How to Wash a Jiu Jitsu Gi: A Complete

Beginner’s Guide

Knowing how to wash a jiu jitsu gi properly is just as important as knowing how to wear it. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport, and your gi absorbs sweat, bacteria, and dirt every time you train. Washing your gi correctly keeps it clean, prevents bad odors, protects your training partners, and helps your gi last longer.

This guide explains how to wash a jiu jitsu gi step by step. It covers washing methods, drying tips, odor removal, and common mistakes to avoid, all in simple and easy-to-follow language.

Why Washing Your Jiu Jitsu Gi Properly Matters

A jiu jitsu gi is not ordinary clothing. It is exposed to:

• Heavy sweating

• Skin-to-skin contact

• Mats that carry bacteria

• Constant friction and pressure

If not washed correctly, a gi can develop strong odors, shrink, lose strength, or even become unhygienic. Proper gi care protects both your health and your investment.

In most academies, wearing a clean gi is not optional. It is a basic rule of hygiene and respect.
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How Often Should You Wash a Jiu Jitsu Gi?

You should wash your jiu jitsu gi after every training session, even if the class was short or felt light.

Never reuse a gi without washing it. Sweat and bacteria multiply quickly, and wearing an unwashed gi increases the risk of skin infections.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Jiu Jitsu Gi

Step 1: Wash Your Gi as Soon as Possible

Try to wash your gi as soon as you get home from training. Leaving a sweaty gi in a gym bag allows bacteria to grow and makes odors harder to remove later.

If you cannot wash it immediately, hang it up to air out until washing.

Step 2: Turn the Gi Inside Out

Before washing, turn your gi jacket and pants inside out. This allows sweat, bacteria, and dirt to be cleaned more effectively, especially in high-contact areas like the collar and armpits.

Step 3: Use Cold Water

Always wash your jiu jitsu gi in cold water. Hot water can cause:

• Shrinking

• Fabric damage

• Fading of color

Cold water is effective for cleaning and helps preserve the size and strength of the gi.

Step 4: Use Mild Detergent

Use a mild, regular laundry detergent. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners.

Fabric softeners can:

• Weaken the fibers

• Reduce grip strength of the gi

• Trap odors instead of removing them

A simple detergent is enough to clean a gi properly.

Step 5: Wash Separately or with Similar Colors

Wash your gi separately or with similar colors. White gis should be washed alone to prevent discoloration. Black or colored gis should be washed with dark clothing to avoid fading or color transfer.

This also prevents damage from zippers or rough fabrics found in everyday clothing.

How to Dry a Jiu Jitsu Gi

Drying your gi correctly is just as important as washing it.

Best Option: Air Dry

The safest way to dry a jiu jitsu gi is to hang dry it.

Air drying:

• Prevents shrinking

• Extends the life of the fabric

• Keeps the gi strong

Hang your gi in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry completely before storing.

Using a Dryer: What to Know

If you must use a dryer:

• Use the lowest heat setting

• Remove the gi while slightly damp if possible

High heat can cause significant shrinking, especially in cotton gis. Frequent dryer use shortens the lifespan of your gi.

How to Remove Odors from a Jiu Jitsu Gi

Sometimes, even after washing, a gi can develop a persistent smell. This happens when bacteria remain trapped in the fibers.

To remove odors:

• Add white vinegar to the wash cycle occasionally

• Use baking soda as a natural deodorizer

• Avoid fabric softener

Do not mix vinegar with bleach, as this is unsafe.

Washing regularly and drying thoroughly prevents most odor problems.

Can You Use Bleach on a Jiu Jitsu Gi?

Bleach should be used with caution.

For white gis:

• Occasional use of diluted bleach may be acceptable

• Overuse can weaken fabric and stitching

For colored or black gis:

• Avoid bleach completely

• Bleach will cause fading and damage

If you want to brighten a white gi, oxygen-based cleaners are a safer alternative.
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How to Prevent Shrinking

Shrinking is one of the biggest concerns when washing a jiu jitsu gi.

To prevent shrinking:

• Wash in cold water

• Avoid high heat drying

• Air dry whenever possible

Most modern gis are pre-shrunk, but improper washing can still cause size changes over time.

How to Store a Clean Jiu Jitsu Gi

After washing and drying:

• Fold your gi neatly

• Store it in a clean, dry place

• Avoid leaving it in a gym bag

A clean gi stored properly stays fresh and ready for training.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing a Gi

Avoid these common errors:

• Reusing a gi without washing

• Using hot water regularly

• Using fabric softener

• Leaving a wet gi in a bag

• Drying on high heat

These mistakes shorten the life of your gi and create hygiene issues.

How Long Does a Jiu Jitsu Gi Last?

With proper care, a quality jiu jitsu gi can last several years. Training frequency, washing habits, and drying methods all affect durability.

Practitioners who wash carefully and air dry their gis often get much longer use out of them.

Gi Hygiene and Gym Etiquette

Washing your gi properly is not just personal care, it is gym etiquette. Wearing a clean gi shows respect for:

• Your training partners

• Your instructor

• The academy

Most gyms expect students to arrive in a freshly washed gi for every session.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to wash a jiu jitsu gi correctly is a basic but essential part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Proper washing prevents odors, protects your health, and extends the life of your gi. With simple habits like cold water washing, mild detergent, and air drying, you can keep your gi clean and competition-ready.

Good gi care reflects discipline and respect, values that are at the heart of jiu jitsu training.
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