Ultimate washing guide to juijitsu rashies.

If you’ve ever pulled your favourite rash guard out of your training bag knowing its fresh out of the wash, only to catch a “familiar spicy aroma” once you're warm, you’re not alone. 

Over time, even high-quality rash guards can develop what’s known as “permastink” that lingering odour that won’t quit or wash away. 

 

But fear not—with the proper care routine, you can keep your BJJ gear fresh, clean, and ready for the grind. 

Why proper care of your BJJ rashguard matters

Rash guards aren’t only a layer of clothing; they’re your first defence against mat burns, skin-to-skin contact, and skin irritation. But sweat residues, bacteria and what they leave behind, and other organics can build up deep inside the fabric’s fibres without proper care. This can lead to unpleasant odours and a shorter lifespan for your gear.

 

Here’s the science: sweat isn’t salty water. It’s a complex mixture of proteins, oils, and other compounds that bacteria love to munch on. After their feast, the residues bacteria leave behind can become trapped in the fibres of synthetic fabric's, like what all rash guards are made of. These residues cling to the fibres, no matter how hard detergents or sanitisers try to remove them. When these residues warm up and mix with fresh sweat, they take on a whole new aroma. Some people have described an ammonia like smell after a heavy workout. Ammonia is a by-product of bacteria on the skin metabolising  the organic compounds in sweat! 

How to wash your rashie

Step 1: Prepare the load

  • Turn your rashie inside out. This little hack can protect logos or graphics printed on the outside your rash guard.
  • Separate your laundry. Avoid washing your rash guard with towels, fleece, or clothing with zippers and buttons to prevent lint, pilling, or snags. You may consider putting your rash guard into a a mesh lingerie or laundry bag to protect it through the washing cycle.

Step 2: Add your detergent.

Using a mild detergent is best. You might think you need to deep clean with bleach or a harsh cleaner. These ingredients can damage the fabric. They can also ruin its moisture-wicking abilities and any graphics.

Avoid using fabric softeners in your washing cycle. These trap the residues that bacteria leave behind in the fibres, making them even harder to remove!

Step 3: Odour or bacterial control additives.

It's at this point that you can add your preferred remedies for extra bacterial reduction, or odour control. These may be vinegar, borax, or sports sanitisers, amongst others. Be aware, these may not fully eliminate the causes of recurring odours, which is where our additive Gear Guard comes in. 

 

Step 4: Wash on a cold, gentle cycle.

Hot water can shrink or warp synthetic fabrics, reducing their elasticity and performance. Use cold water and a gentle cycle to preserve your rash guard’s moisture-wicking and compression properties.

How to dry your rash guard

Proper drying will not only extend the life of your rashie but also ensure that it performs well during training and competitions. 

 

First, it's better to air dry your rash guard to help the fabric maintain its integrity. When air-drying, be sure to keep your rash guard away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the material over time. A sturdy hanger placed inside your bathroom works well; consider using a towel rack or shower curtain rod for convenient drying.

 

If you must use a machine dryer, always choose the lowest temperature setting. High heat can cause shrinkage, weaken the fabric, and melt any graphics or logos. These issues could hurt both comfort and performance.

Whether you choose to machine dry or air-dry, always remember to turn your rash guard inside out before drying, protecting exterior prints.

Common mistakes to avoid
  • Skipping washes: Always wash your rash guard after each session. It prevents bacteria and sweat from setting in.
  • Using fabric softeners: These coat fibres, trapping odours and reducing breathability.
  • Leaving it in a bag: damp, sweaty conditions are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
  • Exposure to high heat: Heat can damage synthetic fabrics in the dryer.
  • Usage of harsh chemicals: Never use bleach or harsh chemicals to remove odours or stains.

Odour removal made easy with Gear Guard

Even with regular washing some rash guards, or other gear and apparel you sweat in, develop stubborn odours that won’t wash away. It may even get to the point where you need to throw the item away! Gear Guard tackles this problem of returning smells by breaking down the sweat residues that cause the odours, allowing them to be washed away easily and eliminating the source. 
Ther eis a bottle of Gear Guard in one hand, and the cap in the other, poised over the top of a washing machine with training gear in it. This shows that you only need one capful of Gear Guard in each load of washing.
A single bottle of Gear Guard sits on top of a purple rash guard. The rash guard is draped over the edge of a washing machine.
A capful of washing detergent is poured into a washing machine. This shows that Gear Guard works alongside of your existing laundry detergent.
A capful of Gear Guard is added to a load of washing.
A single bottle of Gear Guard odour removal concentrate on a wooden table in a martial arts gym setting, prominently displaying the Garame Cleaning Co logo and the slogan 'GET THE FUNK OUT.' The bottle is white with a label that has a light blue border, dark blue text and a simple, clean design.
Three bottles of Gear Guard odour removal concentrate displayed side by side on a timber surface, showcasing the mid-sized bundle option. The bottles are uniformly branded with a white bottle. The label has a sky blue border with dark blue writing. The Garame Cleaning Co logo is in the centre, Gear Guard written above and Get the funk out below.

Odour removal concentrate.

A laundry additive for the sweatiest things you own.

100% freshness guaranteed, or your money back!

From gym clothes to workwear - always fresh, clean and odour-free after every wash.

Meet your new laundry fixer. Gear Guard is a laundry additive that goes deep to eliminate the cause of stubborn smells in whatever you sweat in. With Gear Guard, they'll come out of the wash smelling like new, leaving you feeling fresh, clean, and ready for your next big challenge.

Proudly made in Australia

Try risk free!

Eliminates odours permanently

5% donated to a worthy cause

Proudly made in Australia

Try risk free!

Eliminates odours permanently

5% donated to a worthy cause

How Gear Guard works

Why do things you sweat in hold onto that stubborn sweat smell, even after washing?

It has a lot to do with the material of clothing, and not hygiene. As bacteria break down sweat, they leave behind compounds that cling to fabrics. This is especially true for synthetic fibres like polyester and nylons, like are used in most of the gear and apparel you sweat in. 

 

Traditional detergents clean surface dirt, and sanitisers neutralise odour causing bacteria but miss the residues that hang on to the fibres themselves. These left-behinds are what cause smells to keep coming back. When you're wearing those clothes again, the oily sweat residues and odorous compounds get warmed up by your body heat and mix with new sweat and start to evaporate. From here, they take on a new, especially foul kind of aroma, almost like an ammonia smell. Regular detergents and sanitisers can't help from here!

 

So, how does Gear Guard make a difference?

Gear Guard's enzymes target the extracellular DNA (eDNA) in  those organic left-overs,  removing the 'glue' that holds odours in fabric fibres. This then lets those compounds and residues be washed away. It usually takes two washes for the Gear Guard magic to really take hold.

 

Read more in our FAQs.

 

Ingredients

Phosphodiesterase enzyme

The powerhouse of Gear Guard! This active enzyme breaks down sweat residue, organic gunk, and extracellular DNA that bind odours to fabric like glue.


Water

Water helps distribute the enzyme evenly across your gear, ensuring every fibre gets cleaned thoroughly.
 

Preservatives (MCI & MI)

To ensure Gear Guard stays fresh and effective, even in warm and humid environments, we use small amounts of preservatives—Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and Methylisothiazolinone (MI). While these are commonly used in many household products, we know that some people with sensitive skin may experience Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD). If you’ve had sensitivities before, we recommend trying a single bottle first. We’re happy to offer a full refund if it’s not right for you.

Head to our FAQ's if you would like a little more detail or have more questions.

Product reviews

Money back guarantee

Not satisfied? 

We're confident you'll love Gear Guard and smell the difference 💜

 

If, however, you're not 100% satisfied and the stink is still there after a couple of washes, hit us up for a full refund - no returns required. This only applies for your first order.  Get in contact!

Shipping & delivery

Shipping in Australia
We use Australia Post when shipping within Australia, from our warehouse in Sydney. Shipping is free on 3 or more bottles to anywhere in Australia, or $4.99 for one or two bottles. 

 

Shipping to New Zealand and USA

We use DHL for shipping to New Zealand, and its a flat rate of $9.99 in the local currency.

 

Shipping to other international destinations

We experimented with international orders however the costs for delivery were crazy and largely unsustainable. 

Also, the additional expense and effort that comes from a tax and accounting perspective in multiple currencies and countries, at this stage of our journey, is too steep. We'd love to chat to folks interested in a partnership to sell overseas though. Get in contact!

 

Delivery and tracking
Most orders will go out the same day if they ordered before 10am Sydney time. Tracking is provided for all deliveries. 

For our full FAQs

For more detail or other questions, head to our FAQ's  section.