Football is a game of athleticism, aggression, speed, toughness…. and of sweat-soaked equipment that absolutely reeks. As a football parent, you need to be ready to battle the odor, moisture and bacteria after every practice and game. Here are some all-pro tips to help wash your kids’ football gear.
How to Wash Your Kids’ Football Helmet
For the helmet’s outer surface, avoid using abrasive cleaners or coarse pads that may scratch the finish. Use a soft cloth to wipe off dirt and debris.
For football helmets with removable inner pads, detach the padding and set aside. Use a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild detergent to clean the helmet shell and chin strap. To clean the pads, mix warm water with mild detergent and wipe the pads gently using a soft cloth. Let them dry and use a disinfectant spray to neutralize any remaining bacteria. Once all the parts are dry, reassemble the helmet ensuring that all buckles and straps are in proper working order.
If the helmet’s pads are not removable (i.e. glued in place), clean the inside by hand with a soft cloth, warm water and mild detergent. Work the cloth between the pads as much as possible. Spray with disinfectant and let it dry while sitting upright.
The Best Way to Wash Shoulder Pads
After each use, set the pads out out to air dry in an effort to reduce the smell and minimize the growth of mold and bacteria. You can use disinfecting spray or a dampened cloth with gentle dish soap to address any stained areas.
Jersey
Exercise great caution with the home and away jerseys, as they may have bright colors or elaborate team crests. Check the tag for specific washing instructions. Tackle tough stains (think mud, grass, Gatorade and blood) with your favorite stain remover product. Wash the jersey in cold water (to prevent the colors from bleeding) and hang to dry. Do not bleach.
How to Clean Those Sweaty Protective Undergarments
Plenty of sweat gets absorbed by items worn underneath the equipment, such as a jock strap, compression shorts, girdle, hip pads, undershirt and socks. Remove any plastic protective inserts and wash in cold water. Since these pieces are often made from technical fabrics to wick away moisture, check the manufacturer’s tag for any special washing or care instructions. Hanging to dry is always your safest option to prevent shrinking.
For “integrated pants” with built-in padding, wash and dry according to the directions on the tag. Do not bleach, iron or dry clean.
Cleats
This task can get messy, so you may want to head outside. Clap the cleats together to remove loose dirt and grass. An old scrub brush can help loosen caked-on mud — or for the really stubborn stuff, try scraping it off with an old screwdriver. Wipe the shoes’ outer surface with a soft cloth. If shoes are wet from dew or rain, remove the insoles and set out all the pieces to dry in the sun. You can also stuff the toes of the shoes with crumpled-up newspaper to absorb some of the moisture.
Gloves
Players at certain football positions (i.e. wide receivers) may wear gloves with tacky palms. To clean these specialized gloves, start by wiping them down to remove any loose dirt. Add mild detergent to lukewarm water and mix thoroughly before soaking your gloves. You can also put the gloves on and clean them in the way that you would wash your hands. Rub carefully with a gentle cleaning product. Rinse well and squeeze them over the sink to draw out as much water as possible. Air dry on a rack, flat surface or clothesline.
If the gloves are machine-washable, turn them inside out to protect the grippy material on the outside. Place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase before adding them to the washing machine.
The Best Way to Wash & Sanitize a Mouth Guard
Do not use extremely hot water to clean a mouth guard, as the heat can alter its shape. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance. Use a toothbrush to scrub it gently with toothpaste or mouthwash, then rinse well and let it dry.
Don’t Forget to Wash the Equipment Bag
Sanitize the gear bag by wiping down the interior and exterior with an antibacterial wipe and dry thoroughly. On a sunny day, you can also give it a good all-over spray with the hose and set it out to dry.
To ensure that all your child’s gear makes it home to the laundry room, clearly label every piece of clothing and equipment. The Mabel’s Labels Kids’ Competitive Sports Label Pack can be customized with your child’s name, jersey number and team colors. Go team!
Looking for more tips to help wash your kids sports gear, we’ve tips on hockey gear too!
