Why Does Hockey Gear Smell So Bad? [Expert Guide!]


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Hockey gear is often compared to body odor. You put it on and it just seems to reek of…well, you know. The smell doesn’t bother some people, but it’s a smell that just won’t go away for others. Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with it for long, because there are ways to get rid of the odor once and for all.

Wash It Often

Although sometimes it can be difficult to keep odors at bay, simply washing your hockey gear regularly can help a lot. Even after a day of intensive use, you can always give your skates and helmets a quick wash to keep things smelling clean and fresh. Of course, you don’t have to use detergents formulated for dirty skates and helmets. Regular water will do just fine. When washing your hockey gear, don’t rub it with a towel or dry it with a hair dryer. The friction of the fabric against the skin can cause friction burns, which can lead to irritation and other problems. Also, since wet laundry is more likely to mildew, you don’t want to do that either.

Air It Out

After you’ve washed and dried your skates and helmets, it’s time to air them out. While some people like to leave their skates and helmets on the chest or in the back of a closet for a few days, letting the fresh air circulate around them can do wonders. You can also take this opportunity to remove any wax or polish that might have came off while playing, as this too can make the gear smell worse. Once you’ve opened up the interior of your hockey gear, it’s almost impossible to get rid of the odor, no matter how hard you try. So don’t sweat it, but instead use this stage to your advantage.

Odorized Mats And Tires

Did you know that the rubber mat and inner tube used in hockey have a way of fadoring over time and becoming saturated with sweat and other natural oils? The inside of a hockey rink is always hot and dusty, and this too can contribute to the smell. When you walk into a room with an odorized floor, it almost seems like someone is cooking or cleaning with bleach. Well, they might be. Odorized flooring is extremely common in sports arenas and other large facilities that have a lot of foot traffic, as it makes cleaning much easier and prevents smells from being transferred from one room to another. When the time comes to replace these mats and tires, just know that doing so will require a lot of elbow grease and possibly a trip to the hardware store.

Natural Odor Destructors

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of that omnipresent odor that seemingly comes with your hockey gear, there are a few natural products you can try. Some people have successfully used air fresheners and citruses to eliminate their odor. If you’re not a fan of citruses, you can try using some synthetic musk as a replacement, which is less likely to cause irritation. In rare cases, people have gotten rid of their smell by using enzyme cleaners or soap substitutes, but these are not without their flaws. Since enzymes are natural products, they are highly susceptible to becoming degraded over time, resulting in unpredictable performance and possibly even dangerous effects.

Use Deodorizers

Even for those people who don’t mind the odor that comes with their hockey gear, there are ways to make it easier to bear. Many manufacturers now offer deodorizers for sports equipment and vehicles, so if you’ve got a foul odor in your car or on some of your outdoor gear, it’s time to try these out. They’re easy to use and can help mask the odor of whatever is causing it. Just remember to apply them in the areas of the problem, as excessive application can result in harmful effects.

Older Fashion

If you’re searching for ways to alleviate the stench that comes with your hockey gear, it’s important to remember that not all of it is due to the material itself. The design of some of these items, particularly the older versions, has a distinct ‘stench’ to it. In rare cases, people have found that the odor is only noticeable when the gear is wet or otherwise damp. This could be due to the materials used in their construction or a flaw in the manufacturing process. When this happens, it can be a real pain to get rid of, as it requires special equipment and know-how to dry the items safely and effectively.

Wax And Polish Removal

Did you know that some people believe that removing wax and polish from your hands before you play can help improve your game? Many professional athletes do this and it has been shown to increase the grip and speed of their strokes. It’s quite a popular routine for ice hockey players to do before a game, as the last thing they want is slippery hands when they’re trying to settle a rebound or finish a pass. Since both the wax and the polish have a way of adhering to your palms, it makes sense that they can end up acting as a natural hand moisturizer. You can also use a makeup brush to remove the excess oils from your face before a big game, as this too can help improve your performance.

At this point, you may be wondering why we’re spending so much time talking about the odor that comes with your hockey gear. Well, it’s not really fair to say that all of it is bad. While there are many different skates and other equipment that can cause a problem, it’s generally accepted that the odor is a result of the bacteria and fungi that grow in high concentrations in and around sports arenas and other similar facilities. Keeping your gear clean and free of mold and mildew will usually prevent this problem, as will regular washing and drying. However, if you do end up with some kind of issue, there are ways to deal with it. As long as you follow the right procedures, you can restore your gear to its previous state of cleanliness, without having to throw it out.

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