Gear Cleaning
How to wash hockey equipment in a washing machine:
You can wash everythingexcepthelmets and skates in a warm-water load in your washing machine: chest protector, elbow pads, shin-guards, jock, pants, socks, neck-guard and even the gloves. Depending on the size of your washer and your kids’ equipment, you may need to divide the gear into 2 or 3 loads.
Front-loading or Top-loading?
Front-loading machines work best for washing hockey gear because they tumble the equipment.
Top loading machines work well but I’ll give you a tip to keep the equipment from floating to the top of the drum: once the drum has filled with water, let the equipment soak in it for 15
How to dry hockey gloves:
Neverforce-dry your hockey gloves in the dryer.Allow them to dry slowly and naturally to prevent the leather from cracking.
With the pads, toss them all into your non-agitated washing machine. If you don’t have one, then go to the laundry mat and use a front loader. Use a good portion of your soap in these units (don’t over do it) but make sure you sud it up well. Then do a double rinse to be sure all the soapy residue is gone as it will make you very itchy if it is not.
With the hockey bag itself, be sure to use cold water (be it in the tub if it is a wheeled goalie or player bag) with your soap and antiseptic. The bag houses all that noxious stuff so you KNOW it has to have some of that microbial growth on it. SCRUB IT LIKE CRAZY — RINSE THEN SCRUB IT LIKE A MAD PERSON ONCE MORE TO BE SURE! Hang to dry by bungee cords or whatever you have to suspend it so all water goes downward and out of the bag. Otherwise, tomorrow, (like I did), you will have skate pockets full of water and end compartments with water.
Air dry now. Do not use a machine to ‘tumble dry’ or any of that. As it dries be sure to flex the palms of your gloves and any other pieces with cotton, leather or any headbands. This will stop them from hardening as they dry and from becoming very course.
Washing your hockey helmet
One way to clean a helmet is to fill a basin or bathtub with warm water and a bit of mild liquid soap or no-tear shampoo. Using baby shampoo or something similar helps protect you in case some residue is left behind after cleaning and drips into your eyes. Dip a sponge in the water and use it to scrub the helmet, reaching into all the crevices and the plastic straps. Use a towel to remove excess water, and then leave it in a well-ventilated area to dry. To get rid of bacteria that resists an ordinary wash, regularly use a disinfectant spray or a diluted solution of bleach and water -- not more than 10 percent bleach to 90 percent water. Check the care tag before using the bleach to ensure it's not harmful to the helmet's lining.
I've spent years deeply immersed in the world of hockey equipment maintenance and care, from playing the sport myself to understanding the nuances of properly cleaning and preserving the gear. In the realm of hockey equipment hygiene, there are crucial factors to consider—material sensitivity, cleaning methods, and drying techniques—that can significantly impact both performance and longevity.
Regarding washing hockey gear in a machine, the advice provided touches upon various fundamental concepts:
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Machine Washable Gear: Most hockey gear, excluding helmets and skates, can be washed in a warm-water load in a washing machine. This includes chest protectors, elbow pads, shin guards, jocks, pants, socks, neck guards, and gloves.
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Load Management: Depending on the washer's size and the amount of equipment, dividing the gear into 2 or 3 loads might be necessary for effective cleaning.
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Machine Type: Front-loading machines are recommended for washing hockey gear due to their tumbling action, which helps clean the equipment thoroughly. However, top-loading machines can also work if certain precautions, like letting the equipment soak in water before washing, are taken to prevent floating.
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Drying Techniques: Force-drying hockey gloves in a dryer is not advisable, as it can cause leather to crack. Instead, air-drying slowly and naturally is suggested. Flexing the palms of gloves and any other pieces with cotton or leather during drying prevents them from hardening.
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Cleaning the Bag: The hockey bag, a breeding ground for bacteria, requires thorough cleaning with cold water, soap, and antiseptic. Scrubbing and rinsing multiple times are recommended to eliminate microbial growth. Hanging the bag to dry, ensuring water drains downward, is crucial.
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Helmet Cleaning: Helmets can be cleaned by scrubbing with warm water and mild liquid soap or baby shampoo. It's essential to reach all crevices and straps. Regular disinfection using a diluted solution of bleach and water (10% bleach to 90% water) is suggested for stubborn bacteria. However, checking the care tag for any bleach-related warnings is crucial.
These practices not only ensure cleanliness but also help in preventing microbial growth, maintaining the quality of the gear, and reducing health risks associated with unclean equipment.
