Major League Baseball (MLB) shirts are a staple for fans, combining team pride with casual style. Whether you own an official jersey or a fan tee, proper care is essential to keep your MLB shirts looking fresh and vibrant over time. This article provides practical tips to maintain the color, fabric, and overall condition of your baseball shirts so they stay like new through many seasons.
Read and Follow Care Instructions
Every MLB shirt comes with a care label that outlines the manufacturer’s recommended washing and drying methods. Always follow these instructions carefully, as they are designed to preserve fabric quality and printed logos.
Ignoring these guidelines can lead to fading, shrinking, or damage to lettering and patches.
Wash Inside Out to Protect Graphics
Turn your MLB shirt inside out before washing. This simple step protects team logos, player names, numbers, and any printed graphics from friction that can cause peeling or fading.
It also minimizes direct exposure of decals to detergents and water.
Use Cold Water and Gentle Cycle
Washing your MLB shirts in cold water helps preserve colors and reduces fabric shrinkage. Select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to prevent excessive agitation, which can wear down the fabric and graphics.
Avoid mixing with heavy or abrasive items like jeans or towels.
Choose Mild Detergents and Avoid Bleach
Use mild detergents formulated for colored fabrics to prevent stripping dyes. Avoid bleach or harsh stain removers, as these can damage the shirt’s fabric and printed designs.
If stains occur, treat them gently with a mild stain remover before washing.
Air Dry to Prevent Damage
Heat from dryers can cause MLB shirts to shrink and degrade printed elements. Air drying your shirts by laying them flat or hanging them in a shaded, well-ventilated area is the best way to preserve shape and color.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade vibrant team colors.
Store Shirts Properly
When not in use, store your MLB shirts folded or hung in a cool, dry place. Use padded hangers to maintain the shape of jerseys and prevent stretching, especially around the shoulders.
Avoid overcrowding your closet to minimize wrinkles and fabric stress.
Handle Stains and Odors Promptly
Address stains as soon as possible by blotting (not rubbing) and using gentle cleaning methods. For odors, washing shirts soon after use and allowing proper drying prevents lingering smells.
Occasional use of odor-neutralizing sprays designed for sportswear can also help maintain freshness.
Avoid Ironing Over Prints
If ironing is necessary, never iron directly on printed logos or numbers. Instead, turn the shirt inside out and use a low-heat setting with a cloth barrier to prevent heat damage.
Excessive heat can cause cracking or peeling of printed elements.
Conclusion
Proper care is key to keeping your Major League Baseball shirts looking vibrant and new season after season. By washing shirts inside out in cold water, using gentle detergents, air drying, and storing them carefully, you can extend their lifespan and maintain team pride in style. Follow these simple tips to enjoy your MLB shirts for years to come.