So today I’m sharing something pretty important for rugby fans out there: how I keep my All Blacks jersey looking sharp. You know that awesome new jersey you bought? Yeah, mine almost got wrecked in the first wash. Total mess.
The Disaster Wash
Grabbed my jersey last week after training. Sweaty, muddy – classic post-game state. Threw it in the washer with my gym stuff. Hot water, regular detergent, the whole nine yards. Pulled it out looking like crap. The silver fern started peeling at the edges, fabric went all stiff and scratchy. Felt like sandpaper against my skin.
The Fix Routine
After that mess, I asked around and pieced together a solid care routine:
- Turn it inside out: Always flip that jersey before washing. Protects the fancy prints.
- Cold water only: My tap gets icy cold now. Hot water makes colors bleed like crazy.
- Super gentle soap: Found this mild detergent without any bleach or brighteners. Smells like nothing but works.
Washing Day Steps
Here’s exactly what I do now:
- Soak it solo in the sink first. Cold water plus two capfuls of mild soap. Left it swimming for 15 minutes.
- Did the handwash thing next. Gently rubbed the muddy spots without scrubbing hard. Rinsed under cold running water until the water ran clear.
- Never twisted it dry! Just pressed the water out gently against the sink.
The Drying Trick
This part’s critical – never use heat. I laid it flat on my drying rack, still inside out. Shaped it properly and let room air do its thing. Took almost two days to fully dry. Patience is key.
Storing It Right
Once dry, I folded it carefully along the seams. No hangers – those leave shoulder bumps. Stashed it in my drawer away from direct sunlight. Sun bleaches colors faster than you’d think.
Why Bother?
Look, the jersey ain’t cheap. After screwing up once, this method saved mine. Four washes later and it still looks fresh out the store. Smells clean, feels soft, no peeling logos. Worth the extra effort for that black pride!
