Best Way To Wash Hockey Gear
Playing hockey is a fun and exciting sport, but it also requires proper care and maintenance of your hockey gear. Your gear can develop a funky smell and bacteria build-up if not cleaned regularly. This can also cause acne and other skin irritations if you don't take the necessary steps to keep your gear clean. In this article, we'll go over the best way to wash hockey gear to keep it fresh and clean.
What is Hockey Gear?
Hockey gear is the equipment worn by ice hockey players to protect them from injury during a game. The gear includes a helmet, gloves, skates, shin guards, elbow pads, and shoulder pads. The hockey stick and puck are also part of the gear but do not require cleaning.
Why Clean Hockey Gear?
As mentioned earlier, not cleaning your hockey gear can lead to a build-up of bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms. When you sweat, bacteria on your skin mixes with the sweat, and when left to fester, can cause a foul smell. Over time, this can also lead to skin rashes, infections, and acne. Regular cleaning of your hockey gear can prevent all these issues.
How to Clean Hockey Gear?
Cleaning hockey gear begins with separating the gear from the hockey bag and taking them outside to air out. Then take each piece of gear and wipe them down with a damp cloth. For the gloves and shin guards, you can use a wet wipe or rubbing alcohol on a cloth to clean them.
After cleaning, it's time to wash them. You can either hand wash or use a washing machine.
Hand Washing
Fill a bathtub, sink, or large bin with warm water and add laundry detergent, preferably one without any fragrances or dyes. Then, soak the gear in it for about an hour while agitating them periodically. Rinse them with water and hang them up to dry, preferably in a well-ventilated area.
Washing Machine
You can also wash your hockey gear in a washing machine, but the process requires some preparation. First, make sure to remove any loose Velcro straps, as they can cling to other parts of the gear and cause damage. Then, place the gear into a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage to the washing machine.
Set the washing machine to a cold water cycle and add detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners as they can damage the gear's materials. Also, use a low spin speed to prevent any damage to the gear. Once the cycle is complete, hang the gear up to dry.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning hockey gear is an essential but often overlooked aspect of playing the sport. By taking the necessary steps to clean your gear regularly, you can prevent skin irritations, foul smells, and most importantly, extend the life of your gear. Whether you choose to hand wash or use a washing machine, following these steps will ensure your hockey gear is in top-notch condition for every game.
