Cleaning hockey gear is crucial, especially if you or someone you know plays the sport. Maintaining clean equipment can be done easily at home using methods like washing in a bathtub or a washing machine. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to keep your hockey equipment fresh and clean.
Cleaning Hockey Equipment at Home
Using a Washing Machine for Hockey Gear
You can wash many pieces of your hockey equipment in a washing machine, but avoid including your skates or helmet. For goalies, note that many items of your kit might not be suitable for machine washing. Items like your breezers (hockey pants), socks, athletic cup, shin guards, chest protector, jersey, elbow pads, and gloves can all be machine washed.
Opt for a delicate or gentle cycle to avoid damaging your gear. If your machine has a Sports setting, use it only if your gear can tolerate it; otherwise, stick to the gentle cycle. Be mindful of the load size—overloading your washing machine could lead to damage.
Drying Hockey Gear Effectively
After washing, while I generally dry base layers, socks, shorts, and jerseys in the dryer, I prefer to air dry most other items. You can put items like chest protectors, shin guards, and elbow pads in the dryer, making sure all velcro fastenings are securely closed to avoid snags. Gloves can also be dried in this way, but be cautious as high heat might wear them out faster.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your hockey gear is clean and maintained, making it last longer and perform better.
Washing Hockey Equipment at Home
You can easily clean your hockey equipment by hand-washing it in your bathtub or a large sink.
To begin, I mix laundry detergent and baking soda in the bathtub, filled with enough water to submerge all the gear. Allow the equipment to soak for 30 to 60 minutes.
Once soaked, drain the water and leave the gear in the tub for several hours to drip-dry. The equipment may remain damp for a while, so judge accordingly when to remove it.
Finally, place the gear on a towel and allow it to air-dry completely, which might take a full day.
Maintaining Hockey Equipment Freshness
Quick Cleaning with Wipes
For times when a full wash isn’t possible, Clorox wipes can be effective. Use these wipes to clean each piece of equipment, especially items like skates and helmets that you cannot easily wash in a machine or soak in a tub.
Deodorizing Sprays
In our home, Febreze is essential. We make it a practice to spray every piece of gear after each game. Lysol tackles the bacteria, while Febreze excellently neutralizes odors. Spreading out the gear afterward aids in drying, further reducing odor build-up.
Odor Prevention Strategies
Wearing undergarments such as undershirts, hockey shorts, and a handkerchief under your helmet can significantly reduce the amount of sweat transferring to your main gear. These items are easily washed with regular laundry, ensuring cleanliness for each game.
Regular washing is crucial. While a certain level of smell is tolerated in hockey environments, you wouldn’t want to be the player known for persistent odors.
Storing Gear Properly
Avoid the notorious “rink stink” by ensuring your gear is dry before packing it away. A damp equipment bag not only smells unpleasant but can also lead to other issues if not maintained properly.
Using these methods will help maintain your equipment’s freshness and make you a considerate teammate.
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FAQ’s: Cleaning hockey gear at home
How do I clean my hockey gear?
To clean your hockey gear, you can use a simple method. Start by filling a tub with warm water and add a gentle detergent. It’s crucial to avoid strong detergents, as they can damage the material of your gear. Submerge the gear in the water and let it soak for around 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse the gear thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
How can I prevent my hockey gear from smelling?
To minimize odors in your hockey gear, immediately after use, clean each piece with antibacterial wipes. This prompt action helps eliminate bacteria and sweat that can embed in the fabric. Such a straightforward approach is highly effective in preventing unpleasant smells from developing.
How frequently should I wash my hockey equipment?
It’s best to wash your hockey equipment regularly. Cloth items such as socks and jerseys should be cleaned after every use. Larger items like chest protectors, shin guards, and skates do not require washing each time, but maintaining a routine cleaning schedule will help keep them in good condition.
Is it safe to wash hockey gear in hot water?
Avoid using hot water to wash your hockey gear, as high temperatures can damage the material. Instead, use cool or warm water with a gentle cycle to effectively clean and remove bacteria and odors. After washing, air dry the gear in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup.
Can vinegar be used to wash hockey gear?
Yes, adding a cup of plain white vinegar to your wash is effective for neutralizing odors and is safe for the materials of your gear. For those with top-loading washers, pre-soaking the gear in vinegar water can enhance cleaning by allowing the gear to fully absorb the solution. This prevents it from floating to the top during the wash cycle.
Do hockey players clean their gear?
Yes, hockey players regularly wash their gear. In the NHL, for instance, players discard their used jerseys and socks into a large laundry basket in the dressing room after games, ensuring their equipment remains fresh and odor-free.