If you’ve ever tried to deodorize hockey equipment, you know the struggle is real. Hockey gear traps sweat, and when that sweat gets sealed inside a gear bag, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Letting your gear air dry is a good habit, but it doesn’t actually clean it. Drying can help reduce moisture, but the bacteria and odor don’t just disappear with airflow. You need to disinfect and deodorize the surfaces to truly eliminate the source of the smell.
Beyond the stink, bacteria and mold in hockey gear can pose serious health risks. Skin infections like MRSA, impetigo, and ringworm are common in contact sports, and contaminated gear is often the culprit. Mold exposure can also trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Keeping your hockey gear clean isn’t just about avoiding the stink-it’s about protecting your health, extending your equipment’s lifespan, and boosting your performance.
Why Use Hockey Equipment Cleaning Sprays?
- Disinfect and Deodorize: Stinky odors are caused by hockey equipment that hasn’t been treated and disinfected.
- Health Protection: Prevent skin infections and respiratory issues by eliminating bacteria and mold.
- Equipment Longevity: Regular cleaning helps your gear last longer.
Top Hockey Equipment Cleaning Sprays
Here are some of the top products designed to keep your hockey gear fresh and safe:
Vapor Fresh
Vapor Fresh is the #1 hockey equipment cleaning spray for a number of reasons. Vapor Fresh is actually a 2-in-1 helmet cleaner. First, you can spray Vapor Fresh on the inside and outside of the helmet and then wipe it dry with a towel. This will allow you to effectively lift and wipe away sweat and debris. Second, after wiping everything clean, you can spray the inside of your helmet one more time but let it sit and don't wipe it away.
- Zero Harsh Chemicals: Non-irritating and non-toxic, so it won't ruin your gear or irritate your skin.
- Versatile: The most versatile spray for hockey equipment.
- Effective Odor Elimination: Fantastic at eliminating those smelly odors from your hockey gloves when used in conjunction with a proper cleaning routine.
- Free of harmful quats and other harsh chemicals found in other sports cleaning sprays that can irritate your skin and make your equipment rough and uncomfortable.
- Specifically designed for sports equipment unlike traditional cleaning sprays designed for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Strong enough to eliminate odors from your hockey gear. Just because your dangles are dirty doesn't mean your gear has to be.
Howies Equipment Deodorizer/Sanitizer
Howies Equipment Deodorizer/Sanitizer is specifically engineered to keep your gear safe, sanitized, and smelling great.
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Instructions:
- Let your gear air dry before use.
- In a well ventilated area, shake well and spray Howies Equipment Deodorizer evenly over garments or equipment.
- Let gear fully dry after use.
- Repeat process to increase effectiveness.
Ingredients:Deionized water, Benzalkonium Chloride, Odor Suppression Agent, Fragrance
Caution: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. If swallowed, give two glassfuls of water and contact a physician immediately.
Matguard Disinfectant Spray and Wipes
Matguard Disinfectant Spray is your go-to for large, hard-surface items like helmets, shin guards, and skates. These wipes are ideal for high-touch, fabric-lined gear like gloves, shoulder pads, and elbow pads. They’re strong enough to kill bacteria, yet gentle on materials. Matguard’s disinfectant sprays and wipes are tough on bacteria but safe enough for daily use. Unlike harsh cleaners, Matguard products won’t degrade the foam, plastic, or stitching on your gear. From youth leagues to professional programs, Matguard is the go-to solution for keeping gear clean.
Clear Gear Spray
Step ③After treating with Clear Gear Spray, hang or store equipment in a well-ventilated area and allow to fully air dry.
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How to Properly Clean Your Hockey Gear
If you want to deodorize hockey equipment the right way, you need to go piece by piece.
General Steps
- Remove any detachable padding if possible.
- Airflow is key, so toss gear into mesh laundry bags post-practice and hang everything on a dry rack.
- One of the easiest ways to deodorize hockey equipment is to stop the smell before it starts. Never, ever leave your gear zipped in the bag overnight. Open everything up and let it breathe.
- Make it a habit to do a full wipe-down every 5-7 days. Regular disinfecting keeps odor in check and helps your gear last longer.
How To Clean Hockey Equipment
Specific Gear Cleaning
Gloves, blockers, catch gloves: Apply 3-4 sprays inside the gloves and blockers.
Skates: Apply 3-4 sprays inside the skate, making sure to spray the tongue and walls of the boot. Pull out the insoles and spray them down with disinfectant. Wipe the interior of the boots-especially around the heel and toe areas. These can go straight into the wash with antibacterial detergent.
Helmets, chin straps, and cages: Spray liberally inside the helmet (3-5 sprays) with special attention to the forehead area and chin straps. Spray the interior with Matguard Disinfectant Spray and wipe down the shell and cage with a clean cloth.
Elbow pads, shin pads, goalie chest protectors: Spray liberally on the inside of the pads that come in contact with the player’s body. Use Matguard Disinfectant Wipes to hit all the high-sweat zones-especially the armpits and straps. For larger areas, give them a quick spray for deeper coverage. Open all straps to reach inside crevices where bacteria love to hide. Wipe thoroughly with disinfectant wipes, then use spray on the hard plastic shells.
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Equipment bags: Periodically empty the bag of all equipment and contents, and spray liberally inside the bag to eliminate bacteria, mold, and mildew. Don’t forget the gear graveyard itself. Empty the entire bag and wipe the interior with disinfectant wipes and spray down the corners and seams where grime collects.
When to Replace Your Gear
Even with the best effort to deodorize hockey equipment, some gear eventually hits a point of no return. If you spot black, green, or white patches growing in or on your gear, that’s mold-and it’s not something you can wipe away. Deep-set bacteria can also cling to foam and fabric that’s been damp too often. If you’ve wiped it, sprayed it, aired it out, and it still smells, the odor is likely embedded into the materials. Stubborn stench after a full deodorizing routine means your gear is past its lifespan.
Tips for Buying New Gear
When buying new gear, look for items with removable liners, open mesh sections, or moisture-wicking fabric. A clean body means cleaner gear. Use antibacterial body wipes before suiting up to reduce sweat bacteria transfer.