How to wash a cheer uniform without losing rhinestones

A competition uniform is usually the most expensive piece of kit a cheer team buys, and the wash is where most of the damage happens. Rhinestones loosen, white panels turn grey or pink, and spandex loses its stretch. The good news: a few simple habits keep a uniform competition-ready for the whole season.

Before you wash: know how the stones are attached

Rhinestones on cheer uniforms are attached in one of two ways, and they need slightly different care:

• Heat-set (hotfix) stones are pressed on with glue that melts under heat. They are secure in normal use but can loosen if the uniform is exposed to high heat again, for example in a dryer or under an iron.
• Sewn-on or set stones are stitched or clamped through the fabric. They handle washing better, but the threads can still snag in a machine.

If you are not sure which you have, ask your uniform supplier. It is also worth asking for care instructions in writing when you order, so every parent gets the same guidance.

Hand wash or machine wash?

Hand washing is the safest option, especially for heavily stoned competition uniforms:

1. Turn the top and skirt inside out.
2. Fill a tub or sink with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent made for activewear or delicates.
3. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently press the fabric. Do not scrub or wring rhinestone areas.
4. Rinse in cold water until the water runs clear.
5. Press out excess water by rolling the uniform in a clean towel.

If you use a washing machine, choose the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water, turn the uniform inside out and put each piece in its own mesh laundry bag. Use the lowest spin speed available.

Wash white and light uniforms on their own

Coaches and parents regularly report white uniforms turning pink or grey after one wash with practice wear or warm-ups. White and pastel uniforms should always be washed alone, or only with pieces of the same color. For a team order, it helps to send the same instruction to every family before the first competition.

What not to do

• No tumble dryer. Heat is the main reason heat-set stones come off, and it also breaks down spandex.
• No iron on rhinestones or prints. If a skirt needs pressing, use a low setting on the inside and a pressing cloth, away from stones.
• No bleach or strong stain removers on decorated areas. They can cloud stones and damage glue.
• No fabric softener on performance fabrics. It can reduce stretch and leave residue.

Drying and storage during the season

Lay the uniform flat on a towel or hang it on a padded hanger, out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Once dry, store each uniform in a breathable garment bag. Keep bows separate so their stones do not rub against the uniform.

At away competitions, bring a separate bag for worn uniforms and wash them as soon as you are home. Sweat left in fabric for days is harder to remove than the stains you can see.

Check stones after every wash

Run a hand lightly over the decorated areas after each wash. A stone that moves is easier to fix now than to replace after it falls off on the mat. Many teams keep a small repair kit of spare stones and fabric glue in the competition bag.

Removing common competition stains

Stain	What to do
Makeup and foundation on necklines	Dab, do not rub, with a little mild liquid detergent or makeup remover on a cotton pad, working from the inside of the fabric. Rinse in cold water before the full wash.
Mat and floor marks on white skirts	Soak the area in cold water with a small amount of detergent for 30 minutes, then wash as normal. Avoid hot water, which can set the mark.
Sweat and deodorant marks	Wash as soon as possible after the event. A cold soak with an activewear detergent removes most build-up.
Hair spray and glitter	Shake out loose glitter outside before washing so it does not spread to other pieces.

Always test a stain remover on a hidden area first, and keep any product away from rhinestones and printed lettering.

Bows, warm-ups and practice wear

Bows should not go in the washing machine. Spot clean them with a damp cloth and let them air dry in shape. Warm-ups and practice wear are washed far more often than uniforms, so they can usually go in the machine on a normal cold cycle, but wash dark pieces separately the first few times in case the color runs.

End-of-season storage

Before storing uniforms for the off-season, wash them one final time and make sure they are completely dry. Store them flat or on padded hangers in breathable bags, in a cool and dry place. Avoid plastic dry-cleaning bags for long-term storage: they trap moisture. If the uniforms will be handed down to next season's athletes, label each one with its size so fittings are faster next year.

Prevention starts when you order

Care is easier when the uniform is built for it. When you order custom uniforms, ask your supplier:

• Which stones are heat-set and which are sewn or set, especially on high-wear areas such as the waistband and logo.
• Whether they can supply spare stones in your colors for repairs.
• Whether to add a few extra pieces to the order, to cover new athletes or replacements during the season.

Looking for new uniforms? Browse our custom cheer uniforms or cheer design concepts. We make every style to order in your team colors.