Cleaning/washing hockey equipment

**umroller** · 07-13-2002, 03:36 PM

Does anyone know the best, easiest and most effective way to clean (and most importantly, remove the smell from) hockey equipment? Specifically, shin/knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and hip pads/girdle. Is there any detergent or scrubbing stuff made specifically for hockey or sports equipment? Can you put the stuff in the washer and dryer? Thanks for your help.

Ben

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**Hit_U_Hard** · 07-13-2002, 09:31 PM

throw it in the washer and use extra detergent then let it air dry. thats what i do. works good peace b

**umroller** · 07-13-2002, 11:21 PM

and doing that doesn't rip up or harm the equipment at all?

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**MBurke** · 07-14-2002, 01:30 PM

It breaks down the padding faster (any type of moisture would do that), and soaking the thing in water won't help the smell (at least not permanently), because the inner portions of the padding never dry out properly and end up with mildew.

There are actual hockey cleaning machines - I know there's one in Boston and one in Canada somewhere - not sure about where else you can have it done, but it's similar to dry-cleaning.

Mike Burke
Commissioner
Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association
http://www.ecrha.net

**Hit_U_Hard** · 07-14-2002, 08:51 PM

my equipment is still good from washing it and yes it does dry out all the way, but it is up to you and if your stuff does get ruined go buy more stuff is not that expensive

**columbus_RHstar** · 07-14-2002, 10:45 PM

hey i dont really wash my stuff, never have never will, but my friend put his gloves in a washer and they came out ruined, i wouldnt put anything in the washer.

**Hit_U_Hard** · 07-15-2002, 10:24 AM

well then skate smellin like a sewer, its up to you
peace B

**Benny_Gulakiw** · 07-15-2002, 10:49 AM

The Buffalo area just got some of these specialized machines that are modiied washer and dryers made especially for sports equipment. A local couple bought the machines and have set up shop at the Amherst Pepsi Center.

Benny Gulakiw
Vice President of Operations
Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey

**ggriffaw** · 07-21-2002, 09:33 PM

Some dry cleaners in the St. Louis area have equipment for cleaning hockey equipment. You might want to call different dry cleaners in your area.

**vinny09** · 07-23-2002, 07:56 PM

I throw my gear in a front loading washer (and a top loading as well, but the front loading is better). Haven't had any problems. What I throw in there are the removable liner from my shins, my elbows, and my pants (remove the plastic inserts). I've even dried all of those in the dryer, but I prefer to use the 100 degree heat we get up here in northern cali. I haven't figured out a way to clean my gloves though. Basically, to prevent the stink from building up, hang up your gear after it is used. Don't let it marinate in your bag. What also works is the deodorizer divers use for their wet suits. I think it's like $7 for a concentrate. You figure if they use it for their wet suits, it can't be harmful to your skin.