Kids love to run around, play, and get dirty. As a parent, it can be quite the task to get all that laundry done. This becomes even more of a challenge when your child is involved in youth sports, specifically hockey. Your little hockey players can get a jersey dirty pretty quickly if you haven’t already noticed. With all the other equipment that needs to be worn to stay safe in the sport of hockey, cleaning can be quite a challenge. But fear not— there is a way to bench the stench!
Washing gear depends on the type of equipment. Gloves can be washed every 2-3 days to keep them fresh, but not all gear needs to be washed as frequently as gloves. Each piece of equipment should be washed at least once a month. Most parents don’t have the luxury of being able to use NHL-caliber washing machines, so luckily there are home remedies for equipment. Make sure to use a lot of soap and water and exclude helmets and skates. You don’t want to ruin your washer!
When it comes to drying techniques, aeration is key. Once you get home from a practice or game, make sure to open your child’s hockey bag. Put all dirty clothes on an “equipment tree” or a drying rack to circulate air through interior spaces. Do not let gear such as chest protectors remain on the floor. Remove the interiors of skates and helmets to let them air dry. It is important to air out gear as frequently as possible. Gear without leather can go in the dryer if need be.
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For those that have the time and resources to do so, it is recommended that parents occasionally take their children’s gear to be cleaned in an ozone treatment machine. This machine kills microbes that lead to dirty socks and gloves. The machine even works for goalie pads!
The most important reason to properly clean your child’s equipment is to keep them safe. Your child’s chance of a skin infection increases with the lack of quality gear maintenance. Compression products aid in bacteria prevention since they help soak up moisture. Dehumidifiers and fans are also recommended since odor-causing bacteria loves a warm and moist environment. Wipe plastic on gear with disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria.
Hockey is a very expensive sport, so it can be quite easy to put off buying new gear, but do your best to upgrade when needed. Remember, taking care of gear is taking care of your kids. If you start seeing mold or mildew forming on your child’s pads, it’s time to invest in new gear. Sticks break all the time and are constantly getting upgraded. It’s the other pieces of equipment that should be routinely checked. All hockey equipment has a shelf life!
The last step is something that should be very familiar. Have kids wash thoroughly after each game to stay clean and smell fresh. Parents at all levels should be taking proper care of their child’s gear to prevent infection, prolong equipment life, and keep a clean household.
AJ Lee is a Marketing Specialist for Pro Stock Hockey, an online resource for pro stock hockey equipment. He was born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and has been a huge Blackhawks fan his entire life. AJ picked up his first hockey stick at age 3 and has yet to put it down. He went on to play hockey at the college level for Illinois State University while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.
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The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributor’s. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.