Football shirt collecting is about enjoying the shirts — the colours, the sponsors, the memories they represent. But if you want your collection to last, proper football shirt maintenance is essential.
In today’s guide, shirt collector Zeke (AKA @knockemdownes) shares some simple but important tips for keeping your shirts in top condition.
Washing Football Shirts Properly
When it comes to football shirt collecting, 95% of our time is spent enjoying these wondrous pieces of polyester. The other 5% is made up of the unspoken chore that we’d all rather not do — cleaning.
Most collectors have their own routine when it comes to washing shirts, whether that’s hand washing or using a washing machine. But there is one universal rule spoken by the football shirt gods:
Never tumble dry football shirts.
If you ignore this rule, don’t be surprised when your prized Holland 1988 shirt suddenly fits a toddler.
- Namesets and numbers
- Printed sponsors
- Club badges
- The shirt’s fabric structure
If you want the safest method, check out Zeke’s full guide to hand washing football shirts.
You can also read our guide on how to safely remove creases from football shirts.
Removing Stains From Football Shirts
Stains are inevitable when collecting vintage football shirts. Whether it's grass, food, or general wear from previous owners, most shirts will eventually need a bit of extra care.
There are plenty of cleaning products available today that can help. Most do a good job, but there are a few golden rules when it comes to football shirt care:
- Never wash above 30°C
- Avoid harsh bleach-based cleaners
- Always test cleaning products on a small hidden area first
- Never tumble dry after stain treatment
Personally, I prefer to hand wash my shirts in lukewarm water. I add a small amount of washing powder and sometimes scent boosters for freshness.
After washing, a quick cold spin cycle can remove most of the water without damaging the shirt. Once done, hang the shirt somewhere with good airflow to dry naturally.
One cleaning product that works surprisingly well is Vanish gel. Applied carefully, it can remove many common stains.
- Grass and food stains – often removable with patience
- Paint – sometimes removable with products like Goo Gone
- Oil or ink – unfortunately these are often permanent
For a full breakdown of stain removal methods, read Zeke’s complete guide to removing stains from football shirts.
If you’ve got a signed shirt that needs restoring, our guide on removing signatures from football shirts explains the safest approach.
Storing Your Football Shirts
Once your shirts are clean, proper storage becomes the next priority.
Incorrect storage can lead to:
- Yellowing fabric
- Cracked print
- Faded colours
- Damaged badges
The best storage options include:
- Breathable garment bags
- Proper shirt hangers
- Storage boxes designed for clothing
- Framed display cases for special shirts
Zeke has also put together a guide covering the best ways to store football shirts safely.
Happy collecting — and happy cleaning.
