Why Proper Gear Care Matters for Fighters
In the high-impact world of MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai, and boxing, your gear takes a beating from sweat, mat burns, and rigorous rolls. Scramble products, known for their durable fabrics and performance features, demand specific care to maintain breathability, shape, and functionality. Neglecting maintenance leads to fading colors, stretched seams, and shortened lifespan—costing you more in replacements. This guide covers everything from daily wear to long-term storage, helping beginners and pros alike keep their kit fighter-ready.
Proper care ensures your rash guards wick moisture effectively during no-gi grappling, fight shorts stay flexible for kicks and takedowns, and BJJ gis resist tears in prolonged sessions. We'll break it down by gear type, with actionable steps suited to combat sports training schedules.
General Washing Principles for All Scramble Gear
Before diving into specifics, follow these universal rules to avoid common pitfalls:
- Wash inside out: Protects printed graphics and outer fabrics from abrasion.
- Use cold water: Prevents shrinkage, color bleeding, and fabric degradation—ideal for polyester blends used in most Scramble items.
- Mild detergent only: Opt for gear-specific or fragrance-free options without bleach, fabric softeners, or whiteners, which break down spandex and elastane.
- Machine wash on gentle cycle: 30-40°C max, no spin cycles over 800 RPM to minimize wear.
- Load smart: Don't overload the machine; give items space to clean evenly.
Pro tip for busy fighters: Wash gear after every 2-3 sessions or when odors persist. For heavy sweaters in humid gyms, spot-treat stains immediately with a diluted vinegar solution.
Caring for Rash Guards and Base Layers
Rash guards are your second skin in BJJ, wrestling, and no-gi MMA—keeping you rash-free and temperature-regulated. Scramble's anti-microbial treatments shine longer with right care.
Washing
- Turn inside out and zip up any collars.
- Cold wash with gentle detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, which can stiffen fabric.
Drying
- Air dry flat or hanging—never tumble dry, as heat warps the stretchy poly-spandex blend.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent UV fading, especially on bold prints.
Storage
- Fold neatly or hang to avoid creases.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
Fight Shorts and Compression Shorts Maintenance
Scramble fight shorts feature split hems for mobility in Muay Thai kicks and MMA sprawls. Valour and Athlete lines prioritize durability.
Washing
- Inside out, cold water, gentle cycle.
- Close Velcro straps to prevent snags on other gear.
Drying
- Air dry only; heat shrinks waistbands and melts grip panels.
Longevity Tips
- Inspect drawstrings and stitching after competitions—reinforce if needed.
- For compression variants, stretch gently post-dry to restore shape.
T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Fight Jerseys
Casual wear like Scramble tees, hoodies, and jerseys transitions from gym to street. Their soft cottons and poly blends need gentle handling.
Washing
- Inside out, cold or 30°C max.
- Wash colors separately first few times to set dyes.
Drying and Ironing
- Air dry; low-heat tumble if urgent, but inside out.
- Iron on low if needed, avoiding prints.
BJJ Gis: The Gold Standard in Care
Scramble BJJ gis (like the All Purpose or Competition models) use pearl weave cotton that stiffens if mistreated—key for grip strength in rolls.
Pre-Wash Prep
- Rinse immediately after use in cold water to remove chalk, sweat, and blood.
- Brush off visible dirt.
Washing
- Machine gentle cycle, 30-40°C with gi-specific detergent (e.g., avoids stiffening agents).
- Wash solo or with similar colors; full load agitates better.
Drying
- Air dry flat—hanging stretches collars.
- Full dry takes 24-48 hours; partial dampness causes mildew.
Storage
- Fold traditionally (pants inside jacket) in a breathable bag.
- Avoid plastic bags; use cotton ones for airflow.
No-Gi Gear and Accessories
Spats, mouthguards, and athletic tape get indirect abuse but benefit from care:
- Spats: Treat like rash guards—air dry to maintain grip dots.
- Mouthguards: Rinse, soak in denture cleaner weekly, air dry.
- Tape: Store in airtight container to prevent stickiness loss.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- Shrinkage: Always cold wash/dry.
- Odors: Vinegar rinse cycle kills bacteria without chemicals.
- Fading Prints: Inside-out washing + no sun.
- Stiff Gis: Over-softener—switch to gi soap.
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|-------|-------|-----|
| Fading | Heat/UV | Cold air dry, indoor storage |
| Stretching | Hanging wet | Flat dry gi |
| Odor | Residue | Extra rinse + anti-microbial wash |
| Snags | Velcro | Secure before wash |
When to Replace Gear
Replace rash guards if stitching frays or wicking fails (test: sweat pools?). Gis need new pants at first rip. Budget for rotation: 2-3 sets per discipline.
Find premium Scramble gear and more at Apollo MMA—your go-to for worldwide shipping to fighters. Check out our collection for rash guards, gis, and apparel built to last.
This routine keeps your Scramble setup performing across MMA, BJJ, and beyond. Train hard, care smart.
---
