Max Steele
I’ve been asked many times over the 8 years we’ve been cleaning sports gear, “How often should I clean my hockey gear?”
“Is it contaminated with bacteria again when I sweat into it?” Also, “How bad is it andhow risky is it to wear again?”
Each time we sweat into our clothing or protective sports gear we introduce moisture and bacteria. Perspiration is how the bodycools itself and also one of the ways the body expels toxins.
How much bacteria is generated after each use?
Significant bacteria are introduced to our clothing or sports gear each time we sweat. However, what we do with the gear after we sweat into it can be an evengreater contributor to bacteria buildup.
What storage conditions contribute torapid bacteria cultivation?
Bacteria thrive in warm, wet and dark conditions like hockey bags and locker rooms. Washing the pads in your washing machine or with a “pressure washer”, adds more moisture to the gear and toxic black mold may result.
How can you reduce the risks of skin infections and MRSA?
1) CLEAN YOUR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT REGULARLY: NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association) official direction is to clean athletic clothing after each useand clean protective sports gear REGULARLY. If you clean your underwear, socks and t-shirt after every use, how long should youwait to clean your gear?
We recommend sanitizing your sports gear a minimum of every 6 weeks or 15-20 uses. Ask about the Ultimate CleanPackage at your local Fresh Gear outlet. If available, it provides UNLIMITED cleaning for 1 full year at one low price.
If this is not practical for you, it is beneficial to apply a good alcohol-based antibacterial spray after each time you wear your sports gear, to slow the regrowth of bacteria until the next Fresh Gear sanitizing treatment.
2) DRY YOUR SPORTS GEAR in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location after each use. Get it out of the equipment bag!
That is easily the worst place for your gear.
The Fresh Gear process kills up to 99.99% of bacteria in your hockey equipment, football pads and lacrosse gear.
Protect your health and extend the life of your equipment.
Include Fresh Gear in your good hygiene routine.
