Getting sweat stains and grime out of a heavy gi!

[DoctorQui]

This driving me mad!

My Gi's have turned yellow, around the collar and down the lapels, across the top of the back and shoulders and in the arm pits! I cannot get it out! I've washed them about 3 times now and they look the same as before I even attempted to wash them!

Last night, I left them soaking all night in a tepid bath of a solution of white vinegar, oxy and soap flakes. When I took them out I applied stain remover to all the affected areas and added more oxy to the wash! I don't want to use bleach because I have read they it can weaken the fabric!

After the third wash there is no change!

Has anyone experienced this and is there a solution. I cannot afford a new Gi right now but the ones I have are embarrassing!

Help!

[JonWal]

I was in the same boat several months ago, tried everything, just like you.

The best thing I found was Vanish oxi action powder, soaking overnight didnt work so I mixed it up into a paste and worked that roughly through the fabric.

I've been reccomended to wear a white tshirt under the Gi ongoing, but it gets too warm for that.

Also, Instead of using body spray try just washing using plain soap and water.

[Wastelander]

My sensei washes his gi with hydrogen peroxide to help them stay whiter, longer, but that is really a preventative measure. Bleach does weaken the fabric, and can ruin any patches you have on the gi, so it's not the best solution. Unfortunately, I haven't found anything that can get the sweat, oil, and blood out of my daily use gi. I know a couple people who have had their gi dry cleaned with great success though, so that may be something you can check out. If the dry cleaning works, you can use the hydrogen peroxide wash to try to keep it looking nice.

Honestly, though, I don't think a pristine white gi is an important part of training. Sure, it's nice for formal events, like tournaments, seminars, and rank exams, but for everyday training I just don't see the point. The gi is a set of heavy duty workout clothes, and that's what mine looks like . That's when you cough up the money for a second gi, and have an "everyday use gi" and a "formal event gi".