I play hockey myself and have many hockey-parent friends, so I\u2019ve compiled their best tips for washing hockey gear and keeping it as clean and odor-free as possible.<\/p>\n
Moisture is Your Opponent<\/strong><\/h5>\nThe number one tip was unanimous: dry it out. Immediately following each game or practice, every piece of equipment should be removed from the bag and hung up (or at least spread out) to dry.<\/p>\n
To facilitate this process, I purchased a metal \u201ctree\u201d style rack<\/a> with rods that hold various pieces of equipment and allow air to circulate through them. Other families proudly shared their designs for do-it-yourself wooden versions<\/a> they had built themselves and placed in the basement near a heating vent or fan. Parents of rep hockey players who travel to out-of-town tournaments favored a coat-hanger inspired system<\/a>, noting that it was especially handy to air out wet gear in the hotel room between games.<\/p>\nTo counteract the smell, some families experimented with mainstream laundry products such as fabric softener sheets (placed in the empty bag as a deodorizer) and household odor eliminator sprays (applied directly to the gear). A variety of sport-specific antimicrobial products also came highly recommended, including Norwex Sportzyme<\/a> spray, Captodor Sport<\/a> spray and GearHalo SilverACTIV deodorizer pods.<\/p>\nCleaning Play-by-Play<\/strong><\/h5>\nWhen it comes to washing and disinfecting<\/a> a typical set of player equipment, let\u2019s work from the top down.<\/p>\nHelmet<\/strong><\/h6>\nUse an antibacterial wipe on the interior padding, the inner side of the mask or cage, and the chin pad. Dry with a towel or set aside to air-dry.<\/p>\n
Neck guard, shoulder pads and elbow pads<\/strong><\/h6>\nPull out any removable inserts, if applicable. To avoid snags and tangles, check that all the Velcro tabs are properly closed. Place in the washing machine and run a standard cycle with cold or warm water. Use regular detergent but do not add bleach. Remove the pieces from the washing machine as soon as it beeps and hang to dry.<\/p>\n
Team jersey<\/strong><\/h6>\nThis may be an expensive, difficult-to-replace item with a custom crested logo, so handle with care. Wash in cold water (to prevent the colors from bleeding) and hang to dry.<\/p>\n
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Undershirt and other \u201cbase layer\u201d pieces<\/strong><\/h6>\nWashing hockey gear isn’t just about the gear- you need to consider the base layers too. This category includes any clothing that is worn underneath the gear and comes in direct contact with the skin: underwear, undershirt, tights, socks, jock or jill shorts, and so on. These should all be washed with the regular laundry after every session. For particularly \u201cfragrant\u201d clothing, consider using your machine\u2019s pre-soak or extra rinse settings. Since these pieces are often made from technical fabrics to wick away moisture, check the manufacturer\u2019s tag for any special washing or care instructions.<\/p>\n
Gloves<\/strong><\/h6>\nBy all accounts, these are often the stinkiest pieces of equipment. The sprays mentioned above were popular to help keep unwanted odors at bay. Gloves can be machine-washed, although they definitely can\u2019t go in the dryer because of the leather material in the palms. Instead, place them upright on a boot or mitten drying rack, positioned over a heating vent.<\/p>\n
Pants and shin pads<\/strong><\/h6>\nThese are bigger pieces that might not be practical to wash regularly during the season, as they take longer to air-dry. The good news is, wearing a base layer helps absorb sweat and keep moisture away from the pads themselves. If needed, these items can be washed in the machine as well \u2013 just keep the load small to give them adequate space.<\/p>\n
Skates<\/strong><\/h6>\nThese obviously can\u2019t go in the washing machine, but you can speed up the drying process by removing the insoles at the bottom of each skate. Just remember to replace them when re-packing the bag!<\/p>\n
Speaking of the bag, don\u2019t forget to sanitize it, too. Wipe down the interior with an antibacterial wipe and dry thoroughly.<\/p>\n
Game Strategy<\/strong><\/h5>\nYour role as equipment manager will require some proactive scheduling, since anything you wash will need an appropriate amount of time to dry. Of course, that might not be possible if your young all-star has a full schedule of practices and games. If you prefer to wait until the off-season for washing hockey gear in full, take advantage of the nicer weather and set it outside to dry in the sun.<\/p>\n
If you have the desire (and budget) to delegate this task to someone else, do an online search for drop-off gear cleaning companies<\/a> in your area. Your city\u2019s hockey arena or community centre may offer this type of service or can direct you to a local business.<\/p>\nUltimately, the goal is to prevent bacteria from checking in for a long-term stay in your child\u2019s hockey bag. Even though it\u2019s probably the last thing you feel like doing, you\u2019ll be glad you took a few extra minutes to unpack and hang up the gear. And, if something doesn\u2019t pass the \u201csmell test,\u201d you know what to do.<\/p>\n
Another task of equipment manager (aka parents) is making sure that all your gear is properly labeled. Here are two great options from Mabel’s Labels that will ensure that your equipment gets back in the right hockey bag.
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\nKids\u2019 Recreation Sports Label Pack:<\/a><\/strong> Waterproof, sweatproof and ideal for house league and rec sports! This label pack has 12 fun sports icons to choose from.<\/span><\/p>\n
To counteract the smell, some families experimented with mainstream laundry products such as fabric softener sheets (placed in the empty bag as a deodorizer) and household odor eliminator sprays (applied directly to the gear). A variety of sport-specific antimicrobial products also came highly recommended, including Norwex Sportzyme<\/a> spray, Captodor Sport<\/a> spray and GearHalo SilverACTIV deodorizer pods.<\/p>\n When it comes to washing and disinfecting<\/a> a typical set of player equipment, let\u2019s work from the top down.<\/p>\n Use an antibacterial wipe on the interior padding, the inner side of the mask or cage, and the chin pad. Dry with a towel or set aside to air-dry.<\/p>\n Pull out any removable inserts, if applicable. To avoid snags and tangles, check that all the Velcro tabs are properly closed. Place in the washing machine and run a standard cycle with cold or warm water. Use regular detergent but do not add bleach. Remove the pieces from the washing machine as soon as it beeps and hang to dry.<\/p>\n This may be an expensive, difficult-to-replace item with a custom crested logo, so handle with care. Wash in cold water (to prevent the colors from bleeding) and hang to dry.<\/p>\n Washing hockey gear isn’t just about the gear- you need to consider the base layers too. This category includes any clothing that is worn underneath the gear and comes in direct contact with the skin: underwear, undershirt, tights, socks, jock or jill shorts, and so on. These should all be washed with the regular laundry after every session. For particularly \u201cfragrant\u201d clothing, consider using your machine\u2019s pre-soak or extra rinse settings. Since these pieces are often made from technical fabrics to wick away moisture, check the manufacturer\u2019s tag for any special washing or care instructions.<\/p>\n By all accounts, these are often the stinkiest pieces of equipment. The sprays mentioned above were popular to help keep unwanted odors at bay. Gloves can be machine-washed, although they definitely can\u2019t go in the dryer because of the leather material in the palms. Instead, place them upright on a boot or mitten drying rack, positioned over a heating vent.<\/p>\n These are bigger pieces that might not be practical to wash regularly during the season, as they take longer to air-dry. The good news is, wearing a base layer helps absorb sweat and keep moisture away from the pads themselves. If needed, these items can be washed in the machine as well \u2013 just keep the load small to give them adequate space.<\/p>\n These obviously can\u2019t go in the washing machine, but you can speed up the drying process by removing the insoles at the bottom of each skate. Just remember to replace them when re-packing the bag!<\/p>\n Speaking of the bag, don\u2019t forget to sanitize it, too. Wipe down the interior with an antibacterial wipe and dry thoroughly.<\/p>\n Your role as equipment manager will require some proactive scheduling, since anything you wash will need an appropriate amount of time to dry. Of course, that might not be possible if your young all-star has a full schedule of practices and games. If you prefer to wait until the off-season for washing hockey gear in full, take advantage of the nicer weather and set it outside to dry in the sun.<\/p>\n If you have the desire (and budget) to delegate this task to someone else, do an online search for drop-off gear cleaning companies<\/a> in your area. Your city\u2019s hockey arena or community centre may offer this type of service or can direct you to a local business.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the goal is to prevent bacteria from checking in for a long-term stay in your child\u2019s hockey bag. Even though it\u2019s probably the last thing you feel like doing, you\u2019ll be glad you took a few extra minutes to unpack and hang up the gear. And, if something doesn\u2019t pass the \u201csmell test,\u201d you know what to do.<\/p>\n Another task of equipment manager (aka parents) is making sure that all your gear is properly labeled. Here are two great options from Mabel’s Labels that will ensure that your equipment gets back in the right hockey bag.Cleaning Play-by-Play<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Helmet<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Neck guard, shoulder pads and elbow pads<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Team jersey<\/strong><\/h6>\n
<\/p>\nUndershirt and other \u201cbase layer\u201d pieces<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Gloves<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Pants and shin pads<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Skates<\/strong><\/h6>\n
Game Strategy<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\n
\nKids\u2019 Recreation Sports Label Pack:<\/a><\/strong> Waterproof, sweatproof and ideal for house league and rec sports! This label pack has 12 fun sports icons to choose from.<\/span><\/p>\n