How to Wash F1 Teamwear Without Ruining the Logos
Quick answer: turn your F1 shirt or polo inside out, wash it in cold water and keep the spin at 600 to 800 RPM at most. Never raise the temperature and never spin at 1200 RPM, because heat and fast spins damage the printed logos. Embroidered logos are tougher, but most teamwear today uses printed logos.
Why F1 logos need care
Modern teamwear carries many sponsor logos, and almost all of them are printed or heat applied onto the fabric rather than embroidered. These logos are light and flexible, but they do not like heat or friction. A hot wash softens them, a fast spin bends and rubs them, and over time they crack, peel or fade. Embroidery used to be common and handles washing well, but it is rarely used on teamwear today.
The washing routine
- Turn it inside out. This protects the logos from rubbing against the drum and other clothes.
- Use cold water. Choose a cold or 30 degree programme. Do not increase the temperature.
- Keep the spin low. 600 to 800 RPM at most. Never 1200 RPM or higher.
- Use a mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can affect technical fabrics and prints.
- Wash with similar colours. Bright team colours such as Ferrari red or McLaren papaya are best washed with like colours.
- Air dry. Hang or lay flat, away from direct heat. Avoid the tumble dryer.
- Do not iron the logos. If you need to iron, keep it inside out on a low setting and stay away from the prints.
Do and do not
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Wash inside out | Wash logo side out |
| Cold water | Hot or warm programmes |
| 600 to 800 RPM | 1200 RPM or faster |
| Air dry | Tumble dry |
| Mild detergent | Bleach or softener |
Caring for F1 caps
Do not put caps in the washing machine, as it can bend the peak and crush the front panel. Spot clean with a soft brush or cloth, cold water and a little mild soap, then let the cap air dry on a rounded shape so it keeps its form. Read more about cap styles in our F1 cap guide.
Teamwear worth looking after
Ferrari 2026 Driver T-Shirt
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McLaren 2026 Team Polo
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Mercedes 2026 Authentic Driver T-Shirt
Shop now →
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my F1 shirt in the washing machine?
Yes. Turn it inside out, use cold water and a spin of 600 to 800 RPM at most, then air dry.
Why do F1 shirt logos crack or peel?
Most logos are printed, and heat and fast spins damage them. Hot washes, 1200 RPM spins and tumble dryers are the main causes.
How do I clean an F1 cap?
Spot clean it by hand with cold water, mild soap and a soft brush, and let it air dry on a rounded shape. Do not machine wash it.
