For hockey players, having clean and fresh-smelling gear is an absolute must.
Not only does it make playing the game more enjoyable, but it also helps to keep players safe from bacteria and germs that can cause skin infections.
But how do you keep your hockey gear from smelling? In this article, we’ll discuss the steps hockey players need to take in order to keep their gear smelling fresh and clean.
We’ll discuss what causes hockey gear to smell, how to clean and dry it after use, the importance of storing it properly, deodorizing it, and using a breathable container.
We’ll also provide additional tips for keeping your hockey gear smelling fresh.
Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
1. Make sure to take the time to thoroughly clean and dry the equipment after each use.
2. To reduce the smell, use a deodorizing spray or powder specifically for hockey gear, and spray or sprinkle it on the gear.
3. If possible, store the gear in a large plastic bin with a lid, and keep it in a cool, dry place.
4. Try to air out the gear in the sun when possible.
What Causes Hockey Gear to Smell?
When it comes to hockey gear, unpleasant odors can become a problem if you dont take care of it properly.
The main cause of smelly hockey gear is sweat and dirt that accumulates during the game.
When you sweat, your body releases oils, proteins, and other substances that can get trapped in the fabric of your gear and encourage the growth of bacteria.
Additionally, dirt and dust can also build up in the fabric and trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
As the bacteria multiplies, it can lead to a foul smell that is difficult to get rid of.
Cleaning Gear After Use
When it comes to keeping your hockey gear from smelling, one of the best strategies is to regularly clean and air dry it after each use.
This is especially important after a sweaty game or practice, as sweat and dirt can easily accumulate on the gear and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
To clean your gear, you should start by wiping it down with a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
This will help to remove any sweat or dirt from the surface of the gear and make it easier to keep clean in the future.
You should also be sure to hang the gear in a well-ventilated area, as moisture can cause bacteria growth.
Additionally, you can use a deodorizing spray or powder on the gear.
This will help to reduce any unpleasant odors that may have developed.
Finally, be sure to store the gear in a breathable container, as this will help to keep the gear from becoming too damp and smelly.
Following these steps will help you keep your hockey gear clean and free from unpleasant odors.
Drying Gear After Use
One of the best and most important things you can do to keep your hockey gear from smelling is to make sure you dry it after each use.
This is especially important if you play on a regular basis, as wet or damp gear can quickly start to develop an unpleasant odor.
To dry your gear, make sure you hang it in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or basement.
This allows the air to circulate around the gear and helps to keep it free from moisture and bacteria.
Additionally, you can use a fan to help air-dry the gear more quickly.
If you dont have a fan or an area with good ventilation, you can also use a hairdryer on the low setting to speed up the drying process.
Make sure to keep the hairdryer moving so as not to damage the fabric of your gear.
Storing Gear Properly
When it comes to keeping your hockey gear from smelling, proper storage is key.
After each use, make sure to hang your gear in a well-ventilated area.
This will help to remove moisture, which can cause bacteria growth and lead to unpleasant odors.
Additionally, if you have the space, you can store your gear in a breathable container.
A breathable container will ensure that the gear has plenty of air circulation, which can help to keep it smelling fresh.
If you don’t have access to a breathable container, you can use a plastic bag to store your gear.
However, make sure to empty the bag out after each use and leave it open to air out.
This will help to keep any moisture or bacteria from building up and causing odors.
Deodorizing Gear
When it comes to deodorizing your hockey gear, there are several methods you can use to keep it smelling fresh.
The most effective way to keep your gear from smelling is to regularly clean and air dry it after each use.
This will help to remove any sweat or dirt that accumulates on the gear and prevent bacteria growth.
Additionally, you can use a deodorizing spray or powder on the gear to help absorb any odors.
You can also store the gear in a breathable container to help keep the odors from lingering.
Finally, if you have a particularly smelly piece of gear, you can try soaking it in water and baking soda for a few hours before air drying it.
Following these steps will help you keep your hockey gear smelling fresh and free from unpleasant odors.
Using a Breathable Container
Storing hockey gear in a breathable container is one of the best ways to keep it smelling fresh and clean.
Breathable containers, such as mesh bags, allow air to flow freely in and out, which helps reduce moisture buildup and prevent bacteria growth.
Mesh bags are also great for transporting hockey gear and keeping it safe and protected during transport.
Additionally, a breathable container is also a great way to store items such as shoulder pads, shin guards, and elbow pads.
By using a breathable container, you can ensure your gear is free from moisture and bacteria growth, and is kept fresh and clean.
Furthermore, some breathable containers also come with an odor-absorbing feature, which can help eliminate odors from your hockey gear and keep it smelling fresh.
Additional Tips for Keeping Gear Fresh
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are several other tips that can help keep your hockey gear from smelling.
First, invest in a good gear bag with a ventilated design.
This will allow air to circulate through the bag and keep the gear from getting too hot or damp.
You should also make sure to clean your gear bag regularly so that sweat and dirt dont build up inside.
Another tip is to wash your hockey gear in cold or lukewarm water.
Hot water can cause the fabric of the gear to shrink or fade, while cold water will help remove sweat and dirt.
Additionally, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water to help deodorize the gear.
Finally, you can also use natural deodorizers like baking soda or white vinegar to help remove odors from your hockey gear.
Baking soda is especially effective at neutralizing odors, and you can sprinkle it on the gear before storing it.
White vinegar is also a great natural deodorizer, and you can add a few tablespoons to the wash cycle.
Both baking soda and white vinegar are safe to use and wont harm the fabric of your gear.
Final Thoughts
Keeping hockey gear from smelling doesnt have to be difficult.
All it takes is a few simple steps like cleaning and air-drying the gear after each use, using a deodorizing spray, and storing it in a breathable container.
By following these easy guidelines, you can keep your hockey gear clean and fresh.
So go ahead, take action, and enjoy your hockey games without worrying about smelly gear!