Can You Machine Wash Hockey Jerseys: Safe Washing Steps for Sublimated and Stitched Crests

Yes, you can machine wash hockey jerseys on a cold gentle cycle, inside out, with mild detergent, and then air dry to protect prints and stitched crests.

Most modern hockey jerseys are designed to be machine washed, but heat, harsh chemicals and aggressive cycles can damage sublimation, tackle twill and embroidered crests. Following a safe routine keeps colours bright, stitching intact and odour under control. Here are the exact steps, plus what to avoid.

Check the care label first

Always follow the garment’s care label. If the jersey has special elements such as lace-up collars, velcro fight straps or applied patches, close or protect them before washing.

The safe machine-wash steps

• Turn the jersey inside out.
• Wash on a cold, gentle cycle.
• Use a mild sports detergent, no bleach and no fabric softener.
• Wash with similar colours and avoid rough items.
• Remove promptly after the cycle ends.

Sublimated jerseys

Sublimated designs are dyed into polyester fibres, so they resist cracking and peeling. Hot water and harsh chemicals can still dull colour, so keep to cold water.

Stitched crests and tackle twill

Stitched decoration is durable but vulnerable to heat and abrasion. Washing inside out and air drying avoid curling and fraying. See hockey jersey customization options for how each method behaves.

Drying and aftercare

Air dry on a hanger or flat. Avoid high-heat dryers. Complete guidance is in our hockey jersey care guide.

What not to do

• Do not use hot water or a hot dryer.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
• Do not wash with zippers or hook-and-loop items that can snag.
• Do not leave the jersey in the washer after the cycle.
• Do not iron directly on decorated areas.

Washing multiple jerseys for a team

Team managers often wash a full set. Use a mesh laundry bag or wash in small batches, separate light and dark colours, and avoid overloading the machine so the jerseys rinse properly. Hang them to dry before storing to avoid odour.

Stain treatment

Treat blood, grass or ice stains with cold water as soon as possible. Warm or hot water can set protein stains. Test any stain remover on an inside seam first, and avoid scrubbing decorated areas.

Machine settings explained

• Temperature: cold (about 30 °C or below).
• Cycle: gentle or delicate.
• Spin: low to medium.
• Detergent: mild, no optical brighteners if the jersey has strong colours.
• Load: small enough to rinse thoroughly.

When hand washing is better

Hand washing is gentler for jerseys with fragile patches or embellishments, or for vintage items. Soak in cool water with mild detergent, rinse well and press out the water without wringing. Hang to dry. For everyday team use, a gentle machine cycle is usually fine and far more practical.

Care label symbols decoded

Care labels use symbols: a wash tub with a number shows maximum temperature, a triangle with a cross means no bleach, a square with a circle refers to tumble drying, and an iron symbol shows whether ironing is allowed. If the label shows a tub with a hand, hand wash only. Follow the most restrictive instruction when in doubt. If the label has worn off, treat the jersey as delicate: cold water, gentle cycle, no bleach and air dry.

For decorated jerseys, the care label covers the fabric but not necessarily the decoration. Ask your supplier whether any extra instructions apply to stitched crests, patches or special inks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hockey jerseys go in the washing machine?

Yes, on cold and gentle, inside out, with mild detergent.

Can I use bleach on a hockey jersey?

No. Bleach damages dyes and stitching.

Is hand washing better?

It is gentler, but machine washing on a gentle cycle is generally safe.

Can I iron a hockey jersey?

Avoid ironing decorated areas. Check the care label.

Get a Factory Quote for Your Team or Brand

Athlein Sports manufactures custom hockey jerseys, goalie cuts, socks and team bags in Sialkot, Pakistan, with a 20-piece starting minimum and free digital mockups. Explore custom ice hockey uniforms, browse custom ice hockey bags, or request an itemised quote. You can also email info@athleinsports.com or message us on WhatsApp.