How to Wash a Motocross Jersey Without Ruining It

To wash a motocross jersey without ruining it, knock off dried mud first, pre-treat stains, turn the jersey inside out and machine wash it cold on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent — then hang it to dry. Skip bleach, hot water and the dryer: heat and harsh chemicals are what fade prints and wear out performance fabric.

Below is the full step-by-step routine riders use after a muddy moto, plus how to handle white jerseys, tough stains and the rest of your gear. If you are shopping for a new top, see our best selling motocross jerseys.

How to wash a motocross jersey: step by step

1. Let mud dry, then shake and brush it off. Dried mud flakes off with a soft brush. Trying to scrub wet mud just pushes it deeper into the fabric.
2. Rinse with a hose or in a tub. Get the heavy dirt and roost out before the jersey goes anywhere near your washing machine.
3. Pre-treat stains. Work a little mild detergent or stain remover into grease, chain lube and grass marks and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Turn it inside out. This protects the printed side from rubbing against other items in the drum.
5. Wash cold on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent and cold water. Wash jerseys separately from pants or anything with hook-and-loop closures, which snag thin fabric.
6. Hang dry. Hang the jersey in the shade or indoors. Polyester dries quickly, so you rarely need to wait long.

These steps match the care instructions on every Shopwada motocross jersey: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, do not bleach, hang dry.

Should you wash motocross jerseys in cold or hot water?

Cold. Most modern motocross jerseys are made from lightweight polyester, which does not need hot water to get clean. Heat can weaken the fibers, cause shrinking or warping around the cuffs and collar, and dull printed colors over time. Cold water with a good pre-treatment cleans just as well for normal riding dirt.

Can you put a motocross jersey in the dryer?

It is best not to. High dryer heat is the most common way performance tops lose their shape and printed names and numbers start to look tired. Hanging the jersey is gentler and, because polyester sheds water fast, it is usually ready for the next ride day.

How do you get stains out of a white motocross jersey?

White and light-colored jerseys show everything. A few tips riders swear by:

• Treat stains the same day. Mud and lube are much easier to lift before they set.
• Soak, do not scrub hard. A soak in cold water with a little detergent for an hour loosens ground-in dirt without roughing up the surface.
• Avoid chlorine bleach. It can yellow polyester and damage prints. Our care label says do not bleach.
• Repeat rather than escalate. A second gentle wash is safer than a hot one.

What about fabric softener?

Leave it out. Softener coats synthetic fibers, which can trap odor and reduce how well a moisture-wicking jersey moves sweat away from your skin. If your jersey picks up a smell, a soak in cold water with a cup of white vinegar before the normal wash is a common fix.

How often should you wash your riding gear?

Wash your jersey after every ride — it sits right against your skin and soaks up sweat. Pants, gloves and protective gear follow their own manufacturer instructions; many riders hose off pants and wash them less often, and only hand wash gloves. Never put helmets, boots or body armor in the washing machine.

Make your jersey last longer

• Store it clean and dry, not balled up in a gear bag.
• Keep a spare in the truck so a muddy jersey does not have to be re-worn the next day.
• Choose sublimated prints. On our jerseys the design is dyed into the fabric, so it will not crack, peel or fade the way heavy printed patches can.

Need a fresh jersey for the season? Our designs come in adult and kids long sleeve styles, and you can add a name and number for free. Each jersey is printed to order in 2–3 business days, then ships in 3–7 business days within the US, with free shipping on orders of $50 or more. For sizing help read our motocross jersey size chart, and for the rest of your kit see what to wear dirt biking. Or shop the best selling motocross jerseys now.

FAQ

How do you wash a jersey without ruining it?

Turn it inside out, wash cold on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, skip bleach and softener, and hang it to dry.

Is it better to wash jerseys in cold or hot water?

Cold water. It cleans polyester jerseys well and protects the fibers and printed design from heat damage.

Can I wash my motocross jersey with my pants?

It is better to wash them separately. Pants are heavier and often have hook-and-loop closures that can snag a jersey.

How do you get the smell out of a riding jersey?

Wash it soon after every ride, avoid fabric softener and, if odor lingers, soak it in cold water with a cup of white vinegar before washing.