BJJ Hygiene 101: Gear Mistakes That Get You Avoided
Nobody tells beginners this when they start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
People would rather roll with the dangerous guy than the smelly guy.
Good hygiene in BJJ isn’t optional. You're training in close contact, sweating on mats, sharing space, and spending hours grabbing each other’s clothing.
The good news?
Most hygiene problems are easy to avoid.
Here are the biggest BJJ hygiene mistakes beginners make—and how to avoid becoming the training partner people secretly avoid.
Why Hygiene Matters in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a close-contact sport.
Poor hygiene doesn't just create unpleasant training sessions—it increases the risk of:
- Skin infections
- Bacteria spread
- Ringworm and fungal infections
- Staph infections
- Unpleasant training experiences
Good hygiene protects:
- You
- Your training partners
- Your gym environment
Mistake #1: Not Washing Your Gi After Every Session
This is the biggest mistake beginners make.
Your gi absorbs:
- Sweat
- Skin bacteria
- Dirt from the mats
Even if it “doesn’t smell yet,” bacteria are still there.
Rule:
Wash your gi after every training session.
Not every two sessions.
Not tomorrow.
Every session!
Bonus Tip:
Hang your gi immediately after training if you can't wash it right away.
Throwing it into a closed gym bag for 8 hours is a disaster.
Mistake #2: Reusing Rashguards and No-Gi Gear
Rashguards aren't magically cleaner than gis.
They collect:
- Sweat
- Bacteria
- Skin cells
If you train no-gi:
Wash your rashguard, shorts, and spats after every session.
Owning multiple sets becomes useful quickly if you train frequently.
Mistake #3: Leaving Gear Inside Your Gym Bag
Your gym bag is not storage.
Leaving sweaty gear inside creates:
- Smell buildup
- Mold risk
- Faster gear deterioration
What To Do Instead:
Immediately after training:
- Open your bag
- Remove sweaty gear
- Let everything air out
This simple habit will keep your gear fresher for longer.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Your Flip-Flops
Walking barefoot:
- In changing rooms
- Bathrooms
- Hallways
…then stepping onto the mats is asking for problems.
Good BJJ hygiene means:
Wear flip-flops everywhere except for on the mats.
This is probably the easiest hygiene habit to build.
Mistake #5: Not Cleaning Your Mouthguard
Your mouthguard spends hours:
- In your mouth
- Covered in saliva
- Inside warm gym bags
Yet many people never clean it.
Do this:
- Rinse after training
- Wash regularly
- Let it fully dry
Otherwise, you are basically putting bacteria directly into your mouth.
Mistake #6: Poor Nail Hygiene
This sounds obvious.
Yet everyone eventually trains with someone who forgot.
Keep:
- Fingernails short
- Toenails short
Long nails create:
- Cuts
- Scratches
- Infections
Nobody enjoys getting sliced open during guard passing.
Mistake #7: Training While Sick
This one is simple.
If you have:
- Fever
- Flu symptoms
- Stomach issues
- Contagious skin conditions
Stay home!
Missing two training sessions is better than getting your entire gym sick.
Mistake #8: Ignoring Skin Problems
See something suspicious?
Don't ignore it.
Watch for:
- Ring-shaped rashes
- Strange bumps
- Unusual redness
- Skin irritation that spreads
Early treatment is easier.
Training through infections is not tough and will get you and your training partners in trouble. It's irresponsibility.
How Often Should You Wash BJJ Gear?
Simple rules:
Gi: Every session
Rashguard: Every session
Shorts: Every session
Spats: Every session
Mouthguard: Every session
Gym Bag: Weekly minimum
Beginner BJJ Hygiene Checklist
Before Training:
✓ Nails trimmed
✓ Clean gear
✓ Flip-flops packed
✓ No suspicious skin issues
After Training:
✓ Wash gear
✓ Air out bag
✓ Clean mouthguard
✓ Shower
Final Thoughts: Good Hygiene Makes You a Better Training Partner
Nobody expects beginners to know every technique.
Everyone expects basic hygiene.
The fastest way to become someone people enjoy training with isn’t better guard retention.
It’s simple:
Show up clean. Train hard. Leave clean.
Bonus tip and product recommendations: If you can’t wash the smell of sweat out of your gear anymore, don’t worry and soak it all in a bucket of vinegar and baking soda. This will kill the bacteria and thus the smell. Make sure to wash your stuff after because the vinegar will have smell like a salade otherwise.
For personal hygiene and after training care we highly recommend the Defense Soap products such as the Original Soap bar, Peppermint Soap bar, Original Shower gel and Peppermint Shower gel.
To wash your gear, the Defense Laundry Booster will keep it smelling fresh.