There are several ways to shrink a gi. However, pre-shrunk gis do not shrink. Some gis can shrink if you over-stuff the washing machine, and a few other methods may be more suitable for your needs. In addition, you should avoid washing a stained gi, and vinegar can kill bacteria that cause odor. Read on to find out more about shrinking your gi.
Pre-shrunk gis do not shrink
Despite their name, pre-shrunk gis do NOT shrink. Most of the time, however, this is a false assumption. It is possible for pre-shrunk gis to shrink, but they do not. This is because most gis are not large enough to require pre-shrunking. Hemp gis are not pre-shrunk, and they will shrink just as much as regular clothing.
The shrinkage of pre-shrunk gis will continue after the factory has washed them. They should shrink by about one-fifth of an inch after washing. However, this shrinkage is so small that most people don’t notice the difference. However, if your GI does get shrunk, you can alter it. However, you should note that it will no longer fit the way it did before the washing process.
If you are new to this art, avoid using the dryer or using heat to dry your gi. Cotton fabric absorbs a lot of water and the tight weave of the gi is a prime culprit for shrinking. Even pre-shrunk gis still shrink. To minimize shrinkage, make sure you dry your Gi in a cool, well-ventilated area. You can use a small fan to speed up the drying time.
When washing a GI, remember that washing it in cold water is better for your GI. Cold water also removes stains better than hot water, which saves you money. If you do wash your GI, try flipping it inside out to preserve the outer surface, colors, and texture. The process will reduce wear and tear and prevent discolouration. Soap and water should be at least forty degrees for GIs that are made from white.
If you are unsure about the size of your gi, it is best to buy a larger size. Gis stretch over time, but you can easily reverse this effect by following the steps in General Washing. Adding heat will start the shrinking process. However, you can only use the mechanical hot dryer when your gi is too big. To avoid unnecessary shrinkage, you should avoid washing a large gi too many times.
Over-stuffing a washing machine can cause a gi to shrink
Over-stuffed washing machines are bad for your gi’s health. You can’t get clean clothes if you over-fill your machine. Overloaded gis tend to shrink because they rub against each other. These abrasions can make your clothes look older sooner. Luckily, the solution to this problem is simple: empty your pockets! To prevent this from happening, you can simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When you wash your gi, you should always use cold water. If you wash it in hot water, it might shrink. Do not use bleach as this will weaken the fabric fibres and strip the colours. Using a fan while drying your gi will speed up the drying process. Hanging it away from radiators can help preserve the gi’s condition.
Over-stuffing the washing machine is bad for you, as it puts extra strain on the appliance and may even cause it to break prematurely. If the load is too large, clothes won’t be free to move around in the drum and will not soak up water and detergent. You may also find your clothes have wrinkles. That means that you need to use more detergent to remove them from the drum.
Avoid washing a gi if it has stains
If your gi has a blood stain, don’t wash it. The best way to remove the stain is to blot it with a clean cloth for a few minutes. Once the stain is removed, wash the gi in cold water. If you’ve already tried these methods and you still haven’t seen results, try hydrogen peroxide on the stain. It will help break down the blood proteins and remove the stain. However, make sure that you don’t use bleach or ammonia. They’ll both set the blood stain and cause it to yellow.
Blood stains are one of the most common problems that a BJJ gi might have. For a blood stain, hydrogen peroxide works best. Apply the solution directly to the stain and wash it with cold water. The trick is to apply hydrogen peroxide right away to the stain, but you’ll want to do this as soon as possible. If the blood stain is dried and has set in, you may have to repeat this process several times.
Regardless of the type of stains, karate practices are usually conducted indoors, so the gi rarely becomes heavily soiled. But in the event that you do get a bloodstain, avoid washing it in hot water. Hot water will set the stain and make it impossible to remove. Instead, use cold water for cleaning your gi. And remember that a clean belt will help prevent skin infections.
After washing a karate gi, always place it in a place with good airflow. You should never leave it in a gym bag to dry because it can stretch the fabric. It’s also recommended that you don’t bleach it, because the bleach will weaken the fabric and cause patches to look distorted. Drying your gi should be done by air, not in a dryer, as high heat will make it shrink.
To avoid shrinking and drying out your gi, use the air fluff cycle or tumble drying instead. The latter option is best because it does not cause the fabric to shrink. However, if you’re unsure of how to do this, you can air-dry it. If you don’t have time for this, consider hanging it instead. A gi is a great investment for any martial artist.
Vinegar kills odor-causing bacteria
If your gi is starting to smell, try soaking it in a solution of one cup of vinegar and one cup of water for at least 12 hours. It is a time-tested cure for stinky garments, and it will shrink your gi. To get rid of bad smells, you can even place the gi in the freezer for 12 hours.
The process of making vinegar is a two-step fermentation process. Yeast feed on sugar or starch in a liquid, which ferments into ethanol, which is then exposed to oxygen and the acetic acid bacteria Acetobacter. Vinegar contains trace vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polyphenolic compounds. It also has antibacterial and digestive benefits. It is also effective at killing odor-causing bacteria.
The vinegar-water solution will not only remove stubborn stains and preserve the color, but will also prevent gis from fading. While it will not prevent a gi from fading completely, it can help preserve a gi’s appearance for a long time. It will not prevent gis from showing mileage, and some people actually prefer an old, worn gi with miles on it.
When drying a gi, remember to stretch it before and after washing it. Use a peg or heavy object to gently stretch the fabric. Be sure to do this in a relaxed position because the fabric will contract when the water is dry. If you want to avoid wrinkles, consider adding weights to the gi. A heavier gi will not shrink as quickly as a smaller one.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.