Somebody asked me the other day how to clean hockey pads after a game. After I replied with “It depends where you played,” he proceeded to ask why. I mean, it’s obvious that the surface of the hockey puck and the surface of the ice are different, which means they require different cleaning methods. But beyond that, how exactly do you wash hockey pads? Is it even worth the effort? Let’s examine.
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The Difference In Texture
In general, hockey pads are made of a synthetic textile fiber that is water-repellent, which makes them suitable for several different weather conditions. This material is durable and highly air permeable, meaning it dries very quickly after washing.
Synthetic fibers are less likely to melt than natural fibers, and are more compatible with many detergents and solvents. While this is generally a positive attribute, it also means that cleaning them requires more work: you’ve got to separate the pad from the detergent, and then work to dissolve the stains without degrading the material.
The problem is that most people think cleaning textiles is as simple as washing them regularly with soap and water. This is generally true for synthetic fabrics, but many natural fabrics require special treatments to clean effectively. For example, some people use dry cleaning methods, which can help remove stains and odors from your clothing, but of course, cost a bit more.
Soap And Water Are The Most Obvious Remedies
The first thing you should do to clean your hockey pads is wash them with soap and water periodically to remove oils and other residues that build up during use. You can use any ordinary bar soap, but I prefer using coconut-based soap since it has proven effective on many different surfaces and it has a pleasing fragrance that cannot be ruined by water or detergents.
Additionally, it’s important to blot dry the surface of your hockey pads with a clean, soft cloth to remove excess moisture. Even after you clean them with soap and water, some surface stains cannot be removed with just water, so you’ll need to use a dry cloth or towel to ensure the surface is completely dry before you play again.
Beyond Regular Washes
Apart from regular washes, you can also subject your hockey pads to professional-grade cleaning to further improve their condition and extend their lifespan. Some companies specialize in cleaning synthetic textiles and offer specialized equipment that makes the process much simpler. This is generally unnecessary for most people, but it’s good to know what options are available should you require them.
A Bit Of A Myth
It’s a popular misconception that hockey players only wear hockey pads because they’re dirty. In fact, they wear pads to protect their shin guards, which are also referred to as hockey socks. This is because of the myth that synthetic fibers do not breathe well, which makes the wearer cold. Fortunately, this is not the case: synthetic fibers are more effective at preventing colds than natural fibers are because they allow better air exchange.
However, it is recommended that you wear gloves when playing hockey to prevent your hands from getting cold.
Additionally, water-repellent treatments are applied to improve the compatibility of the textiles with water, which makes cleaning with soap and water simpler and ensures that your pads remain dry even when wet. This is beneficial for preventing the spread of germs, and keeping your hands clean while playing.
More Than Meets The Eye
So, what exactly does all this mean? Simply put, washing your hockey pads will not make them look any different than they do now. What it does do is make them easier to clean, which is key if you want to keep playing hockey.
Additionally, cleaning with soap and water makes them more compatible with most household cleaners, which can make your life a lot easier when maintaining your equipment. This is not to suggest that you throw out all your machine cleaner and refill your supply of bottles of pure, cheap soap. It’s always a good idea to mix solutions to ensure you get the best results possible for any surface you encounter, be it a car, truck, boat, or even a hockey rink.
To recap, washing your hockey pads is an essential initial step to maintaining their condition and ensuring they remain protected during play. As previously stated, this is because almost all stains can be removed with soap and water, and it makes them more compatible with other cleaning products that are not harsh.