Fabric Softener on Keikogi

[Charlie]

Hey, guys. Anyone use fabric softener on their keikogi? We have some stuff that gives the clothing a slight lavender smell, which I think would be an improvement on my keikogi since even with regular washing the thing smells pretty earthy. But in using fabric softener, do I run the risk of degrading the stiff, protective quality of the keikogi?

Thanks, sorry if this has been covered elsewhere.

[Ignatz]

I always use fabric softener. It pisses me off to pay more for the stuff that doesn't smell, why do I pay them more not to put something in? I have one keiko gi about 15 years old and three judo gi older than that. All have many more years of life in them. The key is buying good ones to start rather than buying cheap ones.

I use the downy ball that you pour the stuff into then throw it in the wash at the beginning.

[MikeW]

I use fabric softener also and have had no problem with it.

[Charlie]

Thanks, guys. I was just worried about maybe fraying, getting too soft, causing holes to appear, etc.

[Nukitsuke]

Just out of curiosity, when you wash your hakama do you machine wash it? If so, do you put it in any special bag or anything? Does it matter if its cotton or tetron?
Thanks!

[Charlie]

I machine wash mine cold, no bag or anything, and drip dry.

[Halcyon]

No fabric softener for me. I rather like the slightly scratchy feel of a freshly laundered keikogi. I machine wash my hakama (both tetron and cotton) in one of those mesh bags used for delicates. I fold it up loosely -- not as thoroughly as when going to and from the dojo. Oh yes, and I always use a front-loading laundry machine. Less wear and tear on the fabric.

[John Seavitt]

Thanks, guys. I was just worried about maybe fraying, getting too soft, causing holes to appear, etc.

Nah, not from fabric softener - anything with bleach or bleach substitute is not your friend, though. Big second to the buying good keikogi and having them last forever, too.


By the way Charlie, I've got to tell you that there are so many wiseass remarks about kendoka needing fabric softener that the only reason you're getting off easy is that they've all collided getting from my brain to the keyboard.

John "that uwagi soft enough for you?"

[Charlie]

Hahaha! Really? I didn't realize that!

[slidercrank]

No fabric softener for me, either. The freshly-laundered gi will get soft naturally after 1 wearing, so what's the point?

I'm not big on leaving synthetic chemical stuff on fabrics and wearing them all day long.

As for hakama. I fold it (cotton) up nicely and step on it in the tub with cold water and woolite. Then repeat twice with clean water. Gets the job done, and keeps the hakama's pleats razor sharp.