Simple Tips on How to Wash Golf Shirts

There is nothing quite as frustrating as pulling your favorite polo out of the dryer only to find the collar curled. We have all been there. You invest in quality items for the golf course, expecting them to last. However, a few wrong moves in the laundry room can turn a sharp outfit into a dingy mess.           

The good news is that keeping your apparel clubhouse-fresh does not require a degree in chemistry. By following a few simple steps, you can master the routine.  

This guide will walk you through a fabric-safe process that protects the fit and feel of your golf clothes for seasons to come. From handling synthetic fabrics to choosing the right water temperature, we cover it all.

Inspect the Care Label 

Before you even think about starting the machine, take a moment to read the care label symbols. This small step is the most critical part of the process. 

Golf clothing comes in various materials, from classic cotton blends to advanced proprietary performance knits designed to wick away sweat. Each fabric type has its own set of rules that must be followed to avoid damage.                

Synthetic fabrics generally hate high heat, while pure cotton might shrink if you are not careful with the temperature. Make sure you read the care label. Ignoring these washing instructions is the fastest way to ruin a good shirt.

Wait until you have memorized the wash settings before cutting out any scratchy tags to avoid guessing games later. Understanding synthetic fibers is key to longevity.

Sort Like a Pro 

Sorting is about more than just separating colors; it is about preventing damage to your golf clothes. You never want to wash your lightweight performance polos in the same load as heavier fabrics like denim or rough towels. The zippers, buttons, and rough textures act like sandpaper against synthetic fabrics during the spin cycle.

Start by grouping your laundry by weight and fabric type. This ensures everything gets the gentle treatment it needs without heavy items crushing your gear. 

Color bleeding is another easy way to ruin a crisp look, so always separate your darks from your lights. Avoid mixing synthetic items with wool, as the textures can conflict. 

If you have custom embroidered logos or particularly delicate collars, toss those shirts into a mesh laundry bag. This adds a layer of protection against friction. It keeps snagging hazards away from your favorite threads while they are in the washing machine. 

Pre-Wash Your Golf Clothes in Cold Water      

Getting into sports means investing in quality athletic wear, and a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your shirts in top shape. Before throwing them in the basket, take a second to button the bottom button or unbutton the placket entirely. Turn your shirts inside out to protect the outer fabric from pilling and preserve the vibrancy of any custom prints. 

Before washing, always check your pockets for scorecards or other items that could disintegrate and cause a mess. Golf shirts often pick up sweat stains, grass flecks, and sunscreen smudges, so spot-treating these tougher marks before the wash cycle is essential.

You can pretreat tougher stains with an enzyme-based cleaner or soak the fabric in a gentle enzyme solution, then let it sit for at least thirty minutes before washing with cold water. Avoid chlorine bleach as it breaks down synthetic fibers and ruins elasticity. This helps manage dirt without harsh chemicals.

Choose the Right Detergent and Gentle Cycle

The detergent you choose plays a huge role in the lifespan of your apparel. Opt for eco-certified sports detergents that are designed to clean synthetic fibers without leaving residue. Avoid harsh detergents with optical brighteners since they can alter the color of your gear over time.

When it comes to machine settings, cold water is your best friend. It saves electricity and prevents colors from bleeding or fading. Using a front-loading washing machine can also reduce water usage by up to 50% compared to top-loading models.    

Select a gentle wash cycle for gear that is only lightly soiled. One major rule to remember is to skip the fabric softeners. While it makes sheets feel nice, softener coats the fibers of moisture-wicking shirts, destroying their fabric performance.

Air Dry for Longer-Lasting Gear             

Heat is the enemy of performance fabrics. The high temperatures in a dryer can break down spandex and elastic fibers. This causes your shirt to lose its shape and stretch out, ruining the fit you paid for.

The best method to preserve fabric quality is to air-dry your gear. Lay the shirts flat on a drying rack or a clean surface away from direct sunlight. This method keeps the fit consistent wash after wash and prevents UV damage to the dye.

If you are in a rush, you can tumble dry on the lowest heat setting for five to ten minutes. Pull them out while they are still damp and finish by line drying. If you need to remove creases, use a cool iron or a garment steamer instead of high heat.    

Keep Your Golf Apparel Fresh and Sharp     

Taking control of your laundry routine means your golf shirts will stay fresh, comfortable, and sharp for every tee time. Proper care protects the investment you make in your wardrobe.

Whether you’re updating your everyday polo or adding custom pieces, we offer a wide variety of custom golf apparel to fit your style and performance needs. From custom golf polos and caps to golf accessories like custom golf shoe bags and golf club cleaner brushes, we provide all the essentials to outfit your game from start to finish. Shop our collection today to keep your gear looking its best both on and off the golf course.