How To Wash Hockey Gloves? Keep Your Hands Clean and Protected with These Tips!

If you’re an avid hockey player, then you understand the importance of keeping your hands clean and protected during games. However, over time, this can be a challenge as your gloves accumulate sweat, bacteria, and other unwanted odors.

Fortunately, by following some simple tips for proper glove care and maintenance, you can easily keep your equipment looking and smelling fresh after every game.

“Your hockey gloves are one of the most important parts of your gear when it comes to protecting your hands and fingers while playing on ice.”

In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to wash hockey gloves, making sure that they not only look great but also remain durable and long-lasting for all your future games.

Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, our expert advice will help you tackle even the toughest stains and smells, leaving your gloves feeling and smelling like new.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into these essential tips on how to wash hockey gloves and protect your hands from unwanted germs and bacteria.

Why Clean Hockey Gloves Are Important?

Hockey gloves are one of the most important pieces of equipment in a hockey player’s gear bag. They protect the hands from impacts, slashes, and shots while allowing for grip on the stick. However, many players forget to clean their gloves regularly which can lead to several problems.

Prevent Bacteria Buildup

One of the biggest reasons to clean your hockey gloves is to prevent bacteria buildup. The interior of your gloves provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive – it’s warm, dark, and often damp due to sweating during gameplay. Without proper cleaning, those microscopic organisms can start to spread and potentially cause skin infections like staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

In order to avoid this, you should get into the habit of wiping down your gloves after each game or practice with a mixture of water and mild soap. Make sure to remove any excess sweat and dirt before storing them away. Every few weeks, soak the gloves in a solution of warm water and vinegar to kill off any remaining bacteria.

Extend the Life of Your Gloves

The better care you take of your gloves, the longer they will last. By keeping your gloves clean, you reduce the likelihood of tears or rips forming in the material due to weakened fibers. Dirt particles that collect inside the gloves can also rub against the fabric causing abrasions over time.

To properly wash your gloves, read the care instructions as some may require different methods than others. Some can be washed in the washing machine while others must be hand washed. For leather gloves, use a gentle cleanser specifically designed for leather. Allow the gloves to air dry completely before using them again.

Improve Performance on the Ice

A pair of dirty gloves can actually hinder performance on the ice. A buildup of sweat and grease from your hands can make the gloves heavy and less flexible, which in turn affects your movement and grip on the stick.

By keeping the interior of the gloves clean, you allow for better airflow which helps to keep them light and pliable during gameplay. Clean gloves also have a better grip on the stick allowing for more precise handling and shooting.

“You don’t realize how much flavor is lost when your gear becomes clogged with dirt and bacteria.” -Scott Stevens

1. Remove any excess debris or sweat from the surface by wiping down gently with water and mild soap.

2. If required, remove the liner or padding from inside the glove according to manufacturer’s instructions. Hand wash or machine wash as directed.

3. Fill up a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of vinegar (or another gentle cleaning solution if recommended). Make sure there is enough water to completely immerse the entire glove.

4. Soak the gloves for several hours or overnight making sure they are fully submerged. This will help kill off lingering bacteria and dislodge any remaining dirt particles.

5. Rinse the gloves thoroughly under running water to remove all traces of soap or vinegar. You may need to squeeze out the excess water manually to speed up the drying process.

6. Hang the gloves upside down using a clothes hanger or similar object to maintain their shape while drying. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat which could damage the material.

7. Once the gloves are thoroughly dry, treat them with leather conditioner (if necessary) to keep them soft and pliable.

Cleaning your hockey gloves is just as important as cleaning the rest of your gear. Taking care of your gloves will help prevent injuries, extend their lifespan, and improve your performance on the ice.

What Are The Best Ways To Clean Hockey Gloves?

Use a Mild Detergent

Hockey gloves are one of the most important equipment that players wear when playing the game. Due to their frequent use, it is common for them to become dirty and smell unpleasant. A mild detergent can help you get rid of the unwanted odor and stains from your hockey gloves.

You should avoid using harsh detergents or bleach as they can damage the gloves’ material. Simply mix some mild detergent with lukewarm water in a large bowl or sink. Then, soak your gloves for about 10-15 minutes before thoroughly washing them by hand. Afterward, rinse the gloves with cold water until all the soap suds are gone.

Remember to never put your hockey gloves in the washing machine as they’re prone to getting damaged by high heat or fabrics that have been undermined.

Spot Clean with a Cloth

If you don’t have time to wash your hockey gloves entirely, spot cleaning is an option to keep them clean. Choose a suitable cloth such as microfiber and dampen it slightly with warm water. Make sure to avoid soaking the glove completely and focus on the stained areas instead.

To remove stubborn spots like ink, sweat, or blood, use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or vinegar mixed with water. Gently rub the area until the stain disappears. Lastly, dry the gloves naturally, keeping them away from sunlight or any direct source of heat.

Use a Soft-Bristled Brush

A soft-bristle brush is ideal for removing dirt and dust from your gloves without causing any harm. You can buy one at your local sports store. Before scrubbing the gloves, make sure that they are dry. Use the brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated on your gloves’ surface over time.

After using a brush, you can also sanitize and deodorize your gloves by spraying them with an antimicrobial spray made for other sporting equipment such as helmets and shin guards.

• Please keep in mind these guidelines:
• Never machine wash your hockey gloves.
• Do not put wet gloves directly into your equipment bag as they promote bacterial growth,
• Avoid putting the gloves in direct sunlight.

“It’s important to take care of your hockey gear to prolong its life span. And cleaning the gloves regularly should be part of this routine,” says Emily Dorfman, Director of Marketing at Perani’s Hockey World.

Hockey gloves are one of the most valuable pieces of equipment to maintain as they bear sweat, grime, and germs. Handwashing them with mild detergents, spot treating stains promptly, using a soft-bristled brush to clean accumulated debris, allowing thorough air-drying time before storing them – all of these cleaning methods go a long way towards keeping your hockey gloves fresh, smelling good, and helping them stay functional next time you hit our favorite rink!

Can You Put Hockey Gloves In The Washing Machine?

It’s Not Recommended

Hockey gloves are an essential part of a player’s equipment and take a lot of wear and tear during games. Over time, they can accumulate dirt, sweat, and bacteria, making them smell bad and uncomfortable to wear.

While washing hockey gloves in the washing machine may seem like a convenient solution, it is not recommended as it can cause damage to the gloves that can negatively affect their performance over time.

The friction caused by the washing machine can weaken the stitching and materials, causing them to deteriorate faster than with regular use. The heat generated from the machine can also alter the shape and structure of the glove, affecting its fit and feel on the ice.

To avoid any potential damage to your hockey gloves and prolong their lifespan, hand-washing is typically the best method for cleaning them properly.

May Cause Damage to the Gloves

If you do decide to wash your hockey gloves in the washing machine, be prepared for the possibility of damaging them. While some types of gloves might survive unscathed, others may not handle the cycle or spin settings well.

Hockey gloves made of leather, for example, could shrink or wrinkle if exposed to heat and water for too long, which can make them more difficult to break in when playing. Additionally, the plastic pieces inside many gloves are attached to the palms with glue, which can loosen or come off entirely after being exposed to water.

Using regular detergent is another issue since harsh chemicals found in many house products can have unintended effects on the gloves. They can lose their structure or texture, both of which will impact how you grip and control your stick while doing drills or passing with teammates.

Can Affect the Performance of the Gloves

Another reason to avoid washing hockey gloves in a machine is that doing so may negatively affect their performance on the ice.

Gloves are designed to fit snugly around your hands, allowing for maximum dexterity and flexibility when handling sticks and pucks. Washing them in a machine can cause them to lose their shape or become too stiff or malleable. This change will alter your playing experience since you cannot feel the stick as well as before making it harder to handle even basic moves like dekes and puck protection.

May Cause Foul Odors to Linger

Hockey gloves often accumulate bacteria from sweat and moisture during use, which leads to an unpleasant odor after several times of wearing these gloves without being cleaned. MACHINE WASHING GLOVES MAY MASK THE SMELL FOR A BRIEF PERIOD BUT IT WILL COME BACK AFTER SOMETIME.

If not cleaned regularly, the smell can migrate over to other pieces of equipment stored inside bags such as helmets, shoulder pads, and shin guards. Moreover, this will also make sharing equipment unpleasant.

To get rid of any foul odors from your hockey gloves, It’s recommended to use disinfectant sprays or wiping them with a damp cloth followed by deodorizing agents and drying properly.

How To Hand Wash Hockey Gloves?

Fill a Sink with Warm Water

To begin the process of washing your hockey gloves, fill up your sink or any large tub with warm water. Make sure that the water temperature is lukewarm and not too hot as this might damage the fabric and stitching of your gloves.

Also, check the care label of your hockey gloves beforehand to make sure that they are suitable for handwashing. Some gloves may require special instructions or tools like a leather cleaner or protectant.

Add a Mild Detergent

Next, add a mild detergent or gentle soap to the warm water in the sink. Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softener as these can break down the fabrics and cause discoloration.

If you don’t have a specialized sports equipment cleaner, you can use regular liquid dish soap as an alternative. Mix the detergent gently into the water until it’s fully dissolved.

Gently Rub the Gloves

Once you’ve prepared the soapy water solution, it’s time to clean the gloves themselves. Fully submerge the gloves in the water and allow them to soak thoroughly for a few minutes. Then, using your fingertips, gently rub each area of the glove surface to loosen any dirt or grime.

Be careful not to scrub too hard or vigorously as this could cause damage to any fragile parts like laces, seams, or padding. Instead, focus on gently massaging the soap suds into every crevice and texture of the gloves.

Rinse the Gloves Thoroughly

After rubbing the gloves lightly, rinse them off under running water tap several times to remove all traces of soap from the material. You want to ensure that all the soap has been removed, as it can cause irritation and discomfort when your hands sweat inside the gloves.

Make sure that you rinse each glove thoroughly and remove any leftover dirt or grime. After rinsing the gloves, gently pat them with a towel to remove excess moisture.

“Cleaning sports gear after use will help prevent offensive odours, germs and bacteria from forming.”

Cleaning hockey gloves is essential not only for comfort but also for hygiene. Washing away your sweat, dirt, or bacteria will make you feel much better during a game, and extend the life of your gloves over time. By following these simple steps on how to wash hockey gloves you can keep your gloves in excellent condition and ready to use whenever you need them.

How To Dry Hockey Gloves?

Hockey gloves are one of the most important pieces of equipment for any player out there. It is very important to take good care of these gloves as they provide the necessary protection to the hands while playing. After washing your hockey gloves, it is important to properly dry them in order to prevent damage to the material and mold growth.

Air Dry the Gloves

The best way to dry hockey gloves is by air drying. This involves allowing the gloves to naturally air dry at room temperature without using any heat sources. Using a fan can help speed up the process but make sure to keep it on a low setting to avoid damaging the fabric.

After washing your gloves, remove all excess water from the material by squeezing or gently pressing them with a towel. Once you have removed as much water as possible, lay them out flat on a clean surface that has good ventilation. Make sure to flip them over every few hours so that both sides can get proper exposure to air.

Avoid putting your gloves outside under direct sunlight as this can cause fading of the color and damage to the fabric. Direct heat can also alter the shape of the gloves making them uncomfortable to wear in the future. Finally, do not hang the gloves on a hook in order to dry them; this could stretch out parts of the glove beyond their actual size and form.

Do Not Use a Dryer

Never put your hockey gloves inside a dryer; the heat can damage the material and ruin the padding inside causing unnecessary shrinkage or even burns

If you want to reduce the time needed to dry your gloves, use a clean dry microfiber cloth or a hand towel to absorb the excess moisture before leaving them to air dry. The same techniques apply if you ever need to dry other types of sports gloves such as golf gloves or weight lifting gloves.

“The heat from tumble-drying can cause the fabric and padding on your hockey gloves to warp, become brittle and even saggy” -Michael Rousseau (Head Equipment Manager for Nashville Predators)

In the end, taking care of your hockey equipment is essential if you want them to work well and last long. Proper drying techniques will help prevent mold growth and deterioration of the material, allowing your gloves to keep providing the necessary protection while you play your favorite game!

How To Maintain Hockey Gloves?

Store Them in a Dry Place

Hockey gloves need to be stored properly to prevent them from getting damaged. Always keep them in a dry place after every use, and try not to put them near any source of moisture such as the sink or shower. Moisture can cause the glove’s leather to break down over time.

You can also try using a fan or dehumidifier in your storage area to decrease humidity levels even more. It would help if you discarded damp towels or clothing rather than keeping them with the gloves because they could retain moisture and lead to mold growth.

Keep Them Clean and Odor-Free

Maintaining good hygiene is essential for hockey players, especially when it comes to their equipment. Like any other gear, hockey gloves must be kept clean and odorless. Here are some ways to do that:

• Clean Them After Every Game: Wipe off dirt and sweat with a towel-dry cloth. If the gloves have foul smells, sprinkle baking soda inside and leave them overnight before shaking the excess out.
• Use Antibacterial Spray Or Wipes: Apply an anti-bacterial spray on both sides of your gloves and wipe the entire surface including the fingers, thumb, and cuff. This will eliminate bacteria buildup which causes smells.
• Avoid Drying Them In The Sun: Direct sunlight damages the leather and makes the colors fade away.

“Bacteria thrives in sweaty environments, and thus hockey gear must be sanitized daily.” – Dr. Jennifer Bell, pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Storing and maintaining your hockey gloves well extends their lifespan significantly, saves money, and prevents you from facing any unpleasant problems. Follow the guide above, and your gloves will remain in excellent condition for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions