It’s no secret that hockey gear can get sweaty, dirty, and smelly. After all, hockey is a high-impact game that requires a lot of different gear, so it’s inevitable that a hockey bag left lying around can develop some nasty odors. That’s why it’s important to stick to a regular schedule for cleaning your gear. It will not only help with odor and reduce bacteria but will also ensure that your gear lasts longer and performs better.
Right now, cleanliness is the top priority for everyone worldwide. It’s never been more important to ensure that any social event or gathering is handled with the most care possible, and that everyone involved is keeping squeaky clean. Keeping your gear clean is not only important for your own safety, but for the safety of everyone playing the game with you, too.
There are many options for cleaning hockey gear, from home-cleaning kits to professional services. Here are some of the best ways to keep your gear fresh, clean, and in top shape.
Why You Should Regularly Clean Your Gear
You may think that bad smells are just “part of the game,” but leaving your gear unwashed can be harmful.
The distinctive hockey odor is the result of bacteria that grows when you sweat in your equipment and sweaters. That bacteria will continue to breed and will eventually turn into mold and mildew, which will smell far worse than plain sweat and will weaken the fabric in your gear, rendering it useless over time. Moreover, bacteria build-up can cause rashes, sores, and infections that will make it difficult for you to play to your fullest ability.
Keeping your hockey equipment clean is more important in 2020 than ever before, now that the world is on high-alert over COVID-19. To make sure that hockey can return to the world as fast as possible, everyone must do their part to make sure the games are safe and sanitary.
Taking care of your gear regularly is the best way to preserve the quality of your equipment and to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone around you.
Prevention Tips
You can take preventative measures to keep your gear as clean as possible in-between washes. Of course, try to wash your gear as often as you can. But in between, you can:
- Wear a base layer of clothing to keep the sweat directly off your equipment, but make sure to wash the clothes!
- Air your gear out after each game and practice. Even if you aren’t planning on a deep clean, this will help prevent bacteria build-up.
- Use sanitization wipes and spray in between washes to eliminate as much bacteria as possible.
Home Cleaning Options
Many players choose to clean their hockey equipment at home. Your family may not love the smell that invades the house when you bring the bag in, but if you clean it right away it won’t last long.
One of the most common methods of cleaning your gear is to throw everything in the laundry machine. Yes, you can include pads and protectors, too. Most cloth-based gear will be machine-safe, but always check the instructions on the tags. Certain things like helmets and skates, of course, shouldn’t be thrown into the wash.
You can also wash your gear in a warm bathtub with mild detergent. Some players lay their gear in their garage or on their deck when they get home from practice or a game. This allows the equipment to air out and can prevent the foul smell from entering your home. Still, especially given the pandemic times, make sure to wash your gear as often as you can.
As for drying, you can tumble dry some gear on low heat, but it is better to let everything air dry. Certain pads can’t be put in the dryer so hanging them on a clothesline or anywhere outside will help dry them thoroughly and get rid of odors. For additional odor protection, consider adding some white vinegar to your wash cycle.
Helmet and Skates
As mentioned, you can’t wash your helmet or skates in laundry machine, but they are simple to wash by hand. For your helmet, use a mild soap with warm water, spreading the mixture around with a sponge or rag. You can use this on both the inside and outside portions. Then, dry it off with a towel and let it air dry the rest of the way.
Your skates require a little bit more work but are still manageable. You will want to first remove the insole, then wash the inside and outside with a vinegar and water mixture. Wipe this down with a towel and then let it air dry. For added freshness you can put deodorizers in them overnight.
When cleaning your own gear, especially by hand, make sure to be thorough! Don’t rush it. Remember, your safety and the safety of everyone else playing with you is on the line. Do your part to make sure everyone can play the game without fear.
Professional Cleaning Options
Some players prefer to have their gear professionally cleaned. These cleaners have industrial-grade equipment and the expertise required to make sure that your equipment comes out looking and smelling like new. Generally, they can do a better job than a home-cleaning session, but it also comes with an increased price tag.
Some dry cleaners also provide service for sports gear, but you’ll have to do your research to find out which ones do it in your area. Ultimately, if you want to save money, you’ll need to clean your gear yourself. But it is nice to know that there are options if needed.
How Often Should I Clean My Gear?
As often as possible!
For cloth gear, socks, and jerseys, try to clean them after each use. For bigger gear like chest protectors, shin guards, and skates, you don’t have to perform a thorough wash each time you use them. However, you should at least use a sanitization wipe or spray after each practice or game, just to make sure you haven’t tracked anyone else’s bacteria and that you won’t pass on your own to any of your teammates.
