How to wash a kimono in a washing machine for judo, karate, for aikido, so that the cloth does not sit down?

Caring for sportswear designed for martial arts consists of washing, drying and ironing. Before you erase a kimono, you need to evaluate its quality and texture. Usually specialized clothes for aikido, karate and judo are made from 100% cotton. For this reason, even the most cautious approach leads to the fact that the fabric after a while settles down by 3-5%.

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

Highlights for kimono washing

Despite the fact that in the end 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 the washing machine are the same in all cases:

1. First we read the label withrecommendations for kimono care. If the product is made of pure cotton, then most likely the manufacturer will recommend washing at a temperature of no higher than 30 ° C.If higher temperatures are allowed, synthetic fibers are likely to be added to the fibers.
2. The tendency of the cotton kimono to shrink can be used to fit a large product to its size. The higher the temperature of the water for washing, the greater the shrinkage. Cotton can withstand processing at 90 ° C.The more procedures, the stronger the shrinkage of the tissue.
3. It should be noted that the material for the kimono does not shrink in all directions equally, the final result depends on the type of arrangement of the yarns. For example, jackets for aikido, karate and judo shrink more in width than in length.
4. You can erase the belt from the kimono with the main product only if it is the same color. In this case, it should be placed in a grid or pillowcase.

Despite the fact that the high temperature allows you to fit a kimono in size and helps to destroy microbes, you can not abuse this approach. Hot water accelerates the destruction of cotton fibers, which leads to a rapid wear of the tissue.

Kimono wash frequency for single combats

Kimonos need to be washed as often as necessary. This parameter in each case is different and depends on the intensity, duration of studies, the chosen schedule, individual characteristics of the organism. Experts recommend that in this regard, pay attention to the following points:

• It is not necessary to put the kimono on a machine wash after each workout. Sometimes it is sufficient to rinse the product in cold water immediately after training and dry it. This will allow sending the item to the typewriter no more often every 2-3 weeks.

Advice: In some areas it is not forbidden to put a thin white jersey under the kimono made of natural fabric. If there is such an opportunity, it should be used, becausethe product will absorb a significant part of the sweat. Kimonos do not have to be washed so often, and it will not be covered from inside with yellow spots.

• If any underwear is put under the kimono, then it must be washed at the maximum temperature after each use. If the machine is not capable of heating water to 90 ° C, then it is better to boil the fabric in the traditional way.
• Before training, you should carefully wipe the coating on the job site. This again will reduce the amount of aggressive washing.

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

Methods for removing stains and removing odor

Athletes who initially purchase expensive kimono variants enjoy their whiteness for a long time. The cheaper models after a while acquire a grayish or yellowish tint, even if care for them is carried out according to all the rules. Simply in the first case the fabric is initially bleached, and in the second it is necessary to do it yourself. In case of detection of persistent stains that do not respond even to bleaching, you need to turn to dry cleaning.

The process of bleaching of 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 impurities, giving the fabric an unnecessary shade. Cellulose, which is the basis of cotton, is not very susceptible to this effect, so properly performed bleaching will not adversely affect the state of the material. Here you only need to choose the means, which do not include chlorine. This element is able to weaken the fibers of the tissue.

In addition to stains, kimono often becomes a source of unpleasant odor. This will not happen if you remember the following points:

• After the training, the kimono should be dried as soon as possible, you can not leave it in the bag.
• If possible, after each session, the product should be rinsed in cold water and dried in fresh air.
• If the smell does appear, then before rinsing into cold water, you need to add about two tablespoons of vinegar.
• Wiping things up in a typewriter, you need to use powders with flavors, softeners and air conditioners with odors.
• In the winter months, a kimono can be hung regularly on the frost.

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

Correct drying and ironing of kimono

Do not dry the dense cotton product, even from strong spin it is better to refuse, otherwise it will be difficult to straighten the folds. After removing the kimono from the machine, it should be shaken, hung on the hangers, spread out all the large folds. Drying should be carried out outdoors. A battery, dryer or hair dryer is not recommended. Considering the density of the fabric, the kimono dries quite a long time, it needs to be taken into account and be stocked with the second set.

The woven kimono is not ironed, the iron is processed only those products that have a smooth texture. If the drying of the product was carried out according to all rules, then there should not be any wrinkles on it. In those cases when the hall was not originally expanded and dried, having fixed in one position, it is better to once again wet it, spread it and wait until the material dries.