How to Wash Hockey Gear: A Simple Guide for Players

How to Wash Hockey Gear: A Simple Guide for Players

Whether you're chasing the ball on a sunny field or pushing through a tough practice session, one thing’s for sure—your hockey gear gets dirty. And not just a little dirty—it soaks up sweat, builds up odors, and becomes a home for germs. If you don’t clean it properly, your gear can start to stink, wear out faster, or even cause skin irritation.

So whether you're a young player, a weekend warrior, or simply a hockey lover, this guide is for you. Let’s learn how to clean your gear the right way, keep it fresh, and help it last longer.

🥅 Why Cleaning Your Hockey Gear Is Important

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”

  1. Hygiene: Hockey is a tough sport. You sweat a lot. That sweat soaks into your gear and turns it into a playground for bacteria.
  2. Smell: We all know “that smell” in the locker room. Regular cleaning keeps the stink away.
  3. Longer Life: Clean gear lasts longer. Dirt and sweat can wear down materials faster.
  4. Better Performance: Dirty shin guards or sticky gloves? That’s going to slow you down or distract you.
  5. 🧢 What Hockey Gear Needs to Be Washed?

Almost everything. Here’s a quick list:

  • Jersey and shorts
  • Socks
  • Shin guards
  • Gloves
  • Mouthguard
  • Shoes
  • Stick grip (optional)
  • Bag (yes, even your gear bag can get smelly!)

🧺 How Often Should You Wash Your Gear?

  • Clothing (jersey, shorts, socks) – After every game or practice.
  • Shin guards and gloves – At least once a week.
  • Mouthguard – After every use.
  • Shoes – Every 2–3 weeks or if they start to smell.
  • Bag – Once a month (wipe down or toss in a wash if it’s safe).

🧼 Step-by-Step: How to Wash Your Hockey Gear

1. Sort Your Gear
 Unpack your bag and separate your items into five groups: washable clothes (jersey, shorts, socks), protective gear (shin guards, gloves), shoes, mouthguard, and the bag. This makes cleaning faster and easier.

2. Clothes – Easy Machine Wash
 Wash your jersey, shorts, and socks in cold water on a gentle cycle using regular detergent (no bleach). Turn jerseys inside out to protect logos. Hang dry or tumble on low heat.

3. Shin Guards & Gloves
Hand Wash These are the things that really hold the stink. Don't toss them into the machine unless the label says it’s okay. Instead:

  • Take a bucket and fill with warm, soapy water.
  • Soak your shin guards and gloves for 15–20 minutes.
  • Use the brush to scrub off any dirt or sweat stains.
  • Rinse with clean water.

Drying: Air dry them in a shaded, open place. Avoid direct sunlight—it can crack plastic or fade colors.

4. Mouthguard – Quick Clean Every Time

You put this in your mouth, so it must stay clean!

  • Rinse with cold water after every use.
  • Once a week, brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap.
  • Let it air dry completely before storing it in its case.

5. Shoes – Deodorize and Refresh

Hockey shoes go through a lot—they absorb sweat, collect dirt, and can start to smell. To clean them, first remove the insoles and laces and soak them in warm, soapy water. Then, use a sponge or brush to scrub the outside of the shoes. Rinse everything well and let it dry in a cool, shaded area. For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes overnight to help absorb any lingering odors.

6. Stick – Just Wipe It Down

Your stick doesn't need a full wash, but it gets dirty too.

  • Use a damp cloth to wipe it down after matches.
  • Avoid soaking it, especially if it’s wooden or has a grip.

If your grip tape smells or feels slippery, you can replace it.

7. Gear Bag – The Hidden Smell Trap

Your gear bag carries all your equipment—and all the sweat and dirt that comes with it—so it can often smell worse than the gear itself. To clean it, start by emptying the bag completely and shaking out any dirt or turf. Then, wipe the inside with disinfectant wipes or a damp cloth with mild soap. Make sure to let the bag air out fully before using it again to keep it fresh and odor-free.

🚫 What NOT to Do

  • Don’t use hot water – it can shrink or damage your gear.
  • Don’t put gloves or shin guards in a dryer.
  • Don’t leave wet gear in your bag overnight.
  • Don’t use bleach—it can ruin colors and materials.

🌞 Extra Tips to Keep Gear Fresh

  • Always air out your gear after use. Don’t leave it zipped up in your bag.
  • Use sports gear sprays to kill bacteria.
  • Store gear in a cool, dry place.
  • Use mesh laundry bags to organize gear and avoid losing small items.

 

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