immediately after the game, wash your jersey and pants off with nothing but water. That should remove much of the stains and caked on mud. Then place it in a sink or container that is full of warm water and your detergent of choice plus a cup of baking soda. Soaking it overnight is best, but it needs an hour at the very least.
When the presoaking is done, the jersey and pants are ready for the washer. Make sure it’s cold water and let the jersey and pants ride alone. Most other clothes contain cotton, which will break off in the washer and cling to the material that makes jerseys and pants.
Keep this routine throughout the season and you’ll be pleased to find your uniform holding up and ready again next year.