7 Tips to Wash Polo Shirts Without Pilling or Damaging the Fabric Keep Your Favorite Shirts Looking Like New
It's believed that polo shirts are a favorite for many people due to their comfortable fabric and flattering fit, which gives a stylish look. However, when it comes time to wash them, most often people encounter the problem of the fabric pilling after frequent washes, making the shirt look less attractive. This can affect confidence when wearing it outside, and sometimes leads to buying a new shirt. In fact, if we take care of our polo shirts and use the correct washing methods, we can extend the life of our favorite shirts and keep them looking like new. Lets take a look at the proper way to wash polo shirts and how to prevent them from stretching.
1. Separate Laundry and Check the Care Label
Before washing, always separate white and colored clothes to avoid color transfer that may leave stains or dull marks on white polo shirts. After sorting, carefully read the care label on the collar to understand the fabric type. The label will tell you whether the shirt is suitable for machine washing, tumble drying, or if there are any restrictions regarding specific detergents.
2. Check for Stains and Empty Shirt Pockets
One of the most common mistakes that often ruins a favorite shirt is forgetting to check for stains or leaving items inside the pockets. Substances like chewing gum, oil, ink, or food stains should be treated before washing to prevent permanent marks.
Equally important, always remove any items such as paper, tissues, pens, pencils, or lipstick from the pockets. If left inside, these objects can leak or break during the wash cycle, causing ink or color stains that are extremely difficult sometimes impossible to remove. In many cases, the only solution is replacing the shirt altogether.
3. Use a Laundry Bag and Turn Shirts Inside Out
When washing polo shirts in a machine, avoid placing them directly inside without protection. Constant friction against the drum may damage the fabric, cause pilling, or fade prints, colors, and logos. To maintain the quality of your polo, place it in a laundry bag before washing. Additionally, always turn the shirt inside out to protect the outer fabric. This simple step helps prevent wear, reduces fuzzing, and keeps your polo shirt looking new for longer.
4. Avoid Hot Water When Washing Polo Shirts
It may seem that using hot water is a good way to disinfect and remove dirt—especially during times of concern about germs. However, washing polo shirts in hot water can cause the fabric to shrink and weaken over time. For best results, always wash your polos in cold or normal-temperature water to maintain their original shape, softness, and durability.
5. Button Up Before Washing
It may seem like a small detail, but leaving polo shirt buttons undone can affect the shirts shape. By buttoning up the collar before washing, the collar stays in place and comes out less wrinkled. This simple step not only helps preserve the shirts structure but also makes ironing faster and easier saving you both time and effort.
6. Hand Wash When Made of 100% Cotton
For polo shirts made from 100% cotton, hand washing is the best way to maintain the fabric's quality and extend its lifespan. Gentle hand washing helps prevent pilling and stretching, keeping the shirt in its original shape.
Avoid scrubbing too hard or using a brush, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, rub lightly by hand. For stubborn stains, soak the shirt in water mixed with a stain remover for 15-30 minutes before washing. This method makes it easier to lift stains while preserving the fabric's softness and keeping your polo shirt looking fresh for longer.
7. Choose the Right Detergent and Laundry Products
With so many detergents and fabric cleaners available on the market, its important to choose the right one for your polo shirt. Always check whether your shirt is best suited for products designed for whites or for colors.
Using the wrong detergent may cause fading, discoloration, or fabric damage. After washing, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any detergent residue, as leftover chemicals can cause skin irritation and reduce the softness of the fabric.
Reference : https://polostylist.com/how-to-wash-polo/
