Highlights
- Curling stones collect sweat, fingerprints, and microbial residue between users.
- Handles are high-touch and should be quickly disinfected before every draw.
- Curling shoes require safe, scent-free cleaning that won’t damage sliders or rubber.
- Shared locker rooms increase surface-contact exposure in winter months.
- HOCl offers streak-free, scent-free cleaning ideal for delicate curling gear.
- A simple pre- and post-practice routine keeps athletes safer all season.
Why Curling Gear Needs a Safe, Simple Cleaning Routine
Curling is one of Canada’s most iconic winter sports—and one of the most shared-equipment sports in the country. Stones, handles, grippers, brooms, sliders, and even locker-room benches cycle between dozens of hands every day.
A clean routine keeps gear performing well and reduces germs during the busiest arena months.
Explore the trusted products in our School & Workplace Collection.
Why Curling Stones & Handles Need Regular Cleaning
Curling stones move from hand to hand all day long—sometimes between dozens of players in a single bonspiel. Sweat, skin oils, and arena dust settle onto both the granite and the handle.
Traditional disinfectants can:
- leave streaks on polished stone
- create harsh fumes in indoor rinks
- irritate hands or gloves
- damage certain plastics
A hypochlorous acid (HOCl) spray eliminates these issues. It is:
- streak-free
- scent-free
- rinse-free
- non-corrosive
Perfect for sensitive curling surfaces.
How to Clean Curling Stones (Step-by-Step)
1. Wipe off visible debris.
Remove dust, hair, and ice shavings.
2. Lightly spray with HOCl.
Use a 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant from CleanSmart (DIN-regulated).
3. Wipe in smooth circles.
A low-lint microfiber towel works best.
4. Clean the handle thoroughly.
This is the highest-touch part of the stone.
5. Allow to air dry.
HOCl dries quickly and leaves no residue.
Curling Shoes & Grippers: Safe Cleaning for Specialty Materials
Curling shoes take on sweat, moisture, and dust every game, and their delicate sliders and rubber grippers can lose performance when cleaned with harsh products.
Use HOCl because it is:
- non-bleaching
- non-perfumed
- safe for rubber and Teflon sliders
- effective on sweat-prone surfaces
How to Clean Curling Shoes
- Spray the upper surface lightly.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
- Spray the rubber gripper (inside & outside).
- Allow to dry before storage.
- Avoid abrasive or scented products that degrade rubber and slider performance.
See the full School & Workplace Collection for winter-sport disinfectants.
Shared Locker Rooms: A Winter Hygiene Priority
Warm locker rooms + shared gloves, shoes, and benches = ideal conditions for microbial buildup.
High-touch areas include:
- benches
- hooks
- cubbies
- doorknobs
- broom handles
- rental gear
A quick HOCl spray-and-wipe routine avoids strong scents that linger in heated indoor spaces.
Quick Pre- and Post-Practice Routine for Teams
Before Practice
- Wipe stone handles.
- Clean grippers & shoes.
- Spray shared brooms & stabilizers.
After Practice
- Wipe stones again to remove sweat residue.
- Spray locker touchpoints.
- Clean shoes before packing them away.
This simple routine works for youth programs, competitive leagues, and recreational clubs.
For safe, streak-free cleaning trusted in Canadian arenas, try our
1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant—or browse the full School & Workplace Collection.
Questions for your arena or club?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Curling Gear Hygiene
Q1. Can you disinfect curling stones without damaging the surface?
A. Yes. HOCl is safe for polished granite and plastic handles. It leaves no streaks and requires no rinsing.
Q2. How often should curling shoes be cleaned?
A. After every practice or game—especially the gripper, which accumulates sweat and bacteria.
Q3. Are scent-free disinfectants important for curling rinks?
A. Yes. Harsh scents linger in warm indoor arenas and can irritate athletes during long events.
Q4. Can HOCl be used in shared locker rooms?
A. Yes. It is ideal for benches, hooks, cubbies, and other high-touch areas.
Sources
- Goldline Curling – “Dr. Goldline on Caring for Curling Shoes” Goldline
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BalancePlus – “Curling Equipment Maintenance and Tips” BalancePlus
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CurlingBasics.com – “Equipment – Curling Explained” CurlingBasics
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Matguard – “Locker Room Hygiene and Cleanliness” Matguard