How to wash a rash guard?

You’ve just finished training, your rashguard is soaked in sweat, and you’re wondering how to wash it without ruining it. This question comes up all the time in the locker rooms—and yet, most practitioners still make basic mistakes that destroy their gear in just a few weeks. Knowing how to wash a rashguard correctly isn't just a matter of hygiene: it’s also what makes the difference between a rashguard that lasts 2 years and one that ends up misshapen at the bottom of your bag.

I’m Félix, founder of Hustle Fightwear. I've been competing in BJJ, grappling, and MMA for several years. I’ve made every possible mistake—shrunk rashguards, ingrained odors, pilling fabrics. Today, I’m giving you the complete, step-by-step guide to properly care for your rashguard and keep it in perfect condition training after training.

Why wash your rashguard after every training session?

A rashguard left dirty after a session is a bacterial bomb. Technical fabric absorbs sweat, dead skin cells, and microorganisms present on the mats. In BJJ and grappling, skin-to-skin contact is constant—which means the risks of skin infections (staphylococcus, herpes gladiatorum, ringworm) are real if your gear isn't clean.

But beyond health, a dirty rashguard left in your bag will develop odors that are almost impossible to remove later. Bacteria embed themselves in the polyester and spandex fibers, and even aggressive washing won't be enough.

My personal advice: start your wash the same evening of training, or at the very latest the next morning. Beyond that, bacteria will have already started to colonize the fabric deeply. If you can't wash immediately, at least rinse your rashguard with cold water when you get home—that already limits the damage.

Washing a rashguard: machine or hand wash?

Both work. But machine washing remains the most practical and effective solution for regular maintenance of your rashguard.

Machine wash:

• Turn your rashguard inside out before putting it in the drum—this protects the prints and the outer fabric
• Use a laundry bag if you have one, especially if you're washing with other clothes
• Choose a delicate or sport cycle, with moderate spin (800 rpm max)
• Avoid overloading the drum: the rashguard needs space to be rinsed properly

Hand wash:

Hand washing is useful when traveling or competing. Soak your rashguard in a basin of cold water with a dose of mild liquid detergent. Lightly rub the areas with odor (armpits, collar) and rinse thoroughly. This is sufficient for an occasional wash, but it doesn't replace a machine wash in the long run.

What temperature to wash a rashguard?

This is where many people go wrong. The answer is simple: 30°C maximum. No more.

Rashguards are made from polyester-spandex blends. These synthetic fibers do not tolerate heat. Washing at 40°C or higher will gradually degrade the fabric's elasticity—your rashguard will lose its compression, become misshapen, and no longer stay in place during sparring.

Cold water (20-30°C) is perfectly sufficient to eliminate everyday sweat and bacteria. If you have concerns about odors, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser—it's antibacterial, leaves no residual odor, and is much more effective than raising the temperature.

For our Hustle Fightwear BJJ rashguards, we consistently recommend cold water or 30°C washing to preserve the fabric's hold and color intensity over time.

Mistakes never to make with a rashguard

Certain habits destroy a rashguard faster than hundreds of sparring sessions. Here are the worst:

1. The tumble dryer. This is the number one mistake. The heat from the tumble dryer irreversibly deforms elastic fibers. Your rashguard will shrink, lose its compression, and become unusable. I learned this the hard way—don't make the same mistake. Always air dry, flat or on a hanger, in the shade.

2. Fabric softener. It leaves a film on synthetic fibers that prevents sweat wicking and promotes bad odors in the long term. Replace it with white vinegar.

3. Bleach. It attacks fibers, discolors prints, and weakens the fabric deeply. If you want to disinfect, use a mild textile disinfectant or sodium percarbonate.

4. Leaving the rashguard balled up in the bag. Even a few hours in a closed bag after training are enough to create an ideal environment for bacteria. Take it out immediately and hang it up while waiting to wash it.

5. Ironing. A rashguard should not be ironed. The direct heat from the iron will melt or deform the synthetic fibers.

How many times can you wash a rashguard?

A good rashguard, designed with quality materials, can easily withstand 150 to 200 washes when following the good practices described above. This is more than enough to cover two to three years of regular training.

What wears out a rashguard is not the frequency of washing—it's how you wash it. Proper care (cold water, delicate cycle, air drying) preserves elasticity and colors. Aggressive care (hot water, tumble dryer, fabric softener) can halve its lifespan.

The real question, therefore, is less "how many times" and more "how." If you follow the steps in this guide, your rashguard will maintain its compression, comfort, and colors training after training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a rashguard be put in the tumble dryer?

No. The tumble dryer is your rashguard's number one enemy. The heat permanently deforms the elastic fibers—you lose the compression and support of the fabric. Always air dry, flat or on a hanger, away from direct sunlight.

Can a rashguard shrink?

Yes, if you don't respect the temperatures. Washing above 40°C or tumble drying can cause noticeable shrinkage, especially on polyester-spandex blends. By staying at 30°C max and air drying, you run no risk.

How to remove bad odors from a rashguard?

If the rashguard odors are already ingrained, soak it for 30 minutes in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar (one glass per basin). You can also use diluted baking soda. Then, wash normally in the machine at 30°C. To prevent it from returning, the key is to wash your BJJ gear immediately after each training session.

Looking for a rashguard that can handle workouts without giving up? Hustle Fightwear rashguards are designed by competitors, for competitors—compression fit, durable fabric, colors that hold wash after wash. Discover the collection.