Why does hockey equipment smell so bad? Common reasons you need to know

Do you ever wonder why does hockey equipment smell so bad? It’s not uncommon for people to put the blame on sweat or simply refer to it as “that hockey smell.” Despite this common knowledge, there may be more to it than just sweat.

In this blog post, Adam Matter will dive into this answer and provide the 8 greatest ways to prevent hockey equipment odor. Read on to know more useful information!

Why does hockey equipment smell so bad?

Hockey player stinks because their equipment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which produce the foul stench you detect. If the equipment isn’t cleaned and given enough air, bacteria that thrive on growing in warm, damp places will accumulate and multiply. This is why it’s important to take care of your hockey gear and make sure it is adequately aired out after use.

Some common reason why does hockey gear smell so bad include the bacteria that have a field day in wet or sweaty gear and mold. This grows in damp and dark areas, and the smell of sweat has been absorbed by cloth surfaces like skates. Additionally, hockey gear often sits for hours at a time without being aired out or cleaned properly which can also lead to bad smells.

Overall, if you frequently clean and air out your hockey gear, you can reduce bacteria and foul odor. Or you can understand how to clean hockey equipment to get rid of the smell.

8 greatest ways to prevent hockey equipment odor

Hockey is the only sport with a unique smell because bacteria flourish in perspiration, unclean equipment, and poor air circulation. It’s a serious problem for both the players and their parents.

So, how do you keep the hockey scent at bay while yet keeping the equipment clean? Here are the top 8 hockey smell tactics and hints.

Take the bag and empty it

It’s simple to drop your wet equipment into a hockey bag after usage, zip it up, sling it over your shoulder, and store it until the next practice or game. Nonetheless, this is one of the most significant errors in the fight against hockey odor. There is no air circulation inside the bag, and the steam from the pads adds even more moisture.  Therefore, let your equipment air out, preferably in the sunshine.

Using a dryer

A drum dryer is an excellent solution for drying your wet and soiled hockey equipment. It distributes the heat evenly throughout the pads, which helps evaporate the moisture that bacteria feed on to live.

Affix it to the wall

Try changing your hockey bag on a wall for storage. This will enable air to circulate through the pads and keep them dry, preventing bacteria from growing.

Disinfecting spray

Using a disinfectant spray after each usage can help reduce the number of germs that cause odors. You should use it between layers of equipment, where moisture gets trapped the most.

Using washing machine

Most hockey equipment can be machine washed, with the exception of skates and some protective pieces. Washing your jersey and pants after every outing in a warm water cycle will help minimize odors from sweat and bacteria.

Storing at room temperature

Storing your hockey equipment in cool, dry areas will help prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Also, you should avoid damp places such as the garage or basement, because these areas can speed up the growth of unpleasant odors.

Using baking soda

Baking soda is an excellent solution for absorbing moisture and odor from your hockey equipment. Put a handful of baking soda in each pad before storing it in order to keep it dry and free of odor.

Invest in anti-odor bags

Anti-odor bags are designed to keep hockey equipment fresh and odor-free while stored away. They create a protective barrier that helps absorb moisture, prevent bacteria growth, and reduce odors.

These tips can help you maintain a fresh, clean environment for your hockey experience, both on the ice and off the ice.

Is the hockey equipment smell terrible?

Yes, it is. Hockey equipment often smells due to the combination of sweat, dirt, and bacteria that accumulates over time when it’s not properly cared for. There is no smell more disgusting than stinky hockey gear. The smell is so strong that it can often linger in the room long after the player has gone away. Especially, when the user has been using it for a long time, the smell can become unbearable.

Private hints to get rid of the hockey skates and gloves smell

For hockey skates, after each game or practice, we should take out the insole and let it dry completely. Taking out the insole helps all the moisture leave the shoe. Focus on the inner part of the skate, as this is where most of the smell comes from. To further reduce the smell, it can be helpful to sprinkle some baking soda in the skates or put in a deodorizer.

For hockey gloves, you can periodically wash them with a mesh bag in the washer. Use lukewarm water and a mild soap or detergent, as harsh cleaners can damage gloves. An alternative to this is to spray them with an antibacterial cleaner before airing them out. Make sure that they are completely dry before storing them. If there is still a smell, put some baking soda or deodorizer inside the gloves before storing them.

Following these tips can help reduce and prevent the bad smell from hockey equipment. Keep in mind that taking care of the skates and gloves regularly is key for a longer-lasting, odor-free experience!

Can residual bacteria cause an infection?

One of the primary culprits behind that lingering hockey gear smell is bacteria. Bacteria are always present, and exercise helps them to thrive in warm, moist places—like inside a helmet or skates. The sweat and dirt produced during physical activity encourage their growth, which can often lead to an unpleasant odor.

Even though the smell of hockey equipment is unavoidable, some bacteria in the smell can cause infections. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are frequent sports equipment germs. Both have been linked to skin infections in athletes.

These infections can be mild or serious, depending on how bad they are and where they are. Mild infections may appear as small, red bumps or rashes around skin folds (like behind your ears or between fingers). Large blisters, boils, or abscesses that are painful, swollen, and filled with pus are signs of more serious infections.

To reduce the chance of infection, wear numerous layers of clothes under your pads and fewer layers to prevent the skin from rubbing against the pads.

FAQs:  Why does hockey equipment smell so bad?

What is the finest deodorizer for hockey equipment?

Clear gear spray is a disinfecting and deodorizing spray for sporting equipment and gear that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi while also eliminating odors. Clear Gear Spray is your best line of protection against infection and odor when your children participate in sports.

How frequently should hockey equipment be cleaned?

Whenever you can! After each use, you should clean your fabric items, socks, and jerseys. You do not need to clean larger gear such as chest protectors, shin guards, and skates after every use.

How is hockey equipment kept fresh?

Do not store equipment with large surface surfaces (such as chest protectors) on the floor. Instead, hang helmets, gloves, and skates on a “equipment tree” or a drying rack to circulate air in the interior spaces. Also beneficial are dehumidifiers and fans, as odor-causing bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments.

Ice hockey is a high intensity sport involving high speed and frequent physical contact. While ice hockey is most popular in Canada, the U.S., and northern Europe, it is currently enjoyed and played by most nations around the world

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

How can you remove odors from a shoulder pad?

Use Lysol or another disinfectant spray to wipe out the inside of the helmet and shoulder pads once a week. Some people use Febreze, but I find that Lysol works just as well in killing germs and leaving a pleasant scent in its place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hockey equipment definitely has its very own appeal but it is also notorious for its smell. And now that hockeyheritage.org has answered the initial question: why does hockey equipment smell so bad? Now, you can visit our website to read more about how to store hockey equipment!