England fans heading to pubs for Monday's World Cup clash against Mexico have been given a crucial tip to save their expensive football shirts from beer stains. With pubs allowed to stay open until 5am BST for the 1am kick-off, the tradition of 'pint throws' after goals puts thousands of pounds worth of shirts at risk.
Experts share one simple step to prevent permanent damage
Football experts at Live Football Tickets recommend rinsing the stained area with cold water as soon as possible. They advise: “Rinse with cold water when you can and rinse the shirt inside out, pushing the beer back out of the fabric rather than through it.”
Avoid using warm water or hand dryers in pub bathrooms. The experts explain: “Always let it air dry as any form of heat will set the stain and make it harder to remove later. The same rule applies once you are home, let it air naturally and do not tumble dry the shirt until you are certain the stain has fully gone.”
What to do if the stain has dried
If you cannot wash the shirt until after returning home and the stain has dried, the experts suggest: “Soak the shirt in cold water with a tiny drop of detergent or fairy liquid for 20 to 30 minutes.”
For immediate action at the pub, blot the stain with a napkin or paper towel to lift as much beer as possible. The experts warn: “You want to avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the liquid deeper into the fibres and could damage the badges, printed details or personalised lettering on the shirt.”
Polyester fabric offers some protection
Official England shirts typically cost around £90 or more, with personalisation adding to the expense. However, most are made of 100% polyester, which the experts note is naturally water-resistant. This means the fabric won't absorb as much beer as other materials, offering some resistance to water-based stains like wine, coffee, and sweat. But heat and rubbing can still cause lasting damage.
