Ultimate Guide to Washing Hockey Equipment Safely (2025)

Hockey players need to keep their equipment clean for better hygiene and performance. So, knowing how to clean your hockey equipment is important for the preservation of its lifespan, hence preventing the buildup of bacteria and mold, smell, etc. All hockey equipment pieces smell: gloves, pads, and so on.  

To make your gear smell fresh and really perform, a clean has to be intact. I am now going to show you how the different focal points of your equipment should be cared for, how to remove odor, and how to clean them properly so that you can feel fresh and remain at the top of your game. 

Why Should Hockey Equipment Be Cleaned? 

Sanitizing your hockey equipment is not only for comfort but for several other reasons. The extremely sweaty condition exposed to sweat, bacteria, and grime makes all the right premises for mold growth, plus foul smells. Regular cleaning will remove the build-up of mold, odors, fungi, etc., while maintaining cleanliness and thus being a good preventive measure against infections developed due to decayed gear. Any quality equipment has an impressive price tag. With proper care, the equipment can be used for many years. 

What does it take to clean up a hockey kit is the way to go in the pre-cleaning phase. Several tasks must be processed even before embarking on the real cleaning exercise to scrub on said gear to make a ready or thoroughly clean it little by little. Here are more or less pre-cleaning tips: 

Take All Laces and Tape Away: Eliminate any sports tape on your gloves or skates, as well as any and all laces on your skates. The mindset behind this is that the tape adhesive will not stick on your gear in the wash, and your laces will benefit from high-quality cleaning. 

Evaluate for Damage: Search for any impairment or wearing off on any of your gear, such as worn-out material, worn-out chin straps, or padding. Any damaged material should be repaired or changed before washing, so that the washing process will not exacerbate the damage. 

Empty All Pockets: Here, we mean to say that if your gear has pockets in your pants or jacket, check for some mouthguards, tissues, or any other items tucked into them. Wet storage involving water and poop in the wash may result in an unpleasant sight. 

Now, let’s break down how to clean hockey equipment for each item. 

Step 1: How to Remove the Odor from Smelly Hockey Equipment 

The primary problem athletes encounter with sports equipment is the signature smell. It is the presence of sweat, dirt, and bacteria in the fiber or weave of the lumber that brings the disagreeable smell we all know. For cleanliness, regular washing is a must. 

Vinegar solution: One of the best ways of cleaning smelly sports equipment is with a vinegar solution. Hence, take four cups of water and one cup of white vinegar and spray directly on the smelly spots. The vinegar will neutralize the odor-causing bacteria. To be effective, let some time pass while your equipment gets aired before washing it. 

Odor-removing sprays: Odor-removing sprays serve this intention well by eliminating bacteria and odors without bringing harm to the materials. 

Step 2: How to Clean Mold Off Hockey Equipment 

Mold can often hit, and it faces hockey players who do not clean or dry their equipment well/instead leaving their gear in a damp area. If you have come across molds on your pads, gloves, and helmets, you have to start acting immediately. Here's how to clean mold off hockey equipment: 

Brush Off Loose Mold: In the open air, pursue the brush-off method by using a soft brush to gently scrub away any visible mold spots. 

Disinfecting Solution: Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and use a sponge or cloth to clean the mold areas. This is pretty sure that the vinegar and baking soda will kill off the mold spores and keep the material of your gear in good condition. 

Rinse and Dry: When the mold has been washed away, rinse your equipment with water till the treatment solution is all gone. Remember, always dry your equipment well enough when it gets stashed away, and mold won't be making an appearance. 

Step 3: A Guide on How to Wash a Hockey Jersey 

How to wash a hockey jersey really requires special care so as to be able to preserve both the fabric in which it is made and its logo. The steps are as follows: 

Turn it inside out: Before washing, always turn your jersey inside out to shield the fabric and prevent the emblem from decreasing in fluorescence. 

Cold water: Make it a point to wash your hockey jerseys in cold water, which can largely prevent them from shrinking and fading. Fabric softeners pose a potential threat because they can literally eat at the material and impair the jersey's breathability. 

Gentle cycle: Put it in the gentle cycle, in which the least harsh sloshes strike against the fabric. Check the mesh bag for additional protection from any impact, but fear should be set aside. 

Step 4: Washing the Hockey Pants 

Your hockey pants should be taken care of during the laundering process; utilizing them always makes it possible to safeguard your well-being. Here's how to wash them: 

Take Out the Pads: Several hockey pants have pads or protective inserts that you can remove. These should always be removed before you can wash the shell. Consequently, they will benefit from being washed of both imperfections. 

Spot Clean: If there are some soiled spots on them, apply some detergent and clean water to clean them up until you put them in the washer. 

Hang in Cold Water: Search for the delicate settings and the cold-water cycle. Truly, cold water can protect your fitness and avoid shrinking: air drying is also helpful to keep your hockey pants in safe condition; do not ever put them through the drying cycle, as heated air could ruin the foam and other materials on your pants. 

Step 5: Cleaning Hockey Pads 

Hockey pads, including shin guards and shoulder pads, sustain a dirty atmosphere with dust accumulation after a few usages. It is essential to clean hockey pads properly. Step by step are given here for cleaning hockey pads: 

Hand Wash: Most hockey pads can be washed by hand using a solution of water and a gentle detergent. Fill a basin or bathtub with cold water and agitate the pads gently with a soft brush to remove any dirt and sweat build-up. 

Machine Wash: Some hockey pads can be machine-washed using the "gentle" cycle. But always double-check the manufacturer's laundering instructions. Placing hockey pads in a mesh laundry bag will protect them from damage. 

Air Dry: Never dry hockey pads in the dryer. Always put them out flat in a sunny, airy place, allowing all the moisture to dry away.  

Step 6: Cleaning a Hockey Helmet 

Among all of your safety gear, the hockey helmet needs to be the most thoughtfully maintained you've observed. What follows are several methods to achieve this, and how to properly clean the hockey helmet: 

Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the external surface of the helmet with soap and warm water. Gently wash the helmet with a cloth or soft sponge. 

Interior Cleaning: As for the interior foam padding, do spot-cleaning with a disinfectant wipe or the mild soap-water solution. Do not apply too much water to the foam because it will only hold water and be muggy for some days. 

Air-dry: After cleaning, make every effort possible to air-dry your helmet only. Keep away from dryers or heat-producing sources that are capable of ruining many of the materials. 

Step 7: Can Hockey Gear Be Cleaned? 

I guess you might be wondering if it is at all possible to wash hockey gear, but yes, mostly. Care given by the source. The most striking idea in cleaning hockey gear material is that they are entirely safe if cleaned by hand washing. It is wise to check the manufacturer's care label before washing any material. Keys to success include using cold water, natural detergent, and air-drying to maintain the materials. 

Step 8: How to Dry Hockey Gear After Washing 

In the wake of having cleaned hockey gear, and finally, with the option to dry, drying hockey gear is also important. By doing what, we pose a certain amount of dread if the gear stays moist or starts to grow mold after it has been rinsed. 

Use a Fan: He has his gear in front of a fan, or he tries to circulate air inside the room. If they draw heat, it will help the drying process. 

Avoid Heat: Don't let your gear be sunburned outside or in an oven since heat can damage materials, thus warping or shrinking them. 

Equipment should be allowed to dry entirely before going into a pack. The presence of some water can result in the development of bacteria, causing bad odors. 

Step 9: Washing the Hockey Gear in a Bathtub 

Another good alternative is being ready to wash one's hockey gear in the bathtub when a washing machine is not available. Here's how to do that: 

Fill The Tub: fill the tub with cold water and add a mild detergent or sports-specific gear cleaner. 

Submerge The Gear: When the equipment is submerged in the water after soaking, wait and keep the items well under the water for 15–30 minutes. Gently agitate the gear every few minutes to help lift dirt and grime. 

Wipe Clean: Use a soft brush to remove tough spots. Be careful, of course, not to damage the protective cushioning and fabrics. 

Wash and Dry: Rinse each piece of gear quickly with cold water (after an appropriate period of soaking in water and a deserved gentle brushing) and keep it to air dry well. 

Conclusion 

Cleaning your hockey equipment is necessary for hygiene, comfort, and performance. Whether you are looking for how to clean hockey gear or are in dire straits due to tough odors and unwanted mold, ensuring that you perform the right cleaning steps will add years to the gear's life. It truly aids in keeping the gear fresh. Additionally, wash accordingly, take measures against bacteria buildup, and always stay prepared for your next game by implementing a routine cleaning and maintenance schedule. 

By following these tips, you will be able to master cleaning stinky hockey equipment, washing a hockey jersey, and so forth, and at the same time, you will ensure you will keep making good use of this equipment for a long while.