The mat is one of the most bacteria-rich training surfaces in any sport. Your rashguard is in contact with it for hours every week. Wash it wrong and you will smell the damage before you see it.
The four rules that keep rashguards alive
Cold wash only (max 30°C). Heat is the primary destroyer of fightwear. It breaks down the spandex fibres that give a rashguard its compression fit and degrades the sublimated graphics over time. Cold wash every time - no exceptions.
Wash inside-out. Turns the sublimated side away from friction during the wash cycle. Reduces pilling and protects print quality over hundreds of washes.
No fabric softener. Softener coats the synthetic fibres and permanently destroys their moisture-wicking ability. After a few washes with softener, your rashguard will hold sweat instead of moving it away from your skin.
Hang dry - always. The tumble dryer is the single fastest way to ruin a rashguard. Even on low heat, the drum temperature shrinks the material and destroys compression. Hang in the shade - direct sunlight fades the print over time.
The washing routine that works
- Turn inside-out immediately after training.
- Wash the same day or next morning - do not leave it damp in a bag.
- Cold cycle, mild detergent, no softener, no bleach.
- Hang immediately after the cycle ends - do not leave in the drum.
- Air dry fully before storing or rolling back into your bag.
How to remove deep odour
If a rashguard already has a smell that regular washing is not clearing:
- Soak in cold water with 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Cold wash with mild detergent immediately after soaking (no rinse between).
- Hang dry fully.
The vinegar neutralises odour-causing bacteria without damaging the fibres. Safe for sublimated prints and leaves no residue after washing.
Same rules apply to shorts and spats
Identical care applies to your grappling shorts and BJJ spats. Cold wash, inside-out, hang dry. If your grappling shorts have a drawstring, tie it loosely before washing so it does not tangle with other gear.
Senshi White BJJ Rashguard
IBJJF Legal · White Belt · Sublimated print that survives hundreds of cold washes · €49.99
Ships from Vienna in 2-4 days.
Shop Senshi WhiteFrequently asked questions
Can I wash my rashguard with regular clothes?
Yes, as long as you are washing cold and the cycle is not too rough. Avoid washing with heavy denim or items with metal clasps that could cause friction on the rashguard surface.
My rashguard still smells after washing. What do I do?
Use the vinegar soak method above. If the smell persists after two rounds, bacteria have embedded into the fibres from repeated damp storage. It is likely time to replace the garment.
Can I iron a BJJ rashguard?
No. Heat damages both the spandex and the sublimated print. If wrinkles are a concern, hang immediately after washing and smooth by hand while still slightly damp.
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