- Cold wash
- Hang dry
- Use an eco-friendly detergent
- Choose a soap that contains minimal amounts of dyes, perfumes, and other irritants
- We've had good experiences with Rockin Green Soap's Athletic Wear Detergent
Shrink to fit
Our gis are preshrunk and you will see minimal amounts to no shrinkage if you cold wash and hang dry your gis. However, your gi is slightly roomy out of the bag, it is possible to shrink it. Try a combination of warm water wash and medium heat dry cycle. For extreme cases you will have to hot wash and hot dry.
For natural white hemp gis
If you prefer a brighter shade of white for your hemp gi, DO NOT use bleach. Bleach will damage the hemp fibres and weaken the fabric. Rather, use the age old practice of drying your gi in the sun. Sun light naturally whitens the hemp fibres.
What to do if your gi is scratchy from hang drying
Firstly, a scratchy gi is a sign that you may be using too much detergent. If that is not the case, we recommend that you put your gi in the dryer on a tumble dry cycle with NO heat. If the gi is still a bit scratchy, toss in a couple of tennis balls into the dryer when you tumble dry. If cared for properly, a hemp gi should be the softest and most comfortable gi you can wear.
Shedding
Shedding is a natural characteristic of 100% hemp clothing and is unavoidable in the breaking in period. However, after 5-6 wash cycles the shedding should be minimal. Just be patient with the gi and consider it something that gives your hemp gi personality. :)
Vinegar
Vinegar is your gi's best friend. If your hemp gi has a hard to remove stench, try soaking your gi overnight in a bucket of vinegar. Vinegar also helps with removing blood stains and also softens up a rough gi. Don't worry, after putting your gi through a wash cycle, the vinegar smell will completely wash out.
18 comments
@Kathy
Using vinegar to clean your hemp gi is a great idea!
@Darin
Using a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide to wash your gi would be great for removing stains. Just be mindful that hydrogen peroxide may cause slight color loss when used with colored gis.
Great article!
I own a residential cleaning company and we are going green. I can’t emphasize enough to my clients -Not to use too much detergent. It’s not only hard on your clothes but it’s also hard on your washing machine. It leaves a wax like build up on everything; machine parts, which causes mechanical break down faster and your clothes fibers, which leaves them less absorbent and stiff.
I am also a believer in using vinegar. It does get the sweaty, musty smell out and leaves clothes softer, thicker and fluffy. I use this in place of fabric softener -which also leaves a wax like build up on your clothes and leaves them less absorbent. I see you don’t recommend using it with your hemp gi and I’m wondering why?
My son is thrilled with his hemp gi and sent me pictures of him training in it. Thanks for a great product!
~Kathy
Can I use Hydrogen Peroxide on a white Hemp Gi?
Thank you Flow for a fantastic product! The quality is solid and It shows the company takes pride. I bought a Flow gi after seeing a team mate of mine rocking one at the gym. I was impressed by the tailored cut I’ve grown accustomed to, much like that of shoyoroll or ctrl, but half the price. The rip stop pants and that drawstring are a huge plus. I really like that this gi is so light weight, making for a slightly easier weight cut prior to tournament’s. The only thing I personally would change in the design, is the kimono’s side flaps, they seem to be cut higher than necessary. Flow’s customer service is top notch too!
Thanks a lot for your help !