How to wash a BJJ gi the right way

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.

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.