At Triumph Martial Arts, one of the most common challenges we hear from students and parents is how to keep uniforms clean. Between Taekwondo, Krav Maga, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, uniforms take a lot of wear. Keeping whites white and everything smelling fresh takes a little consistency and the right approach.
Here are our recommended best practices for caring for your Triumph uniform.
Have More Than One Uniform
If possible, we strongly recommend owning more than one uniform. This helps avoid rushing to wash gear between classes and reduces overall wear and tear. Rotating uniforms is especially helpful for families training multiple days per week at Triumph.
Only Wear Your Uniform for Training
Uniforms are for class only. For kids at Triumph, this means uniforms should not be worn for playtime, lounging, or as costumes. Extra wear outside the school leads to stains, odors, and unnecessary damage.
Wear a Layer Under Your Uniform
We recommend wearing a t-shirt or rashguard under your uniform top. This is especially important for Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where training occurs in a traditional uniform and intensity is higher. A base layer helps absorb sweat and body oils before they reach the uniform, keeping it cleaner and extending its life.
Take It Out of Your Bag
After class, remove your uniform from your gym bag as soon as possible. Leaving it stashed in a bag traps moisture, causes wrinkles, and leads to lingering odors. Fold it neatly or hang it up until wash time.
Wash Regularly and Wash Smart
After a tough workout, wash your uniform right away. Otherwise, washing once per week works well for most Triumph students.
For all Triumph programs, we recommend:
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Washing uniforms in cold water
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Using a high-quality detergent
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Adding Oxy-Clean or Borax for white uniforms
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Pretreating stains on collars, cuffs, and high-contact areas
Never Use Bleach
Do not bleach uniforms. Bleach can damage Triumph logos, patches, and embroidery, and it breaks down the fabric over time. While it may seem like an easy solution for whites, it often shortens the life of the uniform.
Remove Odors and Disinfect
For stubborn odors, we recommend an additive like OdoBan. It helps eliminate odors and disinfects, which is especially important for Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear.
Hang to Dry
Always hang uniforms to dry. Avoid the dryer whenever possible, as heat can cause shrinkage and premature fabric breakdown. Air drying helps your uniform maintain its fit and appearance.
Clean Gear Shows Respect
At Triumph Martial Arts, clean gear is about respect. Respect for your training partners, your instructors, and the art you practice. Whether you train in Taekwondo, Krav Maga, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, keeping your uniform clean and fresh helps maintain a positive, professional training environment for everyone.
With these simple habits, your Triumph uniform will last longer, smell better, and always be ready when you step on the mat.
Triumph Martial Arts is a martial arts and self-defense school with locations in Urbandale, IA and Pella, IA. We specialize in Carlos Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, KMF-AC Krav Maga, and ATA Martial Arts. We feature award-winning programs for kids and adults under the direction of internationally-certified instructors.