A Home Guide to Washing Athletic Jackets

Sports jackets can be washed at home.

Athletic jackets are typically constructed from durable, air-permeable, textured materials. Some versions also include water-repellent layers. As with other outerwear, athletic jackets can accumulate dirt and various stains. While you could have your athletic jacket dry cleaned, professional laundering can be costly, particularly if the jacket becomes dirty repeatedly. The good news is that you can wash your athletic jacket at home with a small amount of detergent, either in a washing machine or by hand.

Step 1

Open all zippers on your athletic jacket. Take everything out of the pockets. Check through every pocket once more to ensure nothing remains. Washing and ruining money or other important documents is a worst-case scenario.

Step 2

Before washing, treat any stains on your athletic jacket. Choose a stain remover that is suitable for the jacket's fabric. Look for a stain remover designed for athletic jackets and blazers. These products are available at drugstores, supermarkets, or home improvement stores in your area.

Step 3

Check the garment care label on your athletic jacket for specific washing instructions. Wash the jacket alone in a washing machine with cold water and a small amount of laundry detergent, or hand wash as directed. If the athletic jacket lacks a care label, soak it in a large basin of cold water with detergent for 45 minutes.

Step 4

Rinse the athletic jacket to remove all soap suds. You may need to rinse twice if the jacket is thick. If hand washing, gently press the water out of the jacket. Do not twist or wring it, as this can harm any water-repellent coating the athletic jacket may have.

Step 5

Dry the athletic jacket alone in a clothes dryer on the permanent press or low heat setting. Avoid high heat settings, as they can also damage the water-repellent coating. Alternatively, hang the jacket to air dry overnight.