Equipment Cleaning & Repair
It is a fact of life. You wear or use something and it is bound to become dirty and/or need repairs. How to clean hockey equipment or how to repair it are two questions many mothers, fathers and players ask. The answers vary, as do the various methods, preferences and services offered.
Tips To Cleaning Hockey Equipment
The easiest way to clean hockey equipment is to take it to a professional service. The company will wash, sanitize and finish your equipment, removing the “locker room” smell and possible health risks from fungi, yeast and bacteria. Dirty gear can produce more than smelly bodies. It can cause skin infections.
There are two basic types of cleaning service: those who use the “Esporta” system and those who use Ozone. Some describe the Esporta method as a safe, effective, environmentally friendly method of cleaning hockey gear. It involves wet washing which some claim is too expensive, inconvenient and, in terms of cleaning hockey equipment, takes too long to dry.
The Ozone hockey equipment cleaning method employs Ozone gas in the process. A dry system, it quickly cleans, sanitizes and prepares your hockey equipment. Some characterize it as convenient and fast but with questionable environmental ethics.
Another option is to do it yourself. There are two minds on this alternative. Some hockey equipment manufacturers say you should never submerge any item in water. It may never dry properly and is likely to suffer from shrinkage. Furthermore, using a washing machine can actually cause premature separation of the coatings on external materials.
As for using a dryer, some companies condemn this form of hockey equipment cleaning. Dry them by hand, if you must. Using a dryer can cause premature, unseen damage to the surface materials and internal padding. This will accelerate wear and tear.
For some people, cleaning hockey equipment does involve a washing machine. Recommended is a front loader, non-agitating machine. Stick shoulder pads, pants, gloves, and shin guards into a gentle wash cycle along with some deodorizing detergent. Wash then place in an open area to fully dry.
A hockey helmet does not go into a washer. It should be hand washed with a very mild soap and water or no tear shampoo. Wash the helmet gently both inside and out with the mixture then rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap. Using a clean towel, dry the hockey helmet completely.
One recommended hockey equipment cleaning product is OT Spray Fresh spray freshener. This product kills bacteria and gets rid of odor.
Hockey Equipment Repairs
As soon as you notice any frays, deep scratches, tears or other damage, get your equipment repaired. This will save you from further problems including expensive replacements. Usually, the most common types of hockey equipment repairs are to the skates and gloves. Best leave these kinds of repairs, including ice hockey goalie equipment repairs, to the professionals. You, however, can sew up minor tears to jerseys and other clothing.
In the end, there are two several things you can do to cut down on intensive cleaning of hockey equipment and costly repairs. Take your equipment out of the bag after every use. Clean all gear regularly and repair it as soon as you notice it start to fray.
