How to wash a wrestling singlet?
Keeping your wrestling gear clean is essential for both hygiene and performance. Knowing how to wash a wrestling singlet the right way can help extend its life, maintain comfort, and prevent unwanted odors. Since wrestling singlets are made from delicate performance lycra, they require special care to avoid heat damage, shrinkage, or fabric breakdown.
Whether you're a student-athlete or a parent of a wrestler, learning proper wrestling singlet care is crucial. This includes understanding the correct washing instructions for wrestling gear, choosing the right detergent, and knowing when to air dry versus machine washing. In this guide, we’ll explore all the best practices to keep your singlet in top condition.
Can You Put Wrestling Singlets in the Washer?
Yes, most singlets are made from machine washable sportswear fabrics like performance lycra. These materials are designed for sports but are also sensitive to heat and rough handling.
You must follow the care label instructions and use a gentle cycle with cold water wash. Don’t use hot water or harsh settings as they cause heat damage to lycra and ruin the fit and stretch of the singlet.
| Step | Instruction | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Use cold water wash | Protects fabric elasticity |
| 2 | Add gentle detergent for sportswear | Keeps material strong and odor-free |
| 3 | Place in mesh laundry bag | Prevents fabric from catching or tearing |
| 4 | Select gentle cycle | Reduces damage from spinning |
How to Wash a Wrestling Singlet By Hand
If you want extra care for your gear, choose to hand wash singlet in a basin or sink. Fill it with cold water, add a small amount of mild detergent, and soak the singlet.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to loosen sweat and grime. Rub gently using your hands and rinse thoroughly. Do not wring the singlet, as that can stretch it. Use a towel to press out extra water before drying.
Some people add white vinegar or baking soda deodorizer to the soak. This helps in deodorizing wrestling gear and removing sweat and oils.
The Right Detergents for Wrestling Singlets
Never use fabric softener or bleach on your singlet. These products ruin the material and leave residues that trap odors.
Instead, always use a gentle detergent for sportswear or products like ACTIVE detergent that are designed for moisture-wicking fabric care. These break down sweat, body oils, and bacteria without damaging the fabric.
| Recommended Products | Use Purpose |
|---|---|
| ACTIVE detergent | Deep cleaning & singlet odor control |
| White vinegar | Odor removal from wrestling gear |
| Baking soda deodorizer | Neutralizes strong smells |
| Rubbing alcohol | Stain removal and disinfection |
How to Dry a Wrestling Singlet Safely
Avoid putting singlets in the dryer. No dryer for singlets means no shrinking, warping, or breaking down of the material. Always air drying wrestling singlets is the safest method.
Lay the singlet flat on a drying rack or hang it in a cool area away from direct sunlight exposure. This prevents heat damage to lycra and helps keep colors from fading.
If you're in a rush, use the towel drying method. Lay the singlet flat on a towel, roll it up, and press gently to absorb water.
Tips for Washing Wrestling Kneepads, Shoes, and Headgear
All wrestling gear needs care. Washing kneepads, washing wrestling headgear, and wrestling shoes maintenance are just as important as the singlet itself.
Clean kneepads and headgear in warm water soak with mild detergent. Scrub gently with a soft bristle brush. Rinse and drip dry them fully.
For shoes, remove the shoelaces, wash them separately, and use a damp cloth with rubbing alcohol to clean the shoe surface. Let them dry fully before use.
| Gear | Cleaning Method | Drying Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Kneepads | Soak + soft bristle brush | Drip dry |
| Headgear | Warm water soak + wipe | Air dry in shaded area |
| Wrestling Shoes | Wipe with rubbing alcohol | Avoid heat or sunlight |
| Shoelaces | Wash separately | Let air dry |
How Often Should You Wash Wrestling Gear?
You must wash your singlet after every match or practice. Wrestling singlet care is not just about appearance—it’s about health. Sweat buildup leads to bacteria, skin infections, and bad smell.
Proper washing ensures athletic gear hygiene and helps in deodorizing wrestling gear completely. Even if the singlet doesn’t look dirty, it collects bacteria and oils every time it’s used.
How to Remove Tough Stains from Wrestling Singlets
Blood, rust from hangers, or deep sweat stains are common. For bloodstain removal, rinse in cold water, then use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol directly on the stain.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash normally. For rust stains from hangers, try white vinegar and baking soda paste. Apply, scrub gently, and rinse.
Cleaning bloodstains on uniforms quickly helps avoid permanent marks. Never use bleach or hot water, as that can set stains permanently.
Case Study: How ACTIVE Detergent Helped a Wrestling Team
One youth wrestling team in Texas had constant issues with smelly singlets. Regular detergents didn’t help. After switching to ACTIVE detergent, odor issues reduced significantly.
They also started using mesh laundry bag, cold water wash, and air drying wrestling singlets. After just two weeks, there was a big improvement in singlet odor control and the fabric's condition.
This simple change helped extend the life of their handcrafted wrestling uniforms and boosted their team hygiene.
Final Thoughts on Washing Wrestling Gear
Wrestling uniforms need special care. Always follow the care tag label, use gentle detergent for sportswear, and avoid shortcuts like dryers or fabric softener.
Use mesh laundry bag usage in machines, and hand wash singlet when in doubt. Stick to cold water wash and choose products like ACTIVE detergent, white vinegar, or baking soda deodorizer for best results.
Proper wrestling singlet care isn’t hard, but it must be done regularly. Clean singlets not only look better, they protect wrestlers from skin issues and bad odors.
Keep your wrestling gear clean, fresh, and match-ready every time.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for our next blog on how to store your wrestling gear safely in the off-season.
FAQs
Can you put wrestling singlets in the washer?
Yes, most wrestling singlets are machine washable sportswear, but always use a gentle cycle, cold water wash, and a mesh laundry bag.
How to wash a running singlet?
Use cold water wash with a gentle detergent for sportswear, and air dry to protect the moisture-wicking fabric care properties.
Are SBD singlets machine washable?
Yes, SBD singlets are machine washable, but follow the care label instructions and avoid fabric softener or high heat.
Can I wash my wrestling shoes in the washing machine?
No, it's best to clean wrestling shoes by hand using a damp cloth and rubbing alcohol, then air dry to maintain their structure.
How to wash a Rudis singlet?
Wash your Rudis singlet in cold water with mild detergent, avoid bleach, and air dry to prevent heat damage to lycra.