Are you tired of the offensive smell coming from your hockey gloves? If so, you’re not alone.
Smelly hockey gloves are a common problem among hockey players, and can make for an embarrassing, uncomfortable situation.
Luckily, there are a number of quick solutions you can use to stop hockey gloves from smelling.
In this article, we’ll discuss why hockey gloves smell, the best ways to wash them, how to remove the inserts, the benefits of air-drying, and more.
Read on for tips on keeping your hockey gloves fresh and free of that nasty odor.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To stop hockey gloves from smelling, it is important to keep them as dry and clean as possible.
After use, hang the gloves in a well-ventilated place to allow them to dry completely.
Clean the gloves with a disinfectant or an antibacterial soap solution.
If the smell persists, add a few drops of essential oil or baking soda to the gloves before hanging them to dry.
Why Hockey Gloves Smell
When it comes to playing a physically demanding sport like hockey, its no surprise that hockey gloves often develop an unpleasant smell.
The various components that make up a hockey glove, such as the padding, liner, and shell, are all designed to provide protection and comfort.
Unfortunately, these features also make them susceptible to sweat, dirt, and bacteria accumulation, which can lead to a nasty smell.
Sweat and dirt can accumulate over time, especially after a long and intense game.
Bacteria can also breed in the damp and dark environment of the glove, leading to an even worse smell.
All of these factors combined can lead to a smelly hockey glove that no one wants to put their hands in.
Washing Hockey Gloves
Washing hockey gloves is an essential part of keeping them smelling fresh.
Sweat, dirt, and bacteria can all contribute to the smell of hockey gloves, and regular washing is one of the best ways to keep them smelling good.
The best way to do this is by washing them after each use, either by hand or in the washing machine.
If the gloves have removable inserts, be sure to take these out before washing and wash them separately.
When washing hockey gloves, it is best to use a mild detergent and warm water.
Avoid using fabric softener, as this can cause the gloves to become stiff and uncomfortable.
After washing, allow the gloves to air dry never put them in the dryer, as this can damage the material and cause them to shrink.
Once the gloves are dry, it is a good idea to use a hockey glove deodorizer or sprinkle some baking soda inside them.
This will help to reduce any remaining smell and keep the gloves smelling fresh for longer.
Removing Inserts
When it comes to keeping hockey gloves from smelling, one of the most important steps is to remove the inserts from the gloves.
These inserts are often made of foam or synthetic materials, which absorb sweat and bacteria from the hand, leading to a strong, unpleasant odor.
It is important to take the inserts out and wash them separately from the gloves.
This can be done by hand with a mild detergent or in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Washing the inserts separately helps to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and any odors are eliminated.
To further reduce odors, it is also important to air dry the inserts after washing.
Placing them in the dryer can cause them to shrink or become misshapen, making them less effective at protecting your hands.
Air-Drying Gloves
Air-drying hockey gloves is an important step in keeping them from smelling.
Hockey gloves should never be placed in a dryer, as this can cause them to shrink or lose their shape.
Instead, they should be hung up to dry.
After washing the gloves, it is important to remove any excess water by gently shaking them out and then hanging them in a well-ventilated area.
This will help the gloves dry faster and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Additionally, if the gloves have removable inserts, these should be taken out and air-dried separately.
To maximize air circulation, it can also be helpful to stuff the gloves with a few old newspapers or a towel.
This will help absorb any moisture and allow air to flow freely inside the gloves.
Once the gloves are dry, the newspaper or towels should be removed and the gloves should be stored in a cool, dry place.
It can also help to sprinkle some baking soda or use a hockey glove deodorizer to help eliminate any lingering odors.
Following these steps will ensure that hockey gloves are properly air-dried, preventing them from smelling and keeping them in great condition.
With the proper care, hockey gloves will stay fresh and keep their shape and fit for many seasons.
Hockey Glove Deodorizers
Hockey glove deodorizers are a great way to help reduce the smell of hockey gloves.
They come in many different forms, from sprays to wipes, and can be used in conjunction with washing and air-drying the gloves.
These deodorizers work by killing the bacteria on the gloves that cause the odor and providing a fresh scent to counteract the smell.
Many hockey glove deodorizers are made with natural ingredients, such as essential oils, and are safe to use on all types of gloves.
Additionally, these deodorizers can be used after each use or as needed to keep the gloves fresh.
Hockey glove deodorizers are also easy to use and can be quickly applied to the gloves before or after a game.
This makes them a great way to help keep hockey gloves smelling good and lasting longer.
Using Baking Soda
Using baking soda is an effective and affordable way to help keep hockey gloves smelling fresh.
It has natural deodorizing properties that make it a great choice for removing odors from hockey gloves.
Baking soda can be sprinkled directly into the gloves or mixed with a small amount of water to create a paste.
The paste can then be rubbed into the gloves and left for several hours, or overnight if desired.
After a few hours, the gloves should be washed with soap and water to remove any residue.
Baking soda can also be used as a preventative measure, by sprinkling it into the gloves before each game or practice session.
This will help absorb any sweat that accumulates, and keep the gloves smelling fresh throughout the game.
Tips for Keeping Hockey Gloves Fresh
When it comes to keeping hockey gloves fresh, its important to remember that sweat, dirt, and bacteria can easily build up and cause unpleasant odors.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps that hockey players can take to keep their gloves smelling fresh.
First, its important to wash gloves after each use, either by hand or in the washing machine.
If the gloves have removable inserts, these should be taken out and washed separately.
For the best results, use a mild soap and cold water.
Its also important to rinse the gloves thoroughly to make sure that all of the soap is removed.
Second, gloves should be air-dried after washing and not placed in a dryer.
The heat from the dryer can cause the gloves to shrink and deteriorate.
Instead, hang the gloves on a drying rack or lay them flat on a towel until they are completely dry.
Finally, it is important to use a hockey glove deodorizer or baking soda to help reduce the smell.
Deodorizers and baking soda can help absorb odors and keep the gloves smelling fresh.
For the best results, use a deodorizer or baking soda after each use and before storing the gloves.
By following these simple steps, hockey players can keep their gloves fresh and smelling good.
Washing the gloves after each use, air-drying them, and using a deodorizer or baking soda can help keep hockey gloves from smelling bad and prolong the life of the gloves.
Final Thoughts
Keeping hockey gloves fresh and free of odor is essential for any hockey player.
By following the steps outlined above, hockey players can stop their gloves from smelling and maintain their freshness.
Washing gloves after each use, removing inserts and air drying gloves, and using deodorizers or baking soda are all key components of this process.
With these simple steps, hockey players can keep their gloves in top condition and have them ready for the next game.