Get Rid of Smell in Hockey Goalie Gloves with These Easy Tips

If you’re a hockey goalie, you know how important it is to have gloves that fit perfectly and provide the best protection. But over time, those gloves can start to develop an unbearable odor that can make you want to throw them away. Luckily, there are ways to get rid of the smell and keep your gloves fresh and clean.

One of the biggest culprits of bad odors in hockey goalie gloves is the sweat that accumulates during games or practices. However, proper cleaning techniques can help eliminate the smell and keep the gloves smelling fresh for longer periods of time.

In this article, we will cover the reasons why hockey goalie gloves can smell, common mistakes to avoid when cleaning them, natural solutions to remove the smell, as well as tips for proper drying and maintenance to prevent future odor problems.

So if you’re tired of the unpleasant odor coming from your hockey goalie gloves, keep reading for some easy and effective tips to get them smelling fresh again.

Why Do Hockey Goalie Gloves Smell?

If you’re a hockey goalie, then you know how important your gloves are. Not only do they protect your hands, but they can also affect your performance on the ice. However, one problem that many hockey goalies face is the smell that can accumulate in their gloves over time. This can be not only unpleasant but also unhealthy. In this section, we will explore why hockey goalie gloves tend to smell.

Firstly, hockey goalie gloves are usually made of materials such as leather, synthetic leather, and nylon. These materials can absorb sweat, dirt, and bacteria. When these materials are exposed to moisture and warmth, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and thrive. As a result, this can lead to unpleasant odors.

Secondly, hockey goalie gloves are worn for extended periods of time, which means that the gloves are not given much time to air out and dry. When gloves are not allowed to dry properly, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and spread. Over time, this can lead to a build-up of bacteria, which can cause your gloves to emit a foul smell.

Thirdly, hockey goalie gloves are often used in high-intensity situations, which leads to an increase in sweating. Sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature, but it can also contribute to the unpleasant smell of your gloves. When sweat accumulates in your gloves, it creates a moist environment that is perfect for bacteria to grow and spread.

Lastly, the smell in your hockey goalie gloves can also be caused by external factors such as the environment where you store your gloves. Storing your gloves in a damp or humid environment can contribute to the growth of bacteria and mold, which can cause your gloves to emit an unpleasant odor.

Now that you know why hockey goalie gloves smell, it’s time to explore how to get rid of the smell. Keep reading to find out more!

Sweating During Games and Practices

1. Sweat: When you are playing as a hockey goalie, you have to wear protective gear, including your gloves. Due to the intense activity and stress, it is natural to sweat during games and practices.

2. Bacteria and Fungi: The sweat trapped inside your hockey goalie gloves creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. These microorganisms can cause a bad odor and even lead to skin infections if not taken care of properly.

3. Moisture: The sweat and moisture trapped inside the gloves do not dry easily, which leads to a buildup of bacteria and fungi. If you leave your gloves in your bag or locker for an extended period, the moisture will only worsen the smell.

4. Repeated Use: Your gloves will absorb the sweat and bacteria over time with repeated use. This means that the longer you wear them without proper cleaning, the worse the smell will become.

If you want to eliminate the smell from your hockey goalie gloves, it is essential to understand why they smell in the first place. By recognizing the underlying causes, you can take the necessary steps to keep your gloves clean and odor-free. Let’s explore some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning hockey goalie gloves.

Bacteria Buildup from Prolonged Use

Another reason why hockey goalie gloves tend to develop an unpleasant smell over time is due to bacteria buildup resulting from prolonged use. When you sweat into your gloves during a game or practice, the moisture gets trapped inside the gloves, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Over time, the bacteria can accumulate and spread, causing your gloves to develop a foul odor. The buildup can also lead to other issues, such as skin irritation or infections. If you don’t clean your gloves regularly, the bacteria can continue to thrive and make the smell worse.

To prevent bacteria buildup, it’s important to clean your gloves thoroughly after each use. This will help remove any sweat and moisture that may be trapped inside, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow.

Regular cleaning can also help keep your gloves in good condition, which can extend their lifespan and save you money in the long run. You can use a variety of cleaning methods to remove bacteria, including natural remedies and specialized cleaning products.

Improper Drying Techniques

Leaving gloves in a damp environment: One common mistake that hockey players make is leaving their gloves in a damp environment after use, such as in their hockey bag or locker. This promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi, causing bad odors to develop quickly.

Using high heat to dry gloves: While it may be tempting to use a high heat setting on your dryer to dry your gloves quickly, this can actually damage the gloves and cause them to shrink. Additionally, using high heat can also cause the bacteria and fungi to grow, making the smell worse.

Not properly airing out gloves: It’s important to properly air out your gloves after use to allow them to dry completely. Some players make the mistake of putting their gloves away in their bag or locker immediately after use, without giving them a chance to air out. This can lead to a buildup of moisture and bacteria, causing unpleasant odors.

Leaving gloves in direct sunlight: While sunlight can be a natural way to dry and disinfect items, leaving your gloves in direct sunlight for too long can cause the leather to crack and become damaged. It’s best to air dry gloves in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight to prevent damage and bad smells.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Hockey Goalie Gloves

Using Hot Water: Hot water can break down the materials in your gloves, leading to premature wear and tear. It can also damage any added padding or special coatings on the gloves. Always use cool or lukewarm water when cleaning your goalie gloves.

Using Harsh Detergents: Some detergents can be too harsh for the materials used in hockey goalie gloves, causing damage and reducing their lifespan. Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, and any detergents with strong chemicals. Instead, opt for a mild detergent or even a specialized sports equipment cleaner.

Not Rinsing Thoroughly: After cleaning your gloves, it’s important to rinse them thoroughly to ensure that all the soap or detergent is removed. Leaving any residue on the gloves can cause skin irritation or affect the gloves’ performance. Rinse your gloves with cool water until the water runs clear.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can prolong the life of your goalie gloves and keep them smelling fresh and clean. However, there are still some natural solutions that can help eliminate odors, which we’ll cover next.

When it comes to cleaning hockey goalie gloves, using the wrong products can do more harm than good. Harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia can damage the gloves, causing them to break down and deteriorate over time.

Additionally, using hot water can also cause damage to the gloves. The heat can cause the materials to shrink or become misshapen, affecting their performance on the ice.

To avoid damaging your gloves, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use only mild, gentle cleaners specifically designed for use on sports equipment.

Washing the Gloves in a Washing Machine

Avoid putting your goalie gloves in the washing machine, as the agitation can damage the gloves and their internal padding. In addition, the heat from the dryer can cause the gloves to shrink and lose their shape.

If you feel that your gloves need a deeper cleaning, try hand-washing them instead. Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently agitate the gloves in the water for a few minutes, then rinse them thoroughly with cool water. Squeeze out any excess water, then let the gloves air-dry.

Remember to also remove any removable liners or pads before washing your gloves. These can be washed separately, but should also be air-dried and not put in the dryer.

Not Drying the Gloves Thoroughly After Cleaning

After cleaning your goalie gloves, it’s important to make sure they are thoroughly dried before use. If not dried properly, it can lead to mold and bacterial growth, which can cause a foul odor and potentially harm your health. To ensure proper drying, use a clean, dry towel to remove excess moisture, then hang the gloves to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid the temptation to use a heater or direct sunlight to speed up the drying process, as this can cause the gloves to become stiff and damage the materials. Also, avoid storing the gloves in a damp or humid area, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold.

Another common mistake is not drying the interior of the gloves. The padding inside the gloves can trap moisture, so it’s important to open the glove fully and use a towel to remove moisture from the interior as well. You can also stuff the gloves with newspaper to help absorb any remaining moisture.

Natural Solutions to Remove Smell from Hockey Goalie Gloves

If you’re looking for an alternative to using harsh chemicals to clean your hockey goalie gloves, there are several natural solutions you can try:

Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution inside the gloves, and let them air dry. The vinegar helps to kill bacteria and neutralize odors.

Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto a cloth and rub it inside the gloves. The citric acid in the lemon juice helps to kill bacteria and neutralize odors.

Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the gloves, and let them sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb any moisture and odors. Shake out the excess baking soda in the morning.

Cedar Chips: Place a handful of cedar chips inside each glove and leave them in overnight. Cedar naturally repels moths, absorbs moisture, and has a pleasant scent.

Essential Oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender, to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the solution inside the gloves and let them air dry. The essential oils help to kill bacteria and leave a fresh scent.

Using Baking Soda to Absorb Odors

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help remove unpleasant smells from hockey goalie gloves. Here are some steps to use baking soda:

1. Fill a clean sock with baking soda.
2. Place the sock in the glove and tie the end of the sock.
3. Leave the sock in the glove overnight or for several days to absorb the odors.
4. Remove the sock from the glove and shake it out.

You can repeat this process as often as necessary until the odors are completely gone. Baking soda is a safe and natural solution that won’t damage the gloves or leave any residue behind.

Applying Vinegar Solution to Kill Bacteria

• Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help kill bacteria that causes the unpleasant smell in hockey goalie gloves. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and apply the solution to the gloves using a spray bottle or a clean cloth.
• Soak: For a more intense cleaning, you can soak the gloves in the vinegar solution for about 30 minutes before rinsing them off with water and allowing them to dry completely.
• Lemon Juice: If the smell is still persistent, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the vinegar solution for added odor-fighting power.
• Repeat: To maintain freshness, it’s recommended to clean your hockey goalie gloves with a vinegar solution after every game or practice session.

It’s important to note that vinegar has a strong smell of its own, which may linger on the gloves even after they’re cleaned. To get rid of the vinegar smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the vinegar solution or simply air out the gloves in a well-ventilated area for a few hours after cleaning.

How to Properly Dry Hockey Goalie Gloves to Prevent Smell

Air Dry: The best way to dry hockey goalie gloves is to let them air dry. After cleaning them, wring out any excess water and place them in a well-ventilated area. Avoid drying them in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause damage to the material.

Use a Fan: If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a fan to circulate the air around the gloves. Place the gloves in front of the fan, making sure to position them in a way that allows air to flow through the fingers and palm.

Stuff with Newspaper: To help absorb moisture and prevent the gloves from losing their shape, stuff them with crumpled newspaper. This also helps to speed up the drying process by absorbing excess water from the inside of the gloves. Be sure to remove the newspaper once the gloves are completely dry.

Wiping Gloves with a Towel to Remove Excess Moisture

One of the simplest and most effective ways to dry your goalie gloves is to use a towel. After washing the gloves, take a clean towel and gently squeeze the gloves to remove as much water as possible. Avoid twisting or wringing the gloves, as this can damage the materials.

You may need to use multiple towels to completely dry the gloves. If you’re in a hurry, try using a microfiber towel, as they are designed to absorb moisture quickly.

After wiping the gloves with a towel, leave them in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely. Do not use a dryer or any other heat source to dry the gloves, as this can cause the materials to shrink or warp.

Using a Fan or Air Dryer to Allow Air Circulation

• Positioning the Gloves: First, find a well-ventilated area to dry your gloves. Place them in an open position with the palms facing up to allow proper air circulation.

• Using a Fan: Place a fan near the gloves to facilitate air circulation. Turn the gloves over occasionally to dry both sides.

• Using an Air Dryer: Use a hairdryer or a dedicated glove dryer on a low heat setting to dry the gloves. Move the dryer around to dry all areas of the glove, including the inside.

• Avoid High Heat: Do not use a high heat setting on a dryer or place the gloves too close to a heat source, as this can damage the material and affect the fit.

Regular Cleaning: The best way to prevent smell in hockey goalie gloves is by regularly cleaning them after every use. This will prevent the bacteria buildup that causes the smell.

Air Out Gloves: After use, leave the gloves to air out in a well-ventilated area to allow the moisture to evaporate. This will prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Use Odor Absorbing Products: Using odor-absorbing products such as activated charcoal or baking soda can help keep the gloves smelling fresh. Simply place the product in the gloves overnight to absorb any odors.

Keeping Gloves in a Dry and Cool Place

If you want to keep your hockey goalie gloves smelling fresh, it’s important to store them in a dry and cool place. Avoid leaving them in a damp and warm location, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. Instead, find a spot that is well-ventilated and has good airflow.

One option is to store your gloves in a gear bag with air vents. This will allow for proper ventilation and help prevent moisture buildup. Alternatively, you could hang your gloves up in a well-ventilated area, using a drying rack or clothesline.

If you’re traveling with your gear, make sure to pack your gloves in a breathable bag or wrap them in a towel to prevent moisture buildup during transit. And when you’re not using your gloves, be sure to take them out of your bag and allow them to air out before storing them away.

Wiping Gloves with a Disinfectant after Each Use

Disinfecting your gloves after every use is an essential step to prevent bacteria and odor buildup. A simple solution of water and vinegar can effectively disinfect your gloves. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle, spray the solution on the gloves, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Wipe the gloves with a clean cloth and let them dry thoroughly.

You can also use a disinfectant spray or wipes specifically designed for sports equipment. These products are readily available in sporting goods stores and online. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and make sure to wipe your gloves thoroughly after using the disinfectant.

It’s essential to keep in mind that some disinfectants can damage the materials of the gloves. So, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any disinfectant on your gloves.

Using Glove Deodorizers to Absorb Moisture and Odors

One effective way to prevent hockey goalie gloves from smelling is by using glove deodorizers. These deodorizers are specially designed to absorb moisture and neutralize odors, helping to keep your gloves smelling fresh and clean.

There are a variety of deodorizers available on the market, including activated charcoal bags and odor-neutralizing sprays. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure maximum effectiveness.

When using deodorizers, it’s important to regularly replace them as they become saturated with moisture and lose their effectiveness. Depending on the product, this could be every few weeks or every few months.

Frequently Asked Questions