Dobok Care

Doboks take quite a beating. They become easily discolored with sweat, Gatorade, lunch, time or even mis-laundered. 

Here are some ideas for improving the look of your dobok and perhaps get rid of some of the stains that occur over time. 

General Cleaning:

1.  Always check out the label before washing.  Most of the polyester/cotton blends will recommend cold water washing. Warm works, but hot can bleed colors on the dobok (taekwondo-info). The black belt v-neck especially can bleed onto the white.  I have always washed my dobok in cold.  I like using Tide Boost Vivid once-in-a-while. It seems to help keep the whites whiter. 

2.  Never bleach your dobok.  The bleach will yellow and/or gray the uniform.  Your logos will definitely be affected.  One logo on our uniform, the red became pink after a bleaching.

3.  Stains can be removed in several ways. Different stains need different instructions.  This may help HERE.  Most directions include a pre-soak.  I have used the 1 part dish soap to 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide on mine.  I have recently used this on sweat stains with a bit of scrubbing and it worked like a charm.

4.  I haven't had a problem with using the dryer on high heat since there is polyester in the doboks, but again, follow the suggestion drying instructions.  I also use a fabric softener in the dryer as well as the washer.  I don't like clingy uniforms.

5.  If there is a problem with odor retention, It may help to soak the dobok in dish soap and vinegar for 20 minutes before the wash.  

6.  Turn the Dobok inside out to save the iron transfer as long as possible.  If it is embroidered, it is not necessary.


NOTE *****"Never, ever wash your belt!" It is tradition to show your experience with your belt. The white belt becomes dirty over time and training and becomes black.  And the black belt becomes white again over time.  A continue journey that doesn't end.***** 

Tournament time:

 1.  If you haven't had to deal with stains at a tournament, you either haven't gone to any or you are the luckiest person ever.  Kids and even adults can get something on their uniform even if it isn't their fault.  Sitting down on a bleacher gives opportunities galore for some extra, unwanted color on your dobok. Along with the books, Ipads, and snacks, a good suggestion to pack for the trip, would be something like Shout Wipe&Go.  That was the highest rated on Woman's Day.  If that is unavailable, a quick trip to the restroom to use water and a towel will definitely help to not let the stain set.

2. A nice clean and ironed Dobok gives a great impression to the judges for your Poomsae presentation, but also shows others the respect the athlete has for their uniform and their school.  A suggestion for Ironing your Dobok:   "Iron the trouser legs flat. So the creases are at the side of the leg not the front.  Iron the top like a T-shirt with the creases running down the outside of the sleeves.  Have a good look at any lettering on your dobok top. If it's embroidered it's fine to iron over. But if it's a plastic transfer type logo, you'll need to turn your dobok top inside out and iron it on the reverse."

3.  Many people try to stay in plain clothes for as long as possible or have warm-ups and/or track pants to put over the dobok pants.  

Respect:

1.  Folding your dobok

2.  Not only is it important to have your uniform clean and neat for tournaments, seminars, tests, special events, etc. , but we should have our doboks looking nice for class.

3.  Bring your dobok in a bag and label the inside of your dobok with your name.  A marial artist should be responsible for his uniform and belt.


Hope these tips have been helpful.  Please feel free to add your own tips below.  Keep lookin' sharp. 







KS