How to Wash Hockey Gear: Stop Rink Stink Forever

Every hockey player knows that unmistakable smell—the infamous "rink stink" that hits you the moment you unzip your gear bag. But that odor is more than just embarrassing. It's a sign of harmful bacteria that can cause skin infections, and it's slowly destroying equipment that cost you thousands of dollars.

The good news? With the right cleaning methods, you can eliminate the smell, protect your health, and make your gear last 12+ years instead of just a few seasons.

The Real Cost of Dirty Hockey Gear

That funky smell isn't just unpleasant—it's dangerous. Bacteria thriving in warm, moist environments can cause:

Staph infections through cuts and abrasions
Fungal infections and athlete's foot
Skin irritation and rashes
Premature equipment breakdown

One player shared a nightmare scenario: "My basement was flooded over the weekend and all of my gear was soaked." Emergency situations like this require immediate action to save expensive equipment from permanent damage.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

The best cleaning strategy starts before you even need to wash your gear. Hockey equipment veteran Coach Jeremy learned this the hard way after finding mold throughout his gear and rust on his skates from improper summer storage.

After Every Game or Practice:

Remove gear from your bag immediately—leaving it zipped up is asking for trouble
Wipe down with disinfectant spray to kill bacteria before it multiplies
Air dry everything in a well-ventilated space

The Newspaper Trick

Here's a pro tip from experienced players: crumple up newspaper and stuff it in your skates, gloves, and throughout your bag. The newspaper absorbs moisture that causes bacteria growth. Replace it after each use for maximum effectiveness.

Storage Horror Stories

Coach Jeremy warns about the dangers of improper storage: "My brother found a family of mice living inside his hockey glove one time. I've also heard of bees making nests in there... and in the south I've heard of scorpions hide inside the skates."

Always store gear in a dry location with your bag zipped shut.

Method 1: Machine Washing (The Efficient Approach)

Despite what you might think, most hockey gear can survive the washing machine. As one player noted, "These shin pads I've had since I was 17 years old and now I'm 29... hockey equipment is made to take a beating."

What You Can Machine Wash:

Hockey pants
Shoulder pads
Elbow pads
Shin guards (remove inserts)
Base layers and jerseys
Socks and jock
Hockey bag

What Never Goes in the Machine:

Helmet
Skates
Gloves (high damage risk—one player reported "murdered my gloves doing this")

The Two-Load Strategy:

Load 1 - Soft Items: Jerseys, socks, base layers, hockey bag

Load 2 - Bulky Gear: Pads and protective equipment

Machine Settings That Work:

Water temperature: Cold only (hot water melts glues and damages materials)
Cycle: Gentle or delicate
Detergent: Mild, bleach-free
Spin cycle: Low or skip entirely for bulky items

Critical Preparations:

Secure all velcro straps to prevent snagging
Remove any loose inserts or liners
Turn jerseys inside-out to protect graphics
Never use fabric softener—it leaves waxy residue that attracts more dirt

Method 2: The "Bathtub Soup" Method

The hockey community has affectionately named this technique "bathtub soup," and while the name might make you laugh, the results are serious. This method works especially well for gear that's too bulky for your machine or needs deep cleaning.

The Recipe:

3-6 inches of warm (not hot) water
1/2 cup mild laundry detergent
2 tablespoons baking soda
Optional: 1 cup white vinegar for extra odor fighting

The Process:

Fill your tub with the cleaning solution
Add all gear except helmets and skates
Let soak for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally
Warning: "Be prepared for the black water of death in your tub if it's been a while"
Drain and rinse with clean water until soap is gone
Repeat if water was especially dark

Reality Check on Timing:

One experienced player admits: "This is a pretty long process... keep it in here for a couple hours... then let it dry overnight." Plan for 4-24 hours total, including drying time.

Most players do this deep clean "maybe twice a season if that, but it is really important to wash your gear every once in a while."

Method 3: Emergency and Quick Cleaning Solutions

Sometimes you need fast results. Whether your basement flooded, you're traveling for a tournament, or you just discovered your gear before tomorrow's game, these solutions work in a pinch.

The OxyClean Emergency Method:

The Reddit community's highest-voted solution for crisis cleaning:

Use OxyClean with room temperature water only
Soak for 10-15 minutes maximum
Drain and rinse until water runs clear
Gets gear clean without long soaking times

Laundromat Strategy:

For those without suitable home washing machines:

Bring extra towels to pad the inside of commercial machines
Use front-loaders only (no center agitator)
Stay nearby to monitor—commercial machines are powerful
Skip or use minimal spin cycle

Travel Tournament Cleaning:

Pack disinfectant wipes for daily wipe-downs
Use hotel bathtubs for quick rinses
Hang gear on shower rods or balconies to dry
Consider portable drying racks for frequent travelers

Equipment-Specific Care Instructions

Not all gear is created equal. Here's how to handle each piece:

Helmets

Never submerge the shell—it can trap water and grow mold
Remove any removable liners and wash separately
Spray interior with antibacterial spray
Wipe down with soft, damp cloth
Let air dry completely before reassembling

Skates

These require the most careful treatment:

Never soak or machine wash—this causes rust and breakdown
Remove insoles after every use to dry separately
Clean interior with vinegar-water solution (50/50 mix)
For persistent odor: "You gotta do it a whole bunch of times for it to have that lasting effect"
Consider replacement insoles like Superfeet if originals are beyond saving

Gloves

The most controversial piece of equipment when it comes to washing:

Hand washing recommended due to high damage risk
If machine washing: use mesh bag, coldest water, gentlest cycle
Never put in dryer—heat destroys palm material
Air dry with fingers spread open

Goalie Equipment

Special considerations for goalie gear:

Avoid full submersion—water can separate glue layers
Use spray cleaners and wipe-down method
Mink oil treatment extends leather component life significantly
One goalie reported their properly maintained blocker lasted 4+ years while their teammate's "completely fallen apart"

Jerseys

Follow these steps for game and practice jerseys:

Always check care label first
Pre-treat any stains with stain remover
Turn inside-out to protect numbers and logos
Wash in cold water on delicate cycle
Use mild, bleach-free detergent
Air dry only—never use dryer heat on jerseys

Critical Warnings from the Hockey Community

Learn from others' expensive mistakes:

Temperature Dangers

"Do NOT use hot water. It will melt the glues and solvents that give your equipment its integrity." Multiple players confirmed hot water destroyed their gear's protective qualities.

Chemical Don'ts

Never use bleach: "It can deteriorate the parts of the hockey equipment like the foam and different pieces of padding"
Skip fabric softener: Creates buildup that actually attracts more dirt and odor
Avoid harsh detergents: Strip protective coatings from equipment

Machine Risks

Top-loading machines with center agitators are equipment killers. If that's all you have:

Use extra-gentle settings
Add towels for padding
Consider hand washing instead

The Drying Process: Where Most People Fail

Proper drying is just as important as washing. Gear put away damp will smell worse than before you cleaned it.

Optimal Drying Setup:

Hang gear in well-ventilated area
Use multiple fans for air circulation
Position near dehumidifier if available
Allow 12-24 hours minimum
Rotate gear positions for even drying

Sun Drying Considerations:

Sunlight kills bacteria naturally
However, prolonged exposure fades colors
Best practice: Initial sun exposure (1-2 hours), then shade

Never Do This:

Put gear in the dryer (heat damages everything)
Store gear before completely dry
Leave in closed car or bag while damp
Stack wet gear together

Long-Term Equipment Care

With proper cleaning and maintenance, quality hockey gear can last over a decade. Consider these long-term strategies:

Regular Maintenance Schedule:

After every game: Air dry and disinfect
Weekly: Thorough wipe-down and inspection
Mid-season: Deep clean using preferred method
End of season: Full cleaning and proper storage

Investment Protection:

Quality gear costs 500-2,000+ for youth players
Proper care extends lifespan from 2-3 years to 10-12 years
Calculate savings: Proper maintenance saves thousands over a playing career

The Mink Oil Secret:

Old-school goalies swear by this technique for leather components:

Apply mink oil to leather parts before and after season
Work into stitching with soft brush
Extends leather life by 10x according to long-time players
Costs about $10 for years of protection

Your Clean Gear Action Plan

Eliminating rink stink and protecting your equipment investment doesn't have to be complicated:

Start with prevention: Dry gear immediately after every use
Choose your cleaning method: Machine, bathtub, or emergency solutions based on your situation
Set realistic expectations: Deep cleaning takes time but only needs to happen 2-3 times per season
Focus on complete drying: This prevents more problems than any cleaning method
Create a routine: Regular maintenance prevents emergency situations

Remember, that notorious hockey smell isn't just embarrassing—it's your gear telling you it needs attention. By following these proven methods from experienced players and coaches, you'll eliminate odors, prevent infections, and make your expensive equipment last for years to come.

Your teammates will thank you, your wallet will thank you, and most importantly, you'll play better knowing your gear is clean, safe, and performing at its best.