Did you ruin your last BJJ gi by not washing it properly? Don’t want to ruin your new BJJ gi? Certainly, you don’t. But how to wash BJJ Gi for the first time? You must know the answer to this question to protect your BJJ Gi from getting ruined. This article is all about the dos and don’ts of washing your BJJ Gi for the first time.
Is Washing BJJ Gi Important?
Yes, it surely is important to wash BJJ Gi. Otherwise, your BJJ Gi will stink real bad with all the sweat and bacteria. Also, there’s a strong possibility that your BJJ training fellows will stay away from you. Additionally, as a BJJ fighter, hygiene should be your priority. It’s always suggested to wash BJJ Gi instantly after a training session.
How to Wash BJJ Gi for the First Time?
The first wash of BJJ Gi after training can mess up the quality of the fabric if not done properly. That’s why we are going to share some BJJ Gi washing instructions. Don’t forget to follow them whenever you wash your BJJ Gi.

Washing Instructions:
Brand Instructions:
The first thing you should be doing before washing BJJ gi is understanding brand instructions regarding the fabric. Each brand has a unique way of manufacturing BJJ gi, and so are instructions. Don’t go for machine wash if the brand is suggesting hand wash. Otherwise, you might ruin the quality of the fabric.
If you’re still searching for a suitable and classy-looking BJJ Gi brand, here is the detailed article you must check.
Use Cold Water:
Question is, how to wash BJJ Gi for the first time? Now comes the washing process. Warm water can damage the quality of the fabric so you should use cold water for washing purposes. Also, don’t forget to turn the BJJ inside out. This is a good way to protect the color and fabric of the BJJ gi.
Shrinking:
There’s one thing you need to consider. That is fabric shrinking. If the fabric of your BJJ gi is not pre-shrunk, you should shrink it with a little warm water. But if your BJJ Gi fits you perfectly, there’s no need to shrink it. However, if your Gi doesn’t fit you, go for shrinking.
How to shrink? Set the washing machine with warm water, and go for a low spin. Avoid using a machine dryer if you can. Air drying would be ideal for BJJ Gi fabric.
Don’t Use Bleach:
If you want your BJJ gi to last longer than the last one, then never use any kind of bleach, chlorine, or any other oxidizer. The use of bleach or any other harsh chemical can affect the soft material of the BJJ gi. So, you must avoid them to keep the material durable.
Drying:
Can direct sunlight ruin the resilient construction of my BJJ Gi? You should be considering such questions before air-drying your Gi under sunlight. If the brand of your Gi doesn’t recommend direct contact with sunlight rays, then hang your BJJ uniform indoors where there’s no sign of sunlight.
Use of Vinegar:
What to do if your BJJ Gi stinks right out of the parcel? Vinegar solution? Yes, but only if the BJJ gi brand allows it. Not most brands allow the vinegar solution method to remove the odor or foul smell. But if the brand does allow it, go for the vinegar solution method. It will help vanish all kinds of stinky smells.
Separate Washing:
Don’t ever wash a BJJ gi with other clothes. If you do so, BJJ Gi colors might be transferred to other clothes and vice versa which can affect the longevity of the BJJ gi. The color fading or transferring can ruin the entire look of your BJJ Gi.
BJJ GI Care:
Now what to do after BJJ gi washing? Well, drying, of course. But there are some other BJJ gi washing instructions you need to know as well.
- Air-dry your BJJ Gi, if possible.
- Never keep your sweaty or wet BJJ gi in your training backpack. Bacteria love moisture and wet or dirty fabric would be an ideal habitat for them.
- It’s recommended to have 2-3 sets of BJJ gi training uniforms. Don’t put too much pressure on one BJJ Gi. Using one Gi, again and again, will damage the fabric.
- Don’t iron the BJJ Gi too much. Avoid ironing the embroidery part.
- Don’t just throw your BJJ gi after getting dry, rather keep it in the cupboard after wrapping it properly.
- It’s better to use subtle fragranced detergent to remove the foul sweat smell.
How Often Should I Wash my BJJ Gi?
Washing your BJJ Gi after every training session is an ideal case. But if you can’t do it for any reason, wash your BJJ kimono after every two training sessions. Never keep the sweat or stain on your Gi for more than one day. Sweat will increase the growth of bacteria which means a more stinky or foul smell.
How to Wash Colored BJJ Gi?
Your priority should be protecting the color and fabric of the Gi. For that, you shouldn’t wash the BJJ gi with other clothes. Also, use a high-quality detergent that doesn’t fade the color of the kimono.
Can I Put my BJJ Gi in the dryer?
As we mentioned earlier, always prefer air-drying over machine drying. Machine dryers can weaken the threads of the fabric. So the ideal way to dry your BJJ Gi would be air-drying but make sure to avoid direct sunlight contact.
How to Remove Stain From BJJ Gi?
If sudden accidents like getting a stain on your new BJJ Gi happen, you should know how to remove that stain instantly. Don’t keep the stain for longer, wash it with cold water right after you get the stain. Don’t use warm water as it will ruin the quality of the fabric.
Wrap Up:
The first wash of the BJJ Gi is considered essential due to its protection and durability reasons. Washing BJJ Gi isn’t rocket science or something difficult to do, all you need to understand and follow the above-mentioned instructions and tips. Doing so will prevent you from spending money on buying another set of BJJ Gi.
A lot of beginners get confused on questions such as how to wash BJJ Gi for the first time? That is why we have compiled this instructional guide for all of those confused learners.