Dr. Neal Chen, clinical lecturer in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Michigan, recommends that you use a knee support if you have had a previous injury, have mild pain or have generally weak knees and you are planning on playing a sport that involves the use of your knees. Playing sports while wearing a knee support can leave it smelly, sweaty and filled with germs. Clean your knee supports properly after each use so it will be clean and fresh when you need to use it again.
Step 1
Remove any plastic inserts from the knee support pockets. Wet a wash cloth and gently rub down the knee support. Remove any visible dirt from metal components and hinges.
Step 2
Fill a bucket with enough water to completely submerge the knee supports. Add 2 tbsp. of an antibacterial dish detergent, and then add a little more water to create soapy bubbles. Place your knee supports in the bucket, and leave them to soak for at least an hour.
Step 3
Remove the knee supports from the water, but don't wring them out. Wringing them out may weaken the fabric. Wipe down all of the metal components with a dry towel to remove any soap, and carefully pat the fabric components with a dry towel.
Step 4
Hang your knee supports on a clothing line to dry outside, if possible. Hanging them in sunlight is the best way to dry them without damaging or weakening them. If you can't dry them outside, spread them out on a dry towel to dry, or hang them somewhere in your laundry room to drip dry.
Step 5
Lubricate the hinges and connection metal components with a silicone lubricant to allow for the best performance. The water may strip the components of oil, keeping them from being flexible. A lubricant will restore them to make the joints and hinges move smoothly.
Step 6
Replace any plastic supports that you removed to wash the knee supports, and store in a cool, dry place.
Things You'll Need
- Dish detergent
- Bucket
- Scrub brush
- Towel
- Lubricant
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