As a lacrosse player, you put a lot of wear and tear on your gear. The constant sweating, mud, and dirt can make your equipment smell and look unsanitary. But with the right cleaning techniques, you can keep your gear in top condition and extend its life.
In this article, we’ll go over the best practices for washing lacrosse gear, including gloves, pads, and apparel. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll learn how to keep your gear clean, fresh, and ready for your next game.
Washing Lacrosse Gloves
Lacrosse gloves are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a player, as they protect your hands from sticks, balls, and other players. To keep your gloves in top condition, you need to wash them regularly to get rid of dirt, sweat, and bacteria.
Here’s how to wash your lacrosse gloves:
- Empty the gloves of any dirt or debris.
- Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a small amount of detergent.
- Place the gloves in the water and gently agitate them, being careful not to damage the material.
- Rinse the gloves thoroughly with warm water.
- Hang the gloves to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- It’s important to avoid using hot water or putting your gloves in the dryer, as this can shrink or damage the material. Also, be mindful of the detergent you use, as some brands can be harsh and cause the material to break down over time.
Washing Lacrosse Pads
Lacrosse pads are designed to protect your body from impacts, but they can also become smelly and dirty over time. To keep your pads in good condition, it’s important to wash them regularly.
Here’s how to wash your lacrosse pads:
- Remove any dirt or debris from the pads.
- Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of detergent.
- Place the pads in the water and gently agitate them, being careful not to damage the foam.
- Rinse the pads thoroughly with warm water.
- Hang the pads to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Like gloves, it’s important to avoid using hot water or putting your pads in the dryer, as this can shrink or damage the foam. Additionally, be mindful of the detergent you use, as some brands can be harsh and cause the foam to break down over time.
Washing Lacrosse Apparel
In addition to gloves and pads, lacrosse players also need to wash their apparel, including jerseys, shorts, and compression gear. To keep your apparel clean and fresh, it’s important to follow these steps:
- Check the care label on each item to see if it needs to be hand washed or machine washed.
- Use a mild detergent and cold water for machine washing.
- Hang the apparel to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- It’s important to avoid using hot water or putting your apparel in the dryer, as this can shrink or damage the material. Additionally, be mindful of the detergent you use, as some brands can be harsh and cause the material to break down over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your lacrosse gear clean and fresh is important for the longevity of the equipment and for ensuring a healthy and pleasant playing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively wash your lacrosse gear and keep it looking and smelling like new. It is recommended to wash your gear after each use and to periodically wash your equipment during the season to maintain its freshness. By keeping your lacrosse gear clean, you can ensure that it will last for many seasons to come.
