How to Clean & Deodorize Stinky Lacrosse Gear

Lacrosse is a popular team sport that’s been around for centuries. For those who have either watched the games or entered the field, you’ll know that you need certain gear to play.

What’s the best way to keep your lacrosse equipment clean? Can you use a disinfectant spray? What product should you use to clean lacrosse gear?

Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to wash lacrosse gear.

The Best Ways to Clean Your Lacrosse Jersey

Lacrosse Jerseys are typically cut from polyester, which gives them moisture-wicking properties. It also means you can run them through the washing machine with a mild detergent.

Machine Wash Your Lacrosse Jersey

Synthetic materials should always be washed with cold water. While it’s not as effective for removing stains, it helps to prevent shrinking and color bleeding.

Turn your lacrosse gear inside out to protect the logos and place them in the washer. If you can, also use a laundry bag as it’ll prevent the garments from wearing out during the wash cycle.

Measure one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and add it to the drum. Avoid using fabric softener; the chemicals will hinder the fabric’s moisture-wicking abilities. Similarly, you want to avoid chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals.

Once the cycle is finished, transfer the lacrosse jerseys to the dryer. Alternatively, you can let them air dry.

Hand Wash Your Lacrosse Jersey in the Sink

Fill a sink with cold water and add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy mixture. Be careful not to add too much detergent; this is especially true if you’re only washing a few items.

Once the detergent is dissolved, place your jersey in the sink. Make sure the fabric is completely submerged in the solution and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (longer if it’s excessively dirty).

Lightly scrub the fabric afterwards with your hands, then rinse with cold water. Continue to rinse until there are no more soap suds on the garment.

Pro-tip: For stains, try applying a bit of extra ACTIVE Detergent to the area. Simply rub it into the fabric before soaking the item in the solution. The same goes for your lacrosse stick pocket.

Lightly squeeze out the extra water, then let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. If necessary, you can also use a dry towel to get rid of the excess moisture.

Do not use the dryer.

How to Clean Lacrosse Gloves

As with all sports gear, we recommend cleaning your gloves every now and then to keep them in top shape.

Cleaning Your Lacrosse Gloves By Hand

Hand washing is the best option when it comes to lacrosse gloves.

Start by filling a sink with cold water and adding some ACTIVE Detergent. Swish the liquid with your hand a few times to dissolve the powder, then place your gloves in the soapy water.

Let it soak for at least 15-20 minutes; you want the soap to penetrate into the inner layers.

After soaking, rub the gloves gently with your hands to remove any remaining oils and dirt. Remember to be gentle, especially around the leather area.

Rinse the detergent with plain water afterwards until there’s no more soap residue. Once the water runs clear, transfer the gloves to a well-ventilated area and allow them to air dry. Do not put your lacrosse gloves into the dryer.

Pro-tip: Do not wash your gloves on the same day as a game as they will not dry in time.

Is it Safe to Put My Lacrosse Gloves Into the Washing Machine?

While machine washing lacrosse gloves is not ideal, you can do it in a pinch. Keep in mind, however, that they will likely deteriorate faster if you make it a habit.

Start by placing the gloves in a mesh laundry bag; it will prevent them from getting damaged during the wash cycle, especially if you’re washing them with other items.

Load the bag into the washer, then add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. Skip the softener.

Run a delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water, it can lead to shrinkage or permanent damage, especially if there are leather components.

Once the cycle is finished, take them out and put them on a hard surface with the fingers up; that will help drain the water. To speed up the drying process, you can also use a fan.

Preventing Your Lacrosse Gloves From Getting Stinky

Ideally, you don’t want to wash your gloves too often as water and soap over time will cause them to deteriorate quickly.

Given that, it’s good practice to deodorize your gloves every now and then to prevent the need for deep cleaning.

For one thing, you should always air them out after practice; the air flow will prevent them from getting stinky. Similarly, you want to avoid throwing them into your gear bag – that will only lead to a greater odor.

Using dryer sheets is another option. Simply put them in your gloves when you’re not using them. Keep a few extras in your lacrosse bag as a backup, if necessary.

How to Properly Clean Your Lacrosse Shoulder Pads

Cleaning Lacrosse Pads By Hand

The best way to clean lacrosse pads is by gently scrubbing them with your hands. After scrubbing, let them soak in a soapy mixture for at least 15 minutes – that will help to remove the dirt and sweat.

After soaking, wash the lacrosse pads by lightly rubbing the material with your hands. Then rinse with cold water to remove all the detergent residue.

Do not put your wet gear in the dryer; that will damage the foam.

Machine Washing Lacrosse Pads

We don’t recommend placing your lacrosse pads in the washer. While you can wash them with cold water on a delicate cycle, doing so regularly will permanently damage the material.

Best Way to Deodorize Your Lacrosse Helmet

Protective gear such as helmets should also be cleaned regularly to keep them in tip-top shape.

Cleaning the Outside of the Helmet

You can clean the surface by wiping it with a clean, damp cloth. Alternatively, you can clean the sports equipment with sanitizing wipes.

Don’t forget to clean the chin guard and face mask as well.

Cleaning the Inside of the Helmet

Dirt and sweat can easily get embedded inside your helmet. Luckily, the padded liners can be removed, which means you can clean them with ease. All you have to do is soak them with warm soapy water.

Never put your helmet in the washing machine – that can compromise its construction.

How to Wash Your Lacrosse Cleats & Remove Odors

Cleats can get quite dirty from the dirt and grass. Fortunately, they’re easy to wash.

Hand Washing Them with Soap and Water

Fill a large sink or tub with warm water and add a bit of mild detergent, such as the one by ACTIVE. Place your cleats in and let them soak for 15-20 minutes.

After soaking, gently scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush. Then rinse with clean water.

Once the water runs clear, use a dry towel to remove the excess water, then place them in a well-ventilated area to air dry.

To prevent them from losing their shape, you can stuff them with a washcloth.

Can You Put Lacrosse Cleats Into the Washing Machine?

If your shoes are excessively dirty, you can try putting them in the washing machine. Just make sure not to do it too often.

We also recommend putting the cleats in a large laundry bag to prevent them from getting tossed around during the cycle. Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and run a gentle cycle with cold water.

Do not wash them with other lacrosse gear. However, you can add a few towels to help balance the load.