Wash Fishing Clothes Safely: Check Pockets Before Tackling Salt, Sweat and Bait

Even if your clothes look clean when you get home from fishing, they may still have salt and sweat on them. But before putting anything in the washing machine, there's something more important to check. Check to see if there are any fishhooks or cut fishing line left in a pocket.

Use five steps when you get home: empty the pockets, read the labels, separate the stains, wash, and dry. This routine prevents salt, sweat and bait residue from lingering while helping protect prints and fabrics.

1. Check pockets and fasteners

Remove every fishhook, length of line, snap fastener and small item from the pockets. Adjust zippers and hook-and-loop fasteners according to the product care label so they cannot snag other garments.

Turn clothing with logos or embroidery inside out when the care label allows it. This check protects your hands, the garment and the rest of the laundry from hidden fishhooks.

2. Read the care label and identify the stain

T-shirts, hoodies, and rash guards have different materials, prints, washable temperatures, and drying methods. Read each care label rather than applying one method to every garment.

Remove solid bait or mud first, using a dry cloth or running water as appropriate. If you are concerned about color fading, check in an inconspicuous place.

3. Do not scrub too hard and do not leave detergent residue

Aggressive scrubbing places unnecessary stress on the fabric and print. Follow the directions on the label, wash gently with an appropriate amount of detergent, and rinse thoroughly.

Even if you are concerned about the smell, never mix cleaning products unless the labels explicitly permit it. For materials and stains that cannot be handled at home, please consult a professional dry cleaner.

4. Adjust the shape and dry completely

After washing, restore the shape and dry the garment in a well-ventilated place. For prints and dark colors, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and prefer drying methods specified on the label.

Storing a garment while damp can lead to odors and mold. Make sure the inside is dry before putting it away. Separate hats, life jackets, and bags from clothing and care for them according to the instructions for each product.

Six checks before you put everything away

• Fishhooks, line and small items removed from every pocket
• Care label read for each garment
• Solid dirt removed first
• Print and embroidery instructions checked
• Cleaning products not mixed
• Garment completely dry before storage

Items introduced in this article

To protect the print on the white logo T-shirt shown, check the product care label and instruction manual, and turn it inside out when the label allows. T-shirts, hoodies, and rash guards have different materials and conditions, so please do not apply one method to all products.

• SABIKI BOX Logo T-shirt: A white printed T-shirt with a crisp black box logo.

For your safety:Follow detergent and clothing labels and work in a well-ventilated area. On your next fishing trip, be sure to check the weather and footing, wear your life jacket correctly, and follow the rules of each facility.

Hat care and T-shirt selection

• Cleaning your fishing cap
• How to choose a fishing T-shirt