How to properly wash aikido, judo and karate kimonos in the washing machine?

Caring for sportswear intended for martial arts includes washing, drying and ironing. Before washing a kimono, you need to evaluate its quality and texture. Typically, specialized clothing for aikido, karate and judo is made from 100% cotton. For this reason, even the most careful approach results in the fabric shrinking by 3-5% after some time.

In addition, the final cleaning result is influenced by factors such as the water temperature during washing, the quality of material processing (sometimes special manipulations are carried out to reduce the risk of shrinkage), and the presence of impurities in the cotton fiber.

Key points when washing a kimono

Despite the fact that ultimately the quality of a kimono for aikido, judo and karate depends on the approach used by the manufacturer, the rules for washing the product in a washing machine are the same in all cases:

1. First, read the label with recommendations for caring for the kimono. If the product is made of pure cotton, then most likely the manufacturer will recommend washing at a temperature no higher than 30ºC. If higher temperatures are allowed, then most likely synthetics have been added to the fibers.
2. The tendency of cotton kimonos to shrink can be used to adjust a large garment to fit your size. The higher the washing water temperature, the greater the shrinkage. Cotton can withstand processing at 90ºС.The more procedures, the stronger the tissue shrinkage.
3. It should be taken into account that kimono material does not shrink equally in all directions; the final result depends on the type of thread arrangement. For example, jackets for aikido, karate and judo shrink more in width than in length.
4. You can wash a kimono belt along with the main item only if it is the same color. In this case, it must be placed in a net or pillowcase.

Despite the fact that high temperature allows you to adjust the kimono to size and helps destroy germs, this approach should not be abused. Hot water accelerates the destruction of cotton fibers, which leads to rapid wear of the fabric.

Frequency of washing martial arts kimonos

Kimonos should be washed as often as necessary. This parameter is different in each case and depends on the intensity, duration of classes, the chosen schedule, and the individual characteristics of the body. Experts recommend paying attention to the following points in this regard:

• There is no need to machine wash your kimono after every workout. Sometimes it is enough to rinse the product in cold water immediately after training and dry it. This will allow you to send the item to the machine no more than once every 2-3 weeks.

Tip: In some destinations it is not prohibited to wear a thin white T-shirt made of natural fabric under a kimono. If there is such an opportunity, you need to take advantage of it, because... the product will absorb a significant portion of sweat. The kimono will not have to be washed as often, and it will not become covered with yellow spots on the inside.

• If any underwear is worn under the kimono, it should be washed at maximum temperature after each use.If the machine is not able to heat the water to 90ºC, then it is better to boil the fabric in the traditional way.
• Before training, you need to thoroughly wipe the surface at the training site. This will again reduce the number of aggressive washes.

In general, even before purchasing a kimono, it is necessary to assess the intensity with which it will be used. Perhaps a one-time, expensive purchase will be more profitable than having to regularly purchase new models.

Methods for removing stains and eliminating unpleasant odors

Athletes who initially purchase expensive kimono options enjoy the whiteness of their equipment for a long time. Cheaper models acquire a grayish or yellowish tint after some time, even if they are cared for according to all the rules. It’s just that in the first case the fabric is initially bleached, and in the second you have to do it yourself. If you find stubborn stains that cannot even be bleached, you must contact a dry cleaner.

The process of bleaching cotton involves the use of special substances that increase the alkalinity of the washing composition. This leads to the destruction of fats, which are the cause of specific contaminants that give the fabric an unnecessary shade. Cellulose, which is the basis of cotton, is not very susceptible to such effects, so properly carried out bleaching will not negatively affect the condition of the material. Here you just need to choose products that do not contain chlorine. This element can weaken fabric fibers.

In addition to stains, kimonos often become a source of unpleasant odors. This will not happen if you remember the following points:

• After training, the kimono must be dried as quickly as possible; it must not be left in the bag.
• If possible, after each lesson, it is recommended to rinse the product in cold water and dry it in the fresh air.
• If the smell does appear, then before rinsing you need to add about two tablespoons of vinegar to cold water.
• When washing things in a machine, you need to use powders with fragrances, softeners and conditioners with fragrances.
• During the winter months, kimonos can be regularly hung out in the cold.

If the product does not shrink when washed in hot water, then it is better to process it at a temperature of about 65ºC. This will destroy most of the bacteria that cause the unpleasant odor.

Proper drying and ironing of a kimono

A product made of thick cotton should not be dried in a washing machine; it is better to avoid even a strong spin, otherwise it will be very difficult to straighten out the folds. After removing the kimono from the machine, you need to shake it, hang it on a hanger, and straighten out all the large folds. Drying should be done in fresh air. It is highly not recommended to use a battery, dryer or hair dryer. Given the density of the fabric, a kimono takes quite a long time to dry, so you need to take this into account and stock up on a second set.

A woven kimono is not ironed; only those items that have a smooth texture are ironed. If the product was dried according to all the rules, then there should be no wrinkles left on it. In cases where the crease was not initially straightened and dried, having become fixed in one position, it is better to wet it again, straighten it and wait until the material dries.