How to Wash and Care for Your Gi and No-Gi Gear (Without Ruining It)

By Moments Armoury

At Moments Armoury, we know your gear takes a beating — just like you do on the mats. Whether you roll in the gi or rep the no-gi grind, keeping your training gear clean, fresh, and functional is part of the discipline. Your gear is a reflection of how you train — respect it, and it’ll return the favor.

This guide breaks down how to wash and care for your gi and no-gi gear properly, so you can roll hard without wrecking your gear (or making your training partners avoid you).

How to Wash a BJJ Gi (The Right Way)

Your gi goes through it — sweat, friction, collar grips, mat burn — and bad wash habits can cut its life short. Here's how to make sure your gi stays strong.

1. Wash in Cold Water

Cold water is your best friend. It keeps your gi from shrinking and protects the fabric weave. Avoid hot water unless you’re intentionally trying to shrink it down a size (which we don’t recommend).

2. Wash After Every Session

No skipping. Even if it doesn’t smell bad, it’s been through skin contact, sweat, and potentially some blood. Wash it ASAP to kill bacteria and keep things fresh.

3. Use Gentle Detergent

Skip the bleach and harsh stuff. A mild detergent will clean it without breaking down the fabric or stitching. Also, avoid fabric softeners — they block breathability and moisture-wicking.

4. Air Dry Only

Seriously — do not put your gi in the dryer. It shrinks, warps, and weakens the cotton. Hang it in a ventilated area and let it dry naturally.

How to Care for Your No-Gi Gear (Rash Guards, Shorts, Spats)

No-gi gear tends to be made from high-performance stretch fabrics — perfect for movement, but quick to degrade if mistreated. Here’s how to keep it competition-ready:

1. Turn It Inside Out Before Washing

This protects logos, designs, and helps clean the inside layer (where all the sweat sits). It also helps reduce fading and friction on the printed side.

2. Wash on Gentle or Activewear Cycle

Keep your no-gi sets feeling like new by using the gentle setting. It reduces stretch fatigue and protects seams — especially around the underarms, waist, and thighs.

3. Hang Dry Every Time

Heat kills elasticity. Rash guards and spats should never see the inside of a dryer. Hang them flat or on a rack to air out.

4. Don’t Let Them Sit Wet

Leaving your sweaty gear in a training bag overnight is a fast-track to mildew and rank smells. If you can't wash it right away, at least hang it up in the meantime.

Pro Tips to Extend the Life of Your BJJ Gear

• Wash your gear separately from jeans, towels, or rough fabrics to avoid abrasion.

• Add a splash of white vinegar to your wash every few cycles to help kill odor-causing bacteria.

• Rotate your gear — owning multiple rash guards and gis helps everything last longer (and gives you a dry backup when needed).

Why Gear Care Matters at Moments Armoury

At Moments Armoury, our apparel is built for athletes — designed for high impact training and look clean doing it. But even the toughest gear needs care. Whether you're in your first comp season or grinding at open mat three nights a week, how you treat your gear matters.

It’s not just about longevity — it’s about respect. For the mat. For your training. And for yourself.

Your Moment. Our Armour.