Here at TOFFS, we love rugby. We love everything about the sport - the competition, the physicality, the athleticism, and that magical feeling that only comes with scoring a try. But even we have to admit - it can definitely be a pain to have to clean up those mud-stained rugby kits after the game's over!
We pride ourselves on the quality and craftsmanship of our retro rugby shirts, and we happen to think they look immaculate - but we understand that, if they're being worn out on the rugby field in the dirt and the rain, they're certainly not going to stay that way. The rough-and-tumble nature of rugby will always leave its mark in the form of mud and grass stains - especially if you're kitted out in an all-white England rugby kit!
As such, if you own a rugby kit, it's vital to know how to properly clean it, especially when it comes to removing mud and potentially stubborn grass stains from the material. But fear not - as rugby shirt experts, TOFFS is here to walk you through the whole process!
Pre-treatment
First things first, you should begin by removing as much of the mud as possible. If you simply stick a mud-caked shirt straight into the wash, you're just going to get everything else dirty, and potentially damage your washing machine in the process!
That's why it's best to let your muddy kit dry, and then use a soft brush to gently remove as much mud as possible from the fabric. Dry mud is much easier to remove than wet clumps, and it will make the job a lot less unpleasant.
After you've done this, it's time to see whether any of the grass and mud stains can be tackled directly using the damp cloth method. For light mud stains, sometimes this is all that's needed to do the trick; simply dab the affected area gently, and you may find that this is enough to get the shirt clean.
Pre-wash
At this stage, you're ready to prepare your clothes for a full wash. For tougher stains, this might mean that you'll need to treat the garment with some kind of solution to help loosen things up prior to going in the washing machine.
Try soaking the stained area in a solution of half a cup of white vinegar and cold water for 30 minutes; you might also want to try applying an oxidising stain remover, or a paste made of baking soda and water, to the grass stain or mud stains, letting this sit for at least 15 minutes. This can make a big difference in whether or not you're going to be successful in shifting those stubborn stains.
Blood stains are another potential factor to consider, as these can be quite common for physical sports such as rugby. If there’s a blood stain, use cold water to pre-wash the garment; avoid hot water, as you will run the risk of setting the stain instead.
Main wash
When it's time to start the main wash, you'll need to think carefully about your choice of washing powder and settings. Although in most cases it'll be fine to simply use your normal detergent, it's always best to ensure it's suitable for the specific fabric of your sports kit, to avoid causing any damage.
Then, when configuring the machine settings, you should opt for the pre-wash option if available. Unless there are blood stains involved, use warm water for the main wash for best results. As mentioned, a stain remover can be used as part of the routine if you're dealing with stubborn stains, but you should avoid using chlorine bleach, especially on coloured fabrics, as this might cause some damage.
Rinsing and drying
Once everything has been through the wash, you should rinse your rugby shirt out thoroughly, ensuring that all of the washing powder has been washed out. Any remaining residue can attract more dirt, and you don't want to be undoing your hard work so quickly!
You should then hang up the jersey to air-dry or line-dry the garment. As a rule, it's safer not to tumble-dry the shirt as it can shrink or damage the fabric. If you've got no choice but to use a tumble dryer, opt for a low heat setting to be on the safe side.
Regular care for your sports kit
As with so many things in life, prevention is always better than a cure, so you should take good care of your sports kits to make sure that stubborn stains don't become set in! This means committing to a regular washing routine, and make it a habit to pre-soak your dirty sports kit in a bucket with warm water and a full cup of baking soda before the main wash after each game.
By following these steps, not only will removing grass stains and mud from your rugby shirts become a lot easier, but you'll also extend the life of your kit. Remember, the key is to tackle the stains as soon as possible, and to adjust your approach based on the type of stain and fabric.
Enjoy the game, not the stains! And for all the rest of your retro rugby kit needs, keep on shopping at TOFFS.
