Ultimate Guide To Cleaning & Deodorizing Hockey Gloves

There is no worse smell in the world than how your hands smell after a hockey game. It even has a name - hockey glove hands.

If you want to extend the life of your hockey gloves and keep them performing and smelling like new for as long as possible, you need to make sure you’re caring for your hockey equipment properly. And trust me, your friends and family will thank you.

Follow these tips to keep those mitts fresh as new!

Step 1. Preventative Maintenance Is The Name Of The Game

Unfortunately even the best hockey equipment deodorizing spray will have a tough time bringing an absolutely nasty pair of hockey gloves back to life. There is indeed a point of no return.

The best thing you can do for your hockey gloves is to start properly caring for them as soon as possible before they get to that point. The sooner you start, the less lingering odor will take hold and the longer you’ll be able to enjoy your hockey gloves before buying new ones.

Step 2. Wash Hands Before Use

Before every hockey game and practice, you should make sure to wash your hands with soap and water prior to putting your gloves on. This will help eliminate as much bacteria from your hands as possible which will prevent that odor-causing bacteria from entering your gloves.

If you really want to take it to the next level you can use hand sanitizer as well, but that’s not necessary.

Step 3. Start The Cleaning Process As Soon As Possible After Use

The quicker you start this cleaning routine after a game or practice, the more effective it will be. Odor is caused by bacteria, so the longer you let the bacteria sit, the better opportunity they have at embedding permanent odors and the harder they will be to remove.

Step 4. Spray Your Gloves Down With Vapor Fresh

The first thing you’ll want to do after every practice and game is spray your hockey gloves with a natural sports cleaning spray. Just 3-4 sprays in each glove will do the trick.

We recommend our Vapor Fresh Sports Cleaning & Deodorizing Spray because it checks all the boxes a hockey equipment cleaning spray should have:

• Natural, so it doesn’t cause any irritation
• Safe on all sports pads
• Strong enough to eliminate even the toughest odors
• Smells great
• Free of artificial fragrances and quats

Step 5. Air Dry Your Gloves Completely Before Packing Them Away

After spraying your hockey gloves down, allow them to fully air dry prior to packing them back in your hockey bag. Hockey bags are dark, damp and have very restrictive air flow, which is the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

By leaving your gloves out to dry completely, you starve that bacteria and allow your gloves to return to an odor-free state. If you start this process soon after a practice or game, it should only take a few hours, but it’s usually best to leave them out overnight.

Can You Wash Hockey Gloves In The Washing Machine?

No, we do not recommending washing your hockey gloves in the washing machine. We also do not recommend cleaning your hockey skates in the washing machine either. However, many other pieces of hockey equipment can go in the washing machine.

Of course you should check with your glove manufacturer first, but in general hockey gloves have many different materials, most of which don't hold up well in the washing machine.

A much better, safer option would be to soak them in a tub or sink with warm water and some gentle hand soap. Swish them around, rinse them off and allow them to dry completely before storing them away.

The Best Hockey Glove Cleaning Spray is Vapor Fresh

You can trust not only your hockey gloves but all your hockey equipment with Vapor Fresh Sports Cleaning Spray. This spray was specifically designed to clean and deodorize sports pads and fitness equipment without the use of harsh chemicals. It particularly excels at cleaning and deodorizing all hockey pads, especially hockey gloves.

It’s trusted by hockey players and hockey moms across the country for a reason - it works. So grab a bottle for yourself today!