How to Wash Your BJJ Gi (The Right Way to Avoid Shrinkage & Odor)
- Stacey Tonkin
- Nov 23, 2025
- 2 min read

How to Wash Your BJJ Gi: The Complete Care Guide
Your BJJ gi takes a beating during training—sweat, mat burns, and constant grappling. Proper washing extends your gi's life and keeps you (and your training partners) happy. Here's exactly how to care for your investment.
Wash Your Gi Immediately After Training
The worst thing you can do is leave your gi in your gym bag overnight. Bacteria multiply rapidly in damp, sweaty fabric, creating stubborn odors and potential skin infections. Wash your gi within hours of training, or at minimum, hang it to air out before washing.

Your BJJ gi takes a beating during training—sweat, mat burns, and constant grappling. Proper washing extends your gi's life and keeps you (and your training partners) happy. Here's exactly how to care for your investment.
Wash Your Gi Immediately After Training
The worst thing you can do is leave your gi in your gym bag overnight. Bacteria multiply rapidly in damp, sweaty fabric, creating stubborn odors and potential skin infections. Wash your gi within hours of training, or at minimum, hang it to air out before washing.
The Perfect Gi Washing Process
Follow these steps for optimal gi care:
Turn your gi inside out to protect the exterior
Wash in cold water (never hot) to prevent shrinkage
Use regular detergent—avoid bleach and harsh chemicals
Add white vinegar (1/2 cup) to eliminate bacteria and odor
Use the gentle or normal cycle, not heavy duty
Drying Your Gi: Air Dry or Machine Dry?
Air drying is always best. Hang your gi in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight (which can fade colors). If you must machine dry, use the lowest heat setting and remove while slightly damp. High heat causes significant shrinkage and damages fibers.
How Often Should You Wash Your BJJ Gi?
After every single training session—no exceptions. Bacteria and staph infections spread easily in BJJ gyms. Washing after each use protects you and your teammates. This is why serious practitioners own 2-3 gis for rotation.
Dealing with Stubborn Gi Odors
If your gi smells even after washing, try these solutions:
Soak in cold water with baking soda for 30 minutes before washing
Add enzyme-based sports detergent designed for athletic gear
Ensure complete drying—dampness causes mildew smell
Replace your gi if odors persist despite proper care
Maintaining Your Gi's Appearance
Quality gis like those from Gracie Pro feature reinforced stitching and pre-shrunk fabric that maintains appearance through hundreds of washes. Our pearl weave and gold weave options resist wear while staying comfortable.
Invest in quality gear that lasts. Gracie Pro's customizable gis combine durability with the legendary Gracie heritage.
Contact Gracie Pro: Gracie Master Gear and Promotions LLC Dedham, Massachusetts Phone: (857) 366-0194 Website: www.graciepro.com




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