The game of hockey has become extremely popular all over the world, which is not surprising considering all of the fun that you can have playing the game. But, although the game is fun, it can also be very physically demanding, which is why many people have started referring to it as “man’s tennis on ice.” If you’re playing the game, then you know that the temperature around the rink can rise dramatically during games, and not just because of the chilly air. The friction caused by the puck on the ice and the blades of the skates can heat up the air quickly, leading to a number of dangerous conditions for players. This is why it is vital that you take proper care of your hands and feet during games, especially if you’re a professional hockey player. There are several things that you can do to get rid of the smell of your hockey gloves, but before we get started, let’s talk about what is causing the smell in the first place.
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Why Are Hockey Gloves Smelling?
If you’re playing hockey, then you know that the hands are a key part of the game. The hands are what you use to slap the puck away from your opponent or push the puck in the right direction when you’re driving towards the net. Naturally, your hands are going to be in close contact with the ice and the puck, which is why they’re getting wet and sticky and generally have a strong odor. But, even in the absence of a puck, your hands are still going to be in frequent contact with the ice surface, which is why they smell like wet leather when the game is over. It is also vital to note here that although the gloves themselves are not the problem, it’s the odor that they produce that is.
How Do You Get Rid Of The Smell?
The good news is that you can easily get rid of the odor that your hockey gloves are giving off. All you need is a simple hand sanitizer to refresh your hands after every game, which you should be using anyway to prevent colds and flu. But, if you want to avoid staining your hands or causing any irritation, then you should refrain from using liquid hand sanitizer when the fingers are moist. In this case, wipe your hands with a dry towel instead, or if you’re in a particularly wet environment, then take a quick shower to dry your hands.
What Type Of Hand Sanitizer Should You Use?
When choosing a hand sanitizer, you have a few options: alcohol-based, petroleum-based, or chlorhexidine digluconate (CLOREX)-based. The first two are considered ideal for getting rid of the odor from your hockey gloves, while the last one is preferred when dealing with metal fixtures and other surfaces that could be contaminated by bacteria and other microorganisms. It is also advisable to choose a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, but you should avoid anything with more than 70% alcohol, as it could potentially ruin the structure of your nails.
How Long Does It Take For The Effects To Kick In?
If you’re using a petroleum-based hand sanitizer, then the effects will start being noticeable straight away. With alcohol-based and chlorhexidine-based sanitizers, it could take a little while before you start to notice a significant difference. It’s essential to bear in mind here that even when the smell of your hockey gloves is gone, it doesn’t mean that they’re completely cleaned. The smell is greatly diminished, but there are still some bacteria and other microorganisms that could cause health problems if they are not removed, or at least reduced. For this reason, it is advisable to cleanse your hands daily, or whenever they become wet or sticky, whether it’s during the game or at any other time. This is going to help ensure that your gloves never smell quite as bad as they could because they’re frequently washed.
Are There Any Alternatives To Normalizing Play?
As much as we’d all like to see the game of hockey remain as popular as it is now, there are several issues that could arise from the continued growth of the game. One of the problems is that hockey is played entirely on ice, which can become extremely slippery when wet, even in the absence of skates. If you’re playing on a winter holiday, then the temperature is also going to be a factor, making it more difficult to control and maneuver the puck. Also, as players get more and more familiar with handling the puck, it becomes easier for accidents to happen. Injuries are common and many players end up missing significant amounts of time due to injuries suffered during gameplay. For all these reasons, alternatives have been explored, such as artificial ice and in-door rinks. It’s still a popular game globally, but there are certainly some drawbacks that come with playing on such a large surface.
Final Reminder
If you’re a professional hockey player, then it’s of paramount importance that you take care of your hands and feet, as they’re going to be on full display during every game. Keeping your hands warm is vital, so make sure that you’re wearing gloves of some sort when you’re not playing. Also, remember to wash your hands after every game, and to make sure that they’re always clean. Dry your hands well after washing, as wet hands will lead to some seriously slippery gameplay. And last but not least, after every wash, let your hands air dry, as letting them sit in the damp air for a long time could potentially cause health problems. Hopefully, this article will help answer all of your questions regarding how to get rid of the smell from your hockey gloves, and above all, it’s vital that you enjoy your time playing the game without any worries.