How to wash a BJJ gi the right way
Your gi soaks up sweat and mat bacteria every session. Washing it right protects your skin, your training partners, and the fit and lifespan of the gi itself.
Wash it after every session
This isn't optional. A gi worn for a hard roll is a warm, damp host for the bacteria and fungi that cause skin infections. Wash it after every training session, and never leave it balled up wet in a bag — that's how a gi develops the permanent funk no wash can fix.
Temperature and drying
Wash cold or warm (not hot) to clean effectively while minimising shrinkage, and hang-dry rather than tumble-dry. Heat is what shrinks cotton and breaks down fibres, so keeping your gi out of the dryer protects both the fit and the lifespan. If you want to deliberately shrink a slightly large gi instead, see our shrinkage guide — or model it with the shrinkage calculator.
Beating the smell
For odour, an extra rinse with a cup of white vinegar in the wash neutralises bacteria without the fabric softener that can coat fibres and trap smell. Skip heavy fabric softeners. Dry the gi fully before storing — lingering dampness is what brings the smell back.
This is general information, not medical advice
Injuries and skin conditions are individual. Nothing here can clear you to train. When in doubt, see a qualified clinician and wait until you're cleared.
Hygiene is a safety issue
Clean gear is your first line of defence against ringworm, staph and other mat infections — see our skin infections guide for the full picture. Shower promptly after training, keep your nails short, and never train with an open or covered skin infection.
Keep your gi fitting right
See how washing affects your gi's size before you choose a setting.
Open the shrinkage calculator