Classic sports jerseys showcase a fan's love for their favorite team or player. Whether you wear the jersey on your own or display the jersey in a frame, you want the garment in an ideal condition without any stains or visual issues.

Due to all the little elements put into a sports jersey, the cleaning and restoration process is a delicate one. A dry cleaner will use multiple methods to restore jerseys to their original look. Learn about the methods and how to give sports jerseys new life again.

1. Dry Clean Process

With stitched-on numbers, labels, and a variety of materials, traditional washers and dryers are not the best option for a sports jersey. Hot water could cause elements of a jersey to shrink or warp. The dry clean process helps restore a jersey without any worries of shrinking. Only chemicals are used in the dry clean process, so the jersey not only comes out clean but also free of odor.

Game-worn jerseys could have sweat odors and a funk, especially if the jerseys have sat around without a proper wash. The previous storage method of a jersey could also result in random odors. For example, the jersey may have been packed in a trunk or attic and now has a musty smell. A dry cleaner will eliminate the smells and give the jersey a fresh scent like the when the jersey was first made.

2. Stain Removal

Stains found on jerseys are tricky to remove. Avoid any attempts at stain removal without the services of a dry cleaner first. A dry cleaner uses several methods to focus on specific stains and remove them without causing additional damage.

For example, if the numbers or letters of a jersey have stains, the removal process is different than the standard fabric. A mix of steam and spot water treatments are used to remove stains such as dirt, sweat, and oils. The focus on the jersey will cover the individual stains without allowing the stains to set or causing parts of the fabric to bleed colors.

3. Wrinkle Removal

Sport jerseys stand out in a bad way when displayed or worn with a lot of wrinkles. Simply tossing a jersey into a dryer to remove wrinkles could cause additional problems. A dry cleaner uses a steam iron process to eliminate wrinkles and return a jersey to a flat and smooth form.

Once completed, the jersey is hung up until you pick the item up so no extra wrinkles form. If you plan to display the jersey, the wrinkle removal process will allow you to lay the jersey flat inside of a frame or display case without any wrinkles or creases creating issues.

4. Protective Bags

After dry cleaning, you may not hang up or wear the jersey right away. Keep the jersey in the same condition the dry cleaner created with the use of reusable dry cleaner bags. Disposable clear bags will expose a jersey to sunlight and cause possible discoloration when left in the sun for extended amounts of time.

A reusable dry cleaning bag will have solid, zip-up protection to block out UV rays and keep the jersey in pristine condition. When kept on a hanger, the jersey will not have any new wrinkles, and it will not pick up any new odors in the protection of the bag.

Some dry cleaners may offer their own reusable bags for sale, or you could purchase your own bag and bring the bag in when you drop off your sports jersey.

Contact us at Crystal Cleaning Center to set up a cleaning and restoration for your sports jersey. We have years of experience dealing with delicate clothing and will help take care of your beloved sports jersey.