Debunking 5 BJJ Laundry Myths
In this guide, we're separating BJJ laundry fact from fiction to help you care for your BJJ wear the right way. No matter if you're a black belt or a beginner, knowing how to wash your gear is key. It keeps your gear clean and safe. Plus, your training partners will appreciate it!
In this article
If you've been a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner for any length of time, you know that besides aches and pains, the other side effect is laundry. Lot's of laundry. Your training gear - your gi, rash guards, shorts, spats and belt - also takes a beating. This gear gets pushed to its limits between sweat, friction, and mat time. But while training builds muscle memory, laundry myths can break your gear down faster than a white belt in their first class.
Why BJJ gear care actually matters
Let's be real: smelly gear isn't just unpleasant - it's a hygiene hazard. More importantly, poor laundry habits can degrade your training gear, shrink your rash guards, and even reduce the lifespan of your gi. Reasonable care isn't about vanity but being a good team mate and will probably save you money.
Common BJJ laundry myths (and what you should do instead)
Myth #1: "Hot water gets my gear cleaner."
Verdict: Partly true, but mostly harmful.
Hot water does reduce bacteria, yes. But it also shrinks and fades fabrics - especially the nylon and spandex in rash guards. Over time, this weakens fibres and ruins fit. Instead, wash in cold water and use a laundry sanitiser If you're concerned about bacterial load.
Pro tip: Boost your wash with Gear Guard to tackle the source of those deep-rooted smells.
Myth #2: "Bad smells = Bacteria"
Verdict: Not quite.
Bacteria play a role, but the real stink culprits are what they leave behind. After processing the fatty acids and proteins from the sweat, bacteria leave behind residues that cling to synthetic fabrics. Regular detergents can't break these down fully, and sanitisers just kill the bacteria. They don't get rid of the smell-causing gunk.
Learn more about our laundry boosting additive, Gear Guard. It's made specifically to eliminate odours in synthetic clothing and apparel.
Myth #3: "More detergent means a deeper clean."
Verdict: Busted.
Using too much detergent leaves residues in the clothes that don't wash away. This residue attracts more bacteria, and the whole cycle starts again. Think of it like overloading a plate at a buffet. More isn't always better. Also, it costs you money because your using more detergent than you need to. Big Laundry know this!
Stick to the recommended amount.
Myth #4: "Fabric softener = softer, better-smelling gear."
Verdict: Definitely busted.
Fabric softener coats your gear in a waxy film. Its great for making clothes soft, but that traps bacteria, fatty acids and all the odour-causing nasties. It also messes with the moisture-wicking magic of your rash guards, making them feel hotter and smellier faster.
Skip it altogether for training clothes.
Myth #5: "Washing my belt will wash away my skills"
Verdict: Let's put this one to rest.
Your belt holds your rank, not your technique. Washing it won't erase the armbar you drilled a hundred times. But not washing it? That's a fast track to spreading nasty stuff in your gym.
Toss it in the wash. Keep your belt - and your training partners - clean.
Practical Tips for your BJJ laundry Routine
Knowing what not to do is half the battle. Here's what to do:
- Follow the care labels – they exist for a reason. Stick to them.
- Use cold water + mild detergent – gentle and effective.
- Add a capful of Gear Guard – this helps break down smelly buildup that bacteria leave behind, and sanitiser struggles to remove.
- Air dry when possible – heat shrinks and warps fibres. Give your dryer a rest.
- Check for wear and tear – catching minor issues early can extend the life of your gear.
The Roll-Ready Takeaway
Caring for your BJJ gear is just as much a discipline as learning technique. By letting go of BJJ laundry myths and accepting the facts, you help your gear last longer. You also show respect for the gym, the mats, and your training partners.So next time you hang your gi to dry or toss your rash guard in the wash, know this: you're not just doing laundry. You're doing BJJ the right way - on and off the mat.
