Moldy hockey equipment can be almost as troublesome as moldy bread. The only difference is that you can’t easily throw away a piece of hockey equipment.
Usually, the cause of mold forming on hockey equipment is moisture. You might already know that water and mold don’t mix. So, if you encounter any moisture on your gear, it’s probably going to cause trouble. You might also want to try and dry out your equipment before using it again because excess moisture can also lead to rust.
Fortunately for hockey players, there are ways to clean and dry out all of the equipment in your locker. Here’s how.
Table of Contents
Wash And Air Dry Your Equipment
A lot of times, the source of the moisture is perspiration. The more you sweat, the more moisture you are going to produce. So, the first thing you should do if you encounter any moisture on your equipment is to wash it thoroughly. You can use any mild soap and warm water, or if you are feeling particularly energetic, you can use some liquid soap and a rag or brush to scrub it clean.
After you clean the outer layer of the equipment, you should let it air dry afterward. This is going to remove most of the perspiration and moisture from the equipment. Be careful not to let any water droplets remain on the equipment, or else you might invite fungus growth. If you are concerned about the microorganisms in your vicinity, you can always use some anti-microbial soap or cleaner on your gear before and after washing.
Dry Out Your Equipment Before Using It
When possible, you should always try and dry out your hockey equipment before using it again. This is usually best done by leaving it outside on a hunk of cardboard for a few hours or overnight. The excess moisture in the air is going to cause the moisture to be drawn out of the equipment and drop to the ground. If you are not outside, you can leave it on a radiator or in the dryer for the same effect.
While this may seem like a hassle, it is worth it. After you have dried out your hockey equipment, it will be far less likely to become moldy. It’s also helpful to leave it in the open air for a while before putting it away so the dust has time to settle before storing it.
Look For A Spare Garment
A lot of players often find that they have sweat more than one thing in a game, especially if it is a warm day. This is why you should always have a spare set of pads and gloves in your equipment bag. You are going to want to put the sweat-soaked pads and gloves in a plastic bag or containers, and store them in a cool, dark location. In this way, they are not going to stink up your hockey equipment bag and ruin your gaming experience. When you are storing your equipment in the winter, you can put a dryer sheet in the bag with the gear to keep it dry.
In the summertime, you are going to want to keep your equipment smelling great by regularly washing and drying it. Make sure to hang your equipment bag up high so that the breeze can easily flow through and help remove the moisture. If you think that this can be a problem in your area, then take into consideration the fact that you can always move somewhere else. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this sort of thing.
Consider Using Deodorizers
A lot of times, the reason why equipment becomes moldy and stinky is because of excess moisture and bacteria. You can always consider using some deodorizers and fresheners to help eliminate this problem. These are readily available at most hardware stores.
Some players also choose to wash their hockey equipment in their skincakes. The reason for this is that their skin is the only thing that is going to be close to their body when they play. This helps keep the smell of their skin away from the equipment. Of course, you should only do this with the permission of the manufacturer.
There are numerous ways in which you can keep your hockey equipment looking new. You can use any of the methods mentioned above, as well as many others. So, make sure to clean, wash, and dry out all of your equipment regularly to keep it in good condition.
Above all else, make sure not to store any of your equipment in a damp or damp place. This is where a lot of the problems come from. So, make sure to keep all of your equipment out of any sort of water-related trouble. If you follow these simple tips, you are going to be able to keep your hockey equipment clean and mold-free for many years to come. You are going to enjoy the game even more because of it.