How to Clean Hockey Equipment (Goalies & Players)

Highlights

• Clean first, then disinfect sweat-heavy points to control odour and germs.
• HOCl-based solutions are low-odour and material-smart for foams, plastics, leather, rubber, and metals when used as directed.
• Goalie vs. skater: similar steps, but goalies need extra attention on pads, catcher/blocker, and chest/arm.
• Drying matters: airflow and spacing beat “stewing” in a bag. Avoid heat on foams/leather.
• Steel care: wipe blades dry after cleaning to prevent corrosion.
• Routine wins: quick post-practice wipe-downs beat emergency fixes.

Why clean → then disinfect (with HOCl) works best

This hockey gear wash guide shows goalies and players how to wash hockey equipment safely without damaging foams, leather, or adhesives. Cleaning removes sweat, oils, and soil that block disinfectants. After cleaning, disinfect high-touch zones (liners, bands, palms) with an HOCl-based solution—strong on microbes, low odour, and material-friendly when used as directed. Public-health guidance is consistent: clean high-touch surfaces routinely; disinfect when risk is higher or illness is present.

Home users: browse our Kitchen & Bath Collection. Teams & rinks: see School & Workplace Collection.  

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Note on process: Effective hockey equipment washing starts with mild cleaners and microfiber, then targeted disinfection where sweat builds up.

How to clean goalie pads and gloves (goalie routine)

1. Unload & open — unstrap pads, open catcher/blocker wide; expose liners and cradles.
2. Clean — apply solution to a microfiber cloth (don’t flood seams). Wipe mask padding, chest/arm panels, pad exteriors/straps, and blocker/catcher exteriors.
3. Disinfect sweat zones with HOCl — treat mask padding/chin, catcher palm, blocker liner, chest/arm inner contact, pad calf/knee cradles. Keep surfaces wet for label contact time.
4. Leather & adhesives — light, even passes; avoid soaking old leather palms or stitched seams.
5. Dry — hang pads; use a fan to move air through liners. No direct heat.

How to clean hockey skates and prevent rust

1. Uppers first — clean with microfiber (solution on cloth).
2. Blades — do not soak; after cleaning, wipe blades fully dry and store with breathable blade covers to avoid trapping moisture.
3. Eyelets & holders — light passes; avoid forcing liquid into rivets or holders.
4. Weekly — remove footbeds/liners to air-dry; wipe shells and reinstall dry.

How to clean hockey helmet and visor

• Helmet interior — apply solution to a microfiber cloth; wipe padding, bands, and chin areas (don’t spray into vents).
• Visor — use microfiber only; mild soap/water if needed; avoid abrasive materials that scratch coatings.
• Cages & hardware — wipe gently; dry metal to reduce corrosion.
• Product tip — Avoid harsh chemicals; choose a mild hockey equipment cleaner or HOCl-based solution to protect coatings and adhesives.

How to deodorize a hockey bag (and keep it that way)

• Empty every time — take everything out; open cuffs/liners.
• Wipe the interior — solution on cloth; focus on handles and high-contact panels.
• Dry before reloading — don’t trap moisture; consider mesh bags or vented lockers.
• Weekly — quick interior wipe + full gear wipe-down.

How to clean hockey gloves (palms & liners)

1. Exterior wipe — solution on microfiber for shells.
2. Palms & liners — disinfect with HOCl; keep wet for contact time; avoid over-wetting older leather palms.
3. Dry — open cuffs; air-circulate or fan-assist (no direct heat).

Make it easy. Our 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant (HOCl-based) is a low-odour hockey gear cleaner that’s gentle on foams and fabrics when used as directed.

Pro routine (in-season)

• After every skate — quick wipe on liners, gloves, and helmet band; open to dry.
• Weekly — full wipe-down + bag interior.
• Tournament weekends — pack extra microfibers; rotate while others dry.

FAQs

Q1. Best way to dry hockey equipment after cleaning?
A. Airflow is king. Open cuffs/liners, spread gear on a rack, and use a fan. Avoid direct heat (it can damage foams, coatings, and adhesives).

Q2. Can I use an HOCl-based solution on all hockey gear?
A. Yes—when used as directed. Apply to a cloth (don’t spray into seams/electronics), keep surfaces wet for label contact time, then dry metals to prevent corrosion.

Q3. Should I disinfect hockey gear after every game?
A. Clean after every use; disinfect high-touch/sweat zones regularly, and always after illness, tournaments, or when odour returns quickly—consistent with public-health “clean routinely, disinfect when risk is higher” guidance.

Q4. What’s the safest way to disinfect hockey equipment?
A. Use a low-odour HOCl solution. Apply with a microfiber cloth, keep surfaces wet for label contact time, then dry metal parts to prevent corrosion.

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For more information, contact us here. 

Sources

• CDC — Cleaning & Disinfecting (2025): clean high-touch surfaces routinely; disinfect when risk is higher or someone is sick. CDC
• CDC — Chemical Disinfectants (Chlorine): disinfecting efficacy decreases as pH rises (HOCl → OCl⁻); HOCl is the more microbicidal species. CDC
• CDC — Guideline for Disinfection & Sterilization (PDF): microbicidal activity is largely due to undissociated HOCl; notes on corrosiveness at high concentrations. CDC
• Hockey Canada / Safety resources: maintenance and air-drying emphasized; follow manufacturer care for helmets. Sport Ngin+1
• SPMHA (St. Albert) Goalie Equipment Care: “ALWAYS air-dry… DO NOT use heat” to prevent damage and odour. spmha.ab.ca
• Pure Hockey — Visor maintenance: use fine microfiber; avoid rough/abrasive materials. Pure Hockey

Compliance note
Use only as directed on the product label. Avoid direct spraying into seams, vents, or electronics. Dry metals after cleaning. For food-adjacent areas at rinks, follow local regulations and label instructions.