the white belt i got when i joined was already dirty looking. i asked about cleaning it and if i recall correctly i was told just wash it once. i cant really remember.
some people believe in the magical side of the belt, so i guess i was formatting it if i washed it lol.
i think its a symbollic thing. but really, who gives a crap about other peoples belts? and who the hell would care about mine?
i have occassionally noticed some guy had a really thick looking belt, or some guy had japanese writing on his but usually im more worried about trying to keep up