Football gear consists of pads, jerseys, helmets and footwear designed to protect players from injury during games and practice. Surprisingly, very few players routinely clean their gear, which allows strong odors to develop fairly quickly. The unpleasant odor of most football gear is caused by bacteria and mold growth, which flourishes in the moist, dark areas inside player's helmets or pads. These bacteria can irritate skin or even lead to staph infections and other illnesses. To protect yourself and extend the life of your gear, it's important to clean your equipment thoroughly after every use.
Clean Jerseys and Pants
Step 1
Prepare your clothes for washing. Turn jerseys inside out to protect printing and decals. Tie the string on your pants so it doesn't come out in the wash. Remove all pads from the pockets of your pants.
Step 2
Pre-treat tough stains such as grass or mud. Apply Shout to these stains and soak the items in warm water for a few minutes prior to washing.
Step 3
Wash clothes immediately after games or practice to minimize odors. Use standard laundry detergent and a cleaning booster like Oxyclean poured directly into the washer. Use cold water to minimize shrinkage, and run the clothes through the cleaning cycle twice if needed.
Step 4
Dry clothes on a low setting immediately after washing.
Pads and Helmets
Step 1
Squirt dish soap or a similar mild detergent onto a wet rag. Wipe down all pads with this rag to remove dirt, sweat and bacteria. Rinse your rag and re-apply more soap before wiping down the inside and outside of your helmet, including the mask.
Step 2
Rinse your rag with warm water and wipe away any soap or grime left on the pads or helmet. Repeat this process several times until all soap has been removed.
Step 3
Dry pads and helmets thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
Football Cleats or Shoes
Step 1
Untie your cleats or football shoes immediately after the game. Loosen the laces and lift the tongues out so the inside of the shoes can dry. Don't leave these items in your gym bag or locker, and place them outside to dry whenever possible.
Step 2
Brush away dried-on mud and dirt with a stiff brush. Avoid wire bristles, and look for brushes made with natural bristles. Use the brush to clean the surface of the cleats as well as the soles.
Step 3
Wipe the cleats clean with a damp rag to remove any remaining dirt or soap.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider professional gear cleaning services if you are having trouble keeping your sports gear clean.
- Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on football gear as these products can shorten the life of your equipment.
