How to maintain your hockey equipment like a pro

From pads and protectors to undergarments and helmets, hockey equipment needs to be properly maintained and cared for. Learn the tricks professionals use.
Whether removing "rink stink" or preserving your valuable equipment, here’s what the pros do to ensure maximum lifespan and performance.

Wash these in cold or warm water after each game or practice. It’s best to let them air dry naturally either by hanging or laying them flat. Avoid putting them in the dryer.

After each game, the athletic support should be washed and air dried naturally. You need to periodically remove the cup and wash it to prevent bacterial buildup.

Naturally, everything must be air dried after each match. You can clean your pads by brushing them with warm, soapy water. Hockey pants can be machine washed once you remove all the padding.

You need to let your shoulder pads air-dry after every game. Inspect them regularly for cracks or tears and to make sure the fasteners and attachments are secure.

Always air-dry your gloves after every use. Avoid getting moisture on your gloves (particularly the palm) as it can break down the fibers. Be sure to repair your gloves as soon as you notice any damage.

Like all your other equipment, your helmet should be air dried after each use. It’s important to respect the safety standards observed by the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and never modify your helmet. Once the helmet is cracked or damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Wipe the blades dry to prevent rust, and always put on your skate guards. You also need to dry the inside of the skates by pulling the tongue out and opening up the boot as much as you can. If you have removable insoles, take them out and let them dry as well.

The frequency you sharpen your blades depends on how often you use them. For example, if you skate more than three times a week, you should get them sharpened weekly. Inspect blades regularly to make sure they are straight and secure.

The best way to protect your stick, besides taping it, is to let it air-dry naturally after each use. You must never, ever store a hockey stick near a heater.

To maintain their shape, place your pads in an upright position and let them air-dry naturally. Just like with sticks and gloves, never set them near a heat source.

1. Specialty hockey hangers and racks for equipment are a useful accessory for drying and storing your gear.

2. Place a box of baking soda in your hockey bag to reduce funk and odour.

3. Take your hockey equipment in to be professionally cleaned at least once or twice a year. Specialized sports equipment cleaning services have methods which fully eliminate odours and the bacteria that cause them.