How to Clean Stinky Football Equipment

Ahh, it’s that time of year again. Still hot, but school is around the corner and the smell of football cleats wafts through the air. Football practice has begun and stinky football equipment is piled high in my foyer. So how can you kill that smell? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years.

First, immediately upon getting home all equipment should be aired out and dried. Cleats, helmet, shoulder pads, receiver gloves and practice jerseys should be hung or propped in circulating air. I prefer to place my son’s gear on the front porch or in the garage if it is raining. Hanging the equipment over a clothes line would work well also. If you must bring the equipment inside try to place it in an out of the way area such as a basement or utility room because the small can permeate the whole house. When the weather turns cold we will use the utility room and a fan, but it is best to leave the gear out to dry if at all possible. Spray all the gear with a disinfectant spray such as Lysol.

Shorts, tee shirts, football pants and jerseys should be washed in the washing machine after each use according to instructions on the label. Bleach is not recommended for most jerseys and pants but if needed, I use a little non-chlorine (color safe) bleach. A stain removing spray should be used on mud, grass, and blood stains, preferably, before they set in.

Once or twice a week, I rinse the receiver gloves and chin guard in cold water. Receiver gloves can smell just as awful as cleats but I recommend not using any soap. Soap can deteriorate the sticky area on the palms. If necessary use a drip of dishwashing soap and rinse well. Hang to dry.

Cleats left unattended in the trunk of the car can be smelled in the cabin. Drying the shoes and spraying with a disinfectant spray is key. Foot powder or baking soda can be sprinkled in the cleats to help absorb the nasty odor. I also sprinkle very small amounts of powder in the receiving gloves. When they are dry, I store both the cleats and gloves with dryer sheets in them. I save all my used dryer sheets for use with the football gear.

Wipe down the shoulder pads and occasionally rinse off the other pads. Spray with a disinfectant spray and dry. Before storing pads I spray again with a fabric odor eliminator, such as Fabreeze. The helmet should be wiped down and if any of the pads can be removed they should be rinsed. Spray everything with a disinfectant spray and dry.

Don’t forget the equipment bag! Empty any accumulated mud out of the bag and if needed wipe with a damp clothe. Spray with a disinfectant spray and dry. Place several dryer sheets in the equipment bag when you repack it.

These tips will help keep sports equipment smelling fresh. Teach your child how to care for his own equipment and you will, hopefully, smell the sweet smell of responsibility.