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How to Keep Your Kimono Clean Without Killing It

Your gi is more than gear — it’s your uniform, your armor, and (if you’re doing it right) your sweat sponge. Washing it properly isn’t just about hygiene — it’s about longevity, fit retention, and respect for the people you train with.

Here’s how to keep your gi sharp, without shrinking it into oblivion or turning it into a bacteria lab.


Wash Cold, Hang Dry

This is rule number one. Always wash your gi in cold water. It prevents shrinkage, preserves fabric integrity, and helps dye last longer — especially on pigment-dyed or limited-run kimonos. Hang dry only. No tumble drying unless you want a gi that fits your dog.


Wash After Every Roll

We shouldn’t need to say this in 2025, but here we are. Wash. Your. Gi. After. Every. Session. Even if it “doesn’t smell.” Bacteria, staph, and ringworm don’t care. A clean gi is part of mat etiquette. No exceptions.


Flip It Inside Out

Turning your gi inside out helps preserve patches, embroidery, and fabric texture. It also allows the inside (where sweat lives) to get properly cleaned.


Use Gentle Detergent — And Less of It

Stick to fragrance-free, bleach-free detergents. Overloading the soap damages fibres and traps residue. Avoid fabric softeners completely — they ruin moisture-wicking and create buildup.


Don’t Wash With Towels

Throwing your gi in with heavy fabrics like towels or jeans causes abrasion and increases wear. Wash it solo or with other lightweight training gear.


Treat Stains Immediately

Blood, sweat, belt dye — tackle them fast. Spot clean with cold water and mild detergent before they set. Avoid aggressive stain removers unless you’re testing them on hidden areas first.


Mind the Shrink

All cotton gis will shrink a little, even preshrunk ones. Want to reduce that? Wash cold, hang dry. Want to shrink intentionally? A brief tumble dry can help tighten things up — just go slow and check between rounds.


Rotate Your Gis

Have more than one in the arsenal. It keeps each kimono fresher, extends lifespan, and gives you options when one’s still drying.


Store It Right

Dry completely before folding. Store in a cool, dry space — not your gym bag, not your car boot, not a damp corner of the garage.


A clean gi is a sign of respect — for your art, your training partners, and yourself. Treat it right and it’ll last longer, feel better, and stay comp-ready for years.

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