How to clean hockey equipment? Basic reasons you should clean your hockey equipment

Cleaning the hockey equipment is a necessary thing for hockey players. Nevertheless, many people don’t know how to clean their hockey equipment, which can cause bacteria buildup. So, how to clean hockey equipment?

Easy peasy! Adam Matter will answer this question as well as provide you with knowing basic reasons you should clean your hockey equipment. Let’s explore right now the blog below.

How to clean hockey equipment?

Cleaning your hockey gear is an important part of making sure it lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to properly clean your gear:

Decrease the rink stink

Reducing is the first and most important step in avoiding stinky equipment and the formation of harmful bacteria. Here are some tips you need to know to reduce the rink stink:

Use basic layers: Use a base layer of cotton and a top layer of polyester or nylon to wick away moisture. This will help reduce the number of bacteria that accumulates in your equipment.
Keep it dry: After each practice or game, hang damp pads, gloves, and other gear to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Air it out: Between practices and games, take off your equipment and allow it to air dry. Regularly cleaning hockey equipment reduces odor-causing microorganisms and extends its lifespan.
Purchase a boot and glove dryer: Investing in a boot and glove dryer will help your gear dry faster and more thoroughly than air drying. Clean with the right products: Use a specialty hockey equipment cleaner to gently remove dirt and grime from your gear.

Using washing machine

The chest protector, elbow pads, shin guards, jock, pants, socks, neck guard, and gloves can be washed in the washing machine in warm water, except for helmets and skates. You may need to divide the gear into two or three loads, depending on the size of your washer and your children’s equipment.

Use cold water and detergent without bleach or fabric softener. Scents, dyes, and brighteners in detergents can irritate sensitive skin and plug the pores of performance fabrics and materials, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan.

If you use a laundry detergent with advanced cold water enzymes, you can get just as clean a wash in cold water as you would in warm or hot! Skipping hot water will also lower your energy bill.

Using dishwasher

Smaller pieces of equipment can be washed in your dishwasher with particular precautions.

Put the gear in an empty dishwasher. Turn off the dishwasher’s heated drying cycle and set it to the highest heat wash setting.
Dishwasher detergent contains bleach and powerful chemicals that destroy equipment. However, using any other soap in your dishwasher will damage it.
Remove your gear as soon as possible and allow it to dry completely.

Hand washing

A great way to hand clean your equipment is with a mixture of warm water and mild liquid detergent. Submerge the items in the solution for about 30 minutes. Gently scrub any soiled areas with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Rinse the equipment with cold water and hang it to dry.

Basic reasons you should clean your hockey equipment

Get rid of bacteria and germs

Bacteria and germs can be dangerous to your health, so regular cleaning can help prevent the spread of disease.

Improve performance

You may find that when you wear clean hockey equipment you improve your performance on the ice or in practice. Not only will it look better, but it will also provide better protection and feel more comfortable.

Prolong the life of your equipment

Regular cleaning can help make sure that your hockey equipment lasts as long as possible. Properly caring for your gear will keep it in good condition so you don’t have to replace it as often.

Maintain the value of your equipment

If you ever decide to resell or donate your hockey gear, having it clean and in good condition will help maintain its value.

Therefore, if left unchecked, the equipment and hockey bag will breed mold and mildew and smell awful. Bacteria and mold on gear can cause rashes, infections, and fiber breakdown. In the end, you can understand why does hockey equipment smell so bad to find out how to get rid of the smell effectively!

The protective equipment used in ice hockey includes helmets, mouth guards, shoulder pads, elbow pads, padded gloves, padded pants, and shin guards

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Can hockey equipment be dried?

Yes, hockey equipment can be dried. Your gear will smell better with a good drier. You can soak your gear in washing machine water, but the fabric will hold bacteria and water, so don’t put it in a sports bag until it’s dry.

Most gear can be dried in a low-heat clothes dryer. After rinsing the soap, you can leave your gear out to dry. Sponging extra water with towels speeds drying. Separate the gear and let it drip dry in a warm, dry spot.

You can also buy a boot and helmet drier. To eliminate moisture from the helmet and skate base, some dryers have an air hose. Some come with racks and a foldable tent for drying. This method quickly dries clothing without shrinking or harming it.

What types of hockey pads may be machine washed? How should they be cleaned?

The type of hockey pads that can be machine washed is those made with helmets, skates, gloves, and goal equipment. These pads should be washed in cold water on the delicate cycle and dried on low or no heat. However, we will recommend how to wash them below, let’s follow:

How to clean the helmets?

Remove the chin cup and facemask/face cage. Using a disinfectant spray or wipes, clean and dry the facemask, face cage, and chin cup. Wash the entire helmet, inside and out, with a soft sponge and a no-tear shampoo and water mixture. Rinse thoroughly, being careful to remove all of the soap. Dry your helmet well with a clean towel and set it aside to dry in a warm, well-ventilated place.

How to clean the skates?

Hockey skates can stink equally as awful as the rest of your gear. Let’s talk about cleaning and deodorizing your skates. After each practice or game, remove the insoles and hang them to dry thoroughly. Next, spritz your skate with a vinegar-water solution or sports gear odor neutralizer. Allow skates to dry thoroughly by hanging them or using a boot dryer.

How to clean gloves?

Gloves are one of the most important pieces of hockey equipment and require frequent cleaning to reduce bacteria and odor. Start by removing the gloves from your hands and then remove any dirt, debris or excess water with a soft cloth or paper towel. Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent, scrubbing any stains lightly with a brush as necessary. Rinse with cold water, carefully wring out the gloves and air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

How to clean goal equipment?

For goal equipment, use a soft sponge and mild soap to lightly scrub all of the metal parts, being sure to remove any dirt or mud that has accumulated on them. Especially, machine cleaning or soaking in water encourages bacteria and mildew growth. Furthermore, total immersion can damage your equipment by producing material separation. Instead, please do the following:

Chest protectors, gloves, blockers, and pants: Use cold water and a moderate detergent without bleaching agents to gently scrub your goalie gear with a gentle sponge. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent. Let it dry completely. Once totally dry, apply a disinfectant on the goalie glove and blocker. This will aid in the elimination of odors and the prevention of bacterial growth.
Clean with a warm, moist towel and hang upside down to dry completely.
Wipe the goalie mask with a clean, wet towel and then dry it. The sweatband, on the other hand, may be removed and washed alongside your other clothing. To clean your goalie mask, avoid using chemicals or harsh cleaning agents since these can degrade the materials.

Preventing bacterial growth in gear is best, but cleaning it at home is straightforward and affordable. These strategies can save you money, extend the life of your gear, and keep you healthy and smelling fantastic on the ice.

FAQs: How to clean hockey equipment?

Is it possible to machine wash hockey equipment?

Except for helmets and skates, you may wash everything in your washing machine in warm water, including the chest protector, elbow pads, shin guards, jock, pants, socks, neck guard, and gloves. So, do you know how much is a full set of hockey equipment? It’s so expensive, so you must wash it carefully!

How can you remove the odor from hockey equipment?

To destroy bacteria and freshen things up, a basic in-home or laundromat washing machine will suffice. “Don’t be scared to put the equipment in the washing machine if it starts to stink,” Benz said. “Elbow pads, shoulder pads, shin pad liners, jeans, and breezes can all be laundered in this manner.

How frequently should you wash your hockey equipment?

Whenever possible! Try to clean your fabric items, socks, and jerseys after each use. You don’t have to wash larger items like chest protectors, shin guards, and skates every time you use them.

Can you put hockey gloves in the dryer?

Never put your hockey gloves in the dryer to dry. Let them to dry slowly and naturally to avoid cracking the leather. In addition, you can read more about how to store hockey equipment to use when needed!

Conclusion

Hockeyheritage.org hopes that it’s essential for hockey players to take the time to properly clean their equipment. With the right technique, it takes very little time and effort to give every piece of equipment a thorough cleaning. So, the next time you get ready to hit the ice, don’t forget these tips on how to clean hockey equipment!

How to clean hockey equipment? Basic reasons you should clean your hockey equipment