Hockey players know that the smell of gear after a game can be overwhelming and unpleasant.
While its part of the game, not properly caring for your gear can increase the aroma and make it unbearable.
Proper gear maintenance is essential to keeping your gear in top shape and ensuring it doesnt stink.
In this article, well be discussing four proven tips to keep your hockey gear from stinking, as well as additional tips to keep it fresh and odor-free.
So, if youre ready to learn how to make your hockey gear not stink, lets get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
1. Make sure to thoroughly clean your hockey gear after each use. Wash pads, gloves, and helmets with a mild soap and water.
2. Allow your gear to completely dry out in between uses. Avoid storing damp gear in a bag or locker as this encourages bacteria growth.
3. Store your gear in a dry, well-ventilated area.
4. If your gear still smells, try using a mixture of water and baking soda to eliminate odors.
The Importance of Proper Gear Maintenance
Properly maintaining your hockey gear is essential for a number of reasons.
Not only does it ensure that your gear stays in top condition for longer, but it also helps to reduce the potential for bacteria and odors to develop.
Over time, bacteria can build up on your gear, leading to unpleasant smells and even a decrease in performance.
In addition, bacteria can spread to other surfaces and can even be dangerous if it is not properly managed.
Taking the time to properly care for your gear can help to ensure that it remains safe and odor-free.
The good news is that with a few simple steps, hockey players can keep their gear smelling fresh and free of bacteria.
Here are four tips that can help you get your hockey gear smelling and looking like new.
Step One
For hockey players, the first step to ensuring their gear doesnt stink is to remove any wet gear from the bag after each use.
Wet gear, if not immediately removed, can create the perfect environment for bacteria and odors to form and grow.
As soon as the gear is off, it should be hung in an open area to air dry.
This will not only help to get rid of any unpleasant odors, but it will also help to keep the gear in better condition and make it last longer.
It is also important to make sure that the gear is completely dry before it is stored away in the bag.
Step Two
The second step to making sure your hockey gear doesnt stink is to clean it after each use.
This will help get rid of any sweat, dirt, and bacteria that have accumulated on the gear during play.
To clean your gear, first use a gentle soap and warm water to lightly scrub the surface of the pads, gloves, and helmet.
Make sure to get into the crevices and hard-to-reach areas to ensure that all of the dirt and bacteria is removed.
Once youve finished scrubbing, rinse off the gear with cool water and then air dry it.
This will help make sure that all of the soap is rinsed off and the gear wont be left with a soapy residue.
Once your gear is dry, you can also spray it with a deodorizing product specifically designed for sports equipment.
This will help keep your gear smelling fresh and free of any unwanted odors.
Step Three
The third step in making sure hockey gear doesn’t stink is to store it in a well-ventilated area.
This includes making sure the bag isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures or left in a closed environment for too long, as this can create a breeding ground for bacteria and odors.
Additionally, it’s important to keep the bag upright so that any moisture that accumulates in the bottom of the bag can evaporate.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to place a deodorizing packet or sheet in the bag.
These are readily available from most sporting goods stores and help to keep odors and bacteria at bay.
With a few simple steps, hockey players can enjoy fresh, odor-free gear.
Step Four
The fourth and final step for keeping hockey gear from stinking is to store it in a well-ventilated area.
If possible, try to store your gear in an area away from direct sunlight.
This will help to keep the gear from becoming too hot and promote air circulation around it.
Additionally, you may want to consider adding a deodorizing packet or sheet to the inside of the bag where the gear is stored.
This will help to absorb any odors that may be lingering and help to keep your hockey gear smelling fresh and clean.
Step Five
The fifth and final step to make sure hockey gear doesn’t stink is to store it in a well-ventilated area.
This will help keep the air circulating and prevent any moisture or odors from accumulating.
It’s best to store gear in a dry, cool area away from direct sunlight.
If your gear is kept in a bag, make sure to leave it open for a few hours a day to allow air to circulate.
Additionally, it can help to place a deodorizing packet or sheet in the bag to help absorb any odors that may be present.
This will help to keep the gear smelling fresh and prevent bacteria from building up.
Taking these steps will ensure that hockey players can enjoy fresh, odor-free gear.
Additional Tips to Keep Gear Fresh and Odor-Free
In addition to the four tips mentioned above, there are several other ways hockey players can keep their gear fresh and odor-free.
One effective way is to use a product specifically designed for hockey gear, such as a special odor-absorbing spray or deodorizing wipes.
These products are designed to absorb and neutralize any odors that may be present in the gear.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that all of the gear is completely dry before being stored in the bag.
If any of the gear is still damp, it can cause bacteria and mold to grow, which leads to unpleasant odors.
Players should also regularly inspect their gear for any signs of mold or mildew, and take steps to clean and disinfect the gear if necessary.
It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the hockey bag itself, and use a deodorizing product specifically designed for sports equipment.
Finally, it’s important to store the bag in a well-ventilated area, and consider placing a deodorizing packet or sheet in the bag to help keep it smelling fresh.
By following these simple tips, hockey players can enjoy fresh, odor-free gear every time they hit the ice.
By taking the time to properly maintain and clean their gear, they can help ensure that their equipment will continue to perform at its best for many seasons to come.
Final Thoughts
By following these four simple steps, hockey players can enjoy fresh, odor-free gear.
Removing wet gear immediately, cleaning it with soap and water, spraying it with a deodorizing product, and storing it in a well-ventilated area are all important steps to take to ensure gear stays fresh and doesn’t stink.
Additionally, using deodorizing packets or sheets in the gear bag can help keep it smelling even fresher.
Now you have the knowledge to make sure your hockey gear will never let you down, so go out and make sure your gear is always ready to go!