How to Wash & Care for Your Jiu-Jitsu Gi

There are two smells on a jiu-jitsu mat. The first is the clean, fresh scent of a well-washed gi. The second is the smell every training partner hopes to avoid: the familiar “BJJ funk.” It’s the sour, musty odor that comes from a sweaty gi left sitting in a gym bag or hot car for too long.

At Gracie Lake Norman, we believe a clean gi is about more than just smelling good. It’s a sign of respect for your training partners, your instructors, and yourself. Good gi hygiene also helps prevent bacteria, skin infections, and unwanted odors. In this guide, you’ll learn the best way to wash, dry, and store your BJJ gi so it stays fresh, lasts longer, and is always ready for your next class.

Why Gi Hygiene Is Our Top Priority

Jiu-jitsu is a close-contact sport, which means good hygiene habits matter for everyone on the mat. A gi that isn’t washed regularly can hold onto sweat and bacteria in its fibers, and over time this can create the conditions for a few common skin issues.

• Ringworm is a mild fungal skin infection, not an actual worm. It spreads through contact with damp, unwashed fabric or skin, and it typically shows up as a small, itchy, ring-shaped patch. It’s easily treatable and even easier to avoid with regular washing.
• Staph refers to a common type of bacteria that can enter through small cuts or scrapes, which happen naturally during training. Washing your gi after every use helps keep bacteria levels low so they don’t have a chance to build up.
• MRSA is a more resistant strain of staph bacteria that’s worth being aware of, especially in shared training environments like gyms and mats. It’s uncommon, and good hygiene habits — clean gis, clean mats, and showering after class — are the simplest way to keep the risk low.

None of this is meant to be alarming. These are well-known, well-understood issues in any contact sport, and they’re almost entirely preventable with a simple, consistent washing routine. That’s exactly what this guide will walk you through.

Phase 1: Pre-Wash Care

A little bit of preparation before your gi goes in the wash makes a big difference in how well it holds up over time.

Check the Label

Take a quick look at your gi’s care label before washing. Traditional 100% cotton gis (often labeled Pearl Weave or Gold Weave) tend to shrink more than ripstop or poly-blend gis, so it helps to know what you’re working with before you choose a wash and dry setting.

Tie the Drawstrings

Tie your pants’ drawstring into a loose knot before washing. This keeps it from slipping back inside the waistband during the wash cycle, so you don’t have to fish it back out afterward.

Turn It Inside Out

Turning your gi inside out before washing is a simple habit that protects patches and embroidery from direct friction in the machine, and it also helps keep the outer fabric looking newer for longer by reducing fading.

Treating Blood Stains

Training bumps and bruises happen, and the occasional blood stain is nothing to worry about — as long as you treat it the right way. Rinse the stain with cold water as soon as you can, then apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the spot and let it sit for a few minutes before gently blotting it out. It’s important to avoid hot water on blood stains, since heat can cause them to set into the fabric rather than lift out.

Phase 2: The Washing Process

Once your gi is ready to wash, keeping a few simple rules in mind will help it come out clean and last much longer.

• Use cold water. Cold water protects against shrinkage and helps preserve color, and today’s detergents are formulated to clean effectively even without heat.
• Use a mild detergent. A gentle, standard detergent is all you need — there’s no need for anything heavy-duty.
• Skip the fabric softener. Fabric softener can leave a light coating on the fibers that actually traps odor over time instead of releasing it, so it’s best left out of your gi wash entirely.
• Skip the bleach. Bleach can weaken cotton fibers over repeated washes and can also damage the foam inside the collar, so it’s best avoided even on white gis.
• Wash your gi on its own. This helps prevent color transfer from other laundry and reduces general wear from friction against zippers or buttons.

Pro Tip: A Simple Odor-Neutralizing Recipe

If your gi needs a little extra freshening up, try adding either 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. Both are gentle, natural ways to help neutralize deeper odors without needing any special products.

Phase 3: Drying Your Gi Safely

How you dry your gi matters just as much as how you wash it — this is often where gis get damaged if heat is involved.

Hang-Drying Is Best

Hanging your gi to air dry on a sturdy hanger, in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight, is the safest way to dry it. This helps protect both the color and the shape of the fabric.

Keep It Away From High Heat

It’s best to avoid tumble-drying your gi on any heat setting. High heat can shrink cotton unevenly and can also soften or warp the foam inside the collar, which affects the fit and feel of the gi over time.

Pro Tip: Softening a Stiff, Air-Dried Gi

Air-dried gis sometimes come out feeling a little stiff, especially heavier weaves. To soften things back up, once the gi is fully dry, toss it in the dryer on the “Air Fluff” or no-heat setting along with a couple of clean tennis balls, and let it run for 10–15 minutes. The tumbling motion helps loosen the fabric without any heat exposure.

Phase 4: Post-Wash Storage

Once your gi is clean and dry, a little care in how you store it goes a long way.

• Use sturdy wooden or plastic hangers rather than thin metal ones, which can rust over time and leave marks on the fabric.
• Avoid leaving a damp gi in your gym bag. Storing a gi while it’s still even slightly damp can lead to mildew and a musty smell, so it’s always worth making sure it’s fully dry before packing it away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my BJJ belt?

It’s a good idea to wash your belt regularly, just like your gi. There’s a common belief that washing a belt “washes away” experience or rank, but from a hygiene standpoint, it absorbs sweat just like the rest of your gear. Hand-washing in cold water and air-drying is the gentlest approach, since it helps protect the stitching and embroidery.

Is there a difference between washing white and colored gis?

Yes, a small one. On the first wash of a colored gi, it’s a good idea to wash it separately in cold water to help lock in the dye. After that first wash, you can generally wash it the same way as any other gi. White gis don’t need any special treatment beyond avoiding bleach, which can cause yellowing over time rather than preventing it.

How many gis do I need?

This really depends on how often you train:

• 1–2 times a week: Two gis is usually enough.
• 3–4 times a week: Three gis gives you a bit more flexibility.
• 5 or more times a week, or if you compete: Four or more gis helps ensure you always have a clean, dry one ready to go.

Can I iron my BJJ gi?

It’s generally best to avoid ironing your gi. A structured, slightly relaxed look is completely normal for gis, and high heat from an iron can risk damaging patches or the foam in the collar. If you’d like to smooth out wrinkles, hanging the gi properly after washing is usually enough.

Ready to Train With Us?

A clean, well-cared-for gi is a small habit that makes a big difference — for you and everyone you train with. If you’re ready to put these tips into practice, we’d love to have you on the mats. Book your free trial class at Gracie Lake Norman today and come experience the difference for yourself.