How To Wash Lacrosse Gear
Your pads and gloves may have seen better days following a lacrosse practice or game. Fortunately, regular cleaners can restore the brand-new appearance of your lacrosse equipment. To keep your lacrosse equipment in good shape and stop bacteria or mold from forming on it, wash it after each usage. It won't take long to get your lacrosse equipment spotless with soap, water, and a little elbow work! Continue reading for all the maintenance information you'll need to clean helmets, lacrosse pads, gloves, uniforms, and more.
Can you wash lacrosse pads and gloves:
It is possible to wash lacrosse pads and gloves. It's time to wash your pads and gloves. This guarantees that your equipment lasts as long as possible in excellent shape.
It is essential to use a specific conditioning product on leather gloves before washing them. To keep the leather (and your glove) supple, leather conditioners are made of oils. The playability of your leather glove will probably significantly diminish after washing if you don't apply the proper things to it.
Hand-washing lacrosse gloves and pads in warm water with a small amount of soap is one of the simplest ways to clean them. Make sure the water contains no additional goods. Chemicals and harsh cleansers can harm your equipment.
Washing Pads, Gloves, and uniforms:
Hands wash your gloves and pads with non-acidic detergent:
Since leather makes up the majority of gloves and pads, a detergent with a pH of less than 10 is required. After combining the detergent and water, immerse a washcloth into the mixture. Using the washcloth, clean the pads and gloves to get rid of any dirt or debris. (Source: )
A spoonful of fabric softener added to the detergent solution can assist your gloves and pads to stay flexible and get rid of odors.
The pH levels of your detergent can be found by reading the label, looking it out online, or getting in touch with the manufacturer.
Let your pads and gloves air-dirty:
The dryer should not be used to dry clean your gloves or pads since it can harm any leather or plastic components. Alternatively, wrap the gloves or pads in a washcloth or piece of newspaper and allow them to dry overnight.
Machine wash the gloves and pads:
To keep the lacrosse outfit fresh, wash it after each practice and game. Place your lacrosse uniform in the washer and set the cold water, moderate cycle. You can use standard laundry detergent to clean the uniform but do not add any fabric softener if your uniform is made of spandex. The majority of fabric softeners limit spandex's flexibility.
As long as the uniform can withstand the gentle cycle in cold water, washing it with other items is acceptable.
The gloves and pads can also be machine-washed; just make sure the detergent isn't acidic.
Tumble dry your uniform:
As soon as the washing cycle is over, place your uniform in the dryer. After the cycle is over, turn the dryer to low heat and make sure it's dry. If the uniform is still moist, begin a new cycle and continue as necessary.[3] Your lacrosse outfit may become discolored if you dry clean or iron it.
Cleaning the helmet:
Wash your helmet with a damp cloth:
After combining water and a mild detergent, immerse a washcloth into the mixture. Using the towel, wipe the helmet's outside and interior to remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria. (5)
After cleaning the helmet, use a sanitizing spray to make it germ-free following a lengthy game or storage. Spray the sanitizer evenly over the inside and outside of the helmet while holding the bottle a few inches away from the surface.
A 1:16 ratio should be used when combining detergent and water.
An antibacterial wipe can be used in place of a moist cloth.
Let your helmet air dry:
Avoid putting your helmet in the dryer as it can get damaged by exposure to high heat. Use a towel to remove any extra moisture from the helmet, then leave it alone until it dries fully.
Clean the lacrosse stick with cold water:
Use a garden hose to shower the lacrosse stick with water. Spot-clean any filth that the hose is unable to remove with a moist washcloth.[7] After washing the lacrosse stick, you have two options for drying it: using a towel or letting it air dry.
Wash, rinse, and shape the lacrosse stick pocket:
Use a moderate dish soap and cold water to thoroughly wash the pocket. After letting the pocket soak for five to ten minutes, rinse the soap out. As you would when playing lacrosse, shape the pocket so that it faces outward. After that, insert newspaper inside the pocket to absorb moisture as it dries naturally.
Taking care of cleats:
Wash the cleats with cold water and vinegar:
Use a moderate dish soap and cold water to thoroughly wash the pocket. After letting the pocket soak for five to ten minutes, rinse the soap out. As you would when playing lacrosse, shape the pocket so that it faces outward. After that, insert newspaper inside the pocket to absorb moisture as it dries naturally.
Put your cleats in the washer if they are excessively dirty:
Put your shoes in a washing machine if hand washing and rinsing them don't get rid of all the extra filth. Use cold water and a light detergent on your washing machine's delicate cycle.
Before placing the studs in the washing, place them in a bag or pillowcase. They won't be able to bang about too much because of this.
While you're washing the cleats, don't load the washer with anything else.
Get rid of any excess water from the cleats:
Squeeze any remaining water from the tongues and foot supports of your shoes by opening them. Use a towel to dry the studs' exterior and interior. In
Let your cleats air dry:
To help your studs maintain their shape, stuff them with newspaper or a washcloth. Once they are totally dry, move them outside and leave them there.13]
Keep your cleats out of the dryer. Air-drying your shoes helps keep them in optimal condition.
How often should I wash my lacrosse pads and gloves?
The amount of use, the temperature, and the amount of perspiration your lacrosse pads and gloves receive will determine how often you should wash them. It could be essential to wash your pads more frequently if you play in hot or muggy conditions or perspire a lot.
How do I stop my lacrosse gear from smelling?
Are you trying to find ways to prevent lacrosse equipment from smelling? Here are a few brief pointers: When not in use, keep your lacrosse sticks in their bag or bucket. This lets them breathe and prevents them from becoming dusty and unclean.
- After each use, wipe your helmet's outside and interior. To prevent it from being too hot, keep it out of direct sunshine.
- Never keep damp equipment somewhere for longer than an hour without making sure it dries completely.
- Make use of a cleaning spray designed especially for equipment.
- Elbow and shoulder pads should be cleaned and kept without straps.
Never overlook the thorough cleaning! While a weekly or daily deep clean is not necessary, it is sometimes beneficial to keep your equipment in excellent condition.
You can soak everything in a bucket or bathtub instead of using the washer and dryer because much of your equipment won't fit in there and the heat may destroy some of it.
You may find that some of the larger pieces need a few days to completely dry, so plan your deep clean appropriately to avoid having wet pieces for your upcoming practice or game.
FAQs: How To Wash Lacrosse Gear
Q1: Can I wash my lacrosse gear in a washing machine?
A1: Some lacrosse gear, like jerseys and shorts, can usually be washed in a machine. However, equipment like helmets, gloves, and pads should not be machine-washed. Check the care labels and manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines.
Q2: How often should I wash my lacrosse gear?
A2: Ideally, you should clean your lacrosse gear after every game or practice session to maintain hygiene and freshness. Regular washing not only removes sweat and odor but also prolongs the lifespan of your equipment.
Q3: Can I use regular detergent for washing lacrosse gear?
A3: It’s best to use sports-specific laundry detergents designed to eliminate tough odors and bacteria from athletic gear. These detergents are formulated to break down sweat and grime effectively, leaving your gear smelling fresh.
Q4: Can I dry my lacrosse gear in a dryer?
A4: Avoid using a dryer for most lacrosse gear, as the heat can damage the materials and affect their performance. Instead, air-dry your gear by hanging it in a well-ventilated area. Some gear, like jerseys and shorts, might have specific care instructions, so always check labels.
Q5: How can I remove stubborn odors from my lacrosse gear?
A5: For persistent odors, consider soaking your gear in a mixture of water and vinegar before washing. Baking soda, activated charcoal, or specialized odor-eliminating sprays can also help neutralize smells effectively.
Q6: Can I wash my lacrosse shoes?
A6: Lacrosse shoes, especially those with leather or synthetic uppers, can usually be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking them in water or using a washing machine, as it can damage the shoe's structure and sole.
Conclusions:
Properly washing your lacrosse gear isn't just about hygiene; it's also about ensuring the longevity and performance of your equipment. By following the right cleaning techniques and using suitable products, you can keep your gear fresh, odor-free, and in top-notch condition.
Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your gear but also contributes to your overall comfort and performance on the field. Remember to read care labels, follow manufacturer's guidelines, and invest in sports-specific cleaning products to keep your lacrosse gear in prime shape for every game. With the right care, your gear will not only smell fresh but also provide the durability and support you need to excel in every match.
