Hey, I didn’t want to say it but your Gi smells! Sometimes just throwing it in the wash won’t cut it. Here is some useful info on what makes your Gi smell and what you can do to make sure it doesn’t smell bad.
There are a few things that can cause your BJJ Gi to start smelling bad. Sweat, dirt, and bacteria can all contribute to the problem. If you don't wash your Gi regularly, the sweat and dirt will build up and create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This is what causes that musty, mildewy smell that is so hard to get rid of.
How often should you wash your BJJ Gi?
Ideally, you should wash your Gi after every use. However, we know that sometimes this isn't possible. If you can't wash it after every use, try to wash it at least once a week. This will help keep the sweat and dirt from building up and will prevent bacteria from growing.
What is the best way to wash a BJJ Gi?
The best way to wash a BJJ Gi is by hand. This will help preserve the fabric and keep it from shrinking. If you must wash it in the machine, use a gentle cycle and cold water. Hang it up to air dry or put it in the dryer on low heat. Do not iron your Gi, as this can damage the fabric.
Things you can do to get your BJJ Gi smelling new again. 1.Wash it- This seems like an obvious solution, but sometimes we can forget to actually wash our Gi's. If your Gi is starting to smell, make sure you wash it as soon as possible. 2.Soak it in vinegar- Vinegar is a great way to get rid of bad smells. Simply soak your Gi in a mixture of vinegar and water for 30 minutes, then wash it as normal. 3.Hang it outside to air out- If you have the opportunity to hang your Gi outside to dry, take advantage of it! The fresh air will help get rid of any bad smells. 4.Use baking soda- Baking soda is another great way to get rid of odors. Sprinkle some baking soda on your Gi and let it sit for a few hours before washing it off. 5.Wash it with tea tree oil- Tea tree oil is known for its ability to fight off bad smells. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your wash cycle next time you wash your Gi and it should come out smelling fresh and clean. 6.Store it properly- Make sure you're storing your Gi in a place that is clean and dry. If you're keeping it in a bag, make sure the bag is also clean and dry. Mold or mildew can cause your Gi to start smelling bad, so it's important to keep everything clean. 7.Use charcoal- Charcoal is great for absorbing odors. Simply place a few pieces of charcoal in your Gi bag and it will help keep your Gi smelling fresh. 8.Freeze it- This might seem like an odd solution, but freezing your Gi can actually help get rid of bad smells. Put your Gi in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take it out and let it thaw before washing it as normal. 9.Try lemon juice- Lemon juice is another natural way to fight bad smells. Soak your Gi in a mixture of lemon juice and water for 30 minutes, then wash it off. 10.Scented beads: There is a section in the market where you can buy scented beads to put into your laundry. It makes your clothes smell amazing! Hopefully these tips help you get the smell out of your BJJ Gi!
PS: Use the scented beads!
Matthew Tropp - BJJ Report