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How to Wash Rash Guards and MMA Shorts (and Get Rid of the Smell)
Wash rash guards and fight shorts after every session, in cold water, inside out, with a sports detergent and no fabric softener. Then hang them to dry. Never leave wet gear in your bag.
That routine stops the smell, keeps the print sharp and helps cut the risk of skin infections like staph and ringworm.
Step by step: washing rash guards and MMA shorts
- Take the gear out of your bag as soon as you get home. If you cannot wash it straight away, hang it up to dry.
- Rinse off sweat if you can, then turn everything inside out. Close any velcro on shorts so it does not snag.
- Put rash guards and spats in a mesh laundry bag to stop stretching.
- Wash cold on a gentle cycle with an enzyme or sports detergent.
- Skip fabric softener. It coats the fibres and can trap odour.
- Hang to dry away from direct heat. Avoid the tumble dryer, which can shrink spandex and damage prints.
How to get rid of the smell
If a rash guard still smells after washing, the bacteria are living deep in the fibres. A soak usually fixes it.
- Soak for 30 to 60 minutes in one part white vinegar to four parts cold water, then wash as normal.
- Do not mix vinegar and baking soda in the same wash. They cancel each other out.
- Rotate at least two or three rash guards so each one dries fully before you wear it again.
Hygiene on the mats
Clean gear is part of mat hygiene. A rash guard and spats put a barrier between your skin and the mat, and washing them every time stops bacteria building up. Wash your belt too if you train in the gi.
What makes a rash guard easier to care for
Fabric and printing matter. A polyester and spandex rash guard dries quickly, and a sublimated design is dyed into the fabric, so it will not crack or peel in the wash. Read more in our rash guard fabric and fit guide.
QST makes full sleeve rash guards, half sleeve rash guards and MMA shorts with sublimated designs in your colours.
QST International is a MMA fightwear manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. The facility is WRAP certified and certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and it shares its ethical audit data with buyers through Sedex. The minimum order is 30 to 50 pieces per design, and a sample takes 7 to 10 days before bulk production starts. Ask for a quote.
Can you machine wash MMA shorts?
Yes. Close the velcro, turn them inside out, and wash cold on a gentle cycle. Hang them to dry so the waistband and any print last longer.
How long does a rash guard last?
With cold washing and air drying, a good rash guard lasts a long time. Heat, softener and wearing it wet for hours wear it out much faster.
Can you wash rash guards with other clothes?
Yes, with similar colours and no rough items like jeans or zips. A mesh bag keeps them from snagging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my rash guard in the dryer?
It is best not to. Heat can shrink spandex and wear out the print. Hang it to dry instead.
Why does my rash guard still smell after washing?
Odour bacteria build up in synthetic fibres. Soak it in a vinegar and cold water mix, then wash it with a sports detergent and no softener.
How often should I wash my rash guard?
After every training session. Wearing it twice without washing lets bacteria build up.
Should I wash rash guards in hot water?
No. Cold water protects the spandex and the print. A sports detergent cleans well in cold water.
Can I use bleach on a rash guard?
No. Bleach damages spandex and fades sublimated prints. Use a sports detergent or a vinegar soak instead.
