How to Wash Wrestling Headgear, Uniforms, Kneepads and Shoes

Wrestling is a combat sport that requires protective gear. Some essentials include mouthguards, knee pads, and headgear.

You’ll also need a uniform or singlet, as well as a pair of good shoes – ones with ridges soles to grip onto the wrestling mat.

Washing Instructions for Wrestling Uniforms

Wrestling singlets are close-fitting garments, meaning they tend to absorb sweat. Fortunately, they can be washed easily – either by machine or by hand.

How to Machine Wash Wrestling Uniforms

Before you put your uniform in the washer, check the care tag label – it’ll tell you what you can and can’t do with the item.

Turn your wrestling gear inside out and place it in a large mesh bag. That will minimize rubbing and keep your uniform looking new for longer.

Zip up the net laundry bag and place it in the machine, along with the other clothes you’re washing (remember to sort the items based on color).

Measure one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and add it to the washing machine. Make sure everything is inside the tub and run a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water as heat can deteriorate your singlet over time.

Tip: Pass on the fabric softener. It’ll affect your wrestling singlet’s moisture-wicking finish, meaning it won’t be able to pull sweat to the fabric’s surface.

Remove your wrestling singlet and other clothes once washing is complete and lay the items on a clean surface to air dry. You can also let them dry on a clothesline, just keep them away from direct sunlight.

Avoid putting the uniform in the dryer. The heat, even on the lowest setting, will damage the clothing fibers.

Washing Wrestling Singlets by Hand

The first step is to fill a sink or tub with cold water. Add a scoopful of ACTIVE Detergent and agitate the liquid gently to mix the powder.

Carefully place your wrestling uniform in once the powder is dissolved and the solution becomes sudsy. Make sure the entire thing is submerged and let it sit and soak for upwards of 30 minutes.

Pro-tip: Have a stain on your singlet that you want to get rid of? Apply ACTIVE Detergent (pre-mixed with water) directly to the area. Saturate the stain and let it soak through for 20-30 minutes before washing the item normally.

Pick up the singlet from the sink and swirl it around in the soapy mixture a few times. Next, wash the fibers by rubbing them gently with your hand.

Rinse the item with clean water afterward. You can do this by putting the singlet under the faucet or by refilling the sink with clean water.

Place the wrestling singlet on a clean surface and use a towel to soak up some of the extra moisture before laying it flat to dry. Avoid putting it under direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry as the heat can deteriorate the fibers.

How to Wash Wrestling Headgear

Cleaning Your Headgear with ACTIVE Detergent

First things first, you want to prepare a cleaning solution. Fill a small bowl with water and mix in 1/2 a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. You can also add a bit of white vinegar, which will help to eliminate odor.

Dampen a clean cloth with the mild detergent mixture and use it to wipe the outside of the headgear, paying extra attention to the forehead area as sweat tends to accumulate in that area.

Depending on the type of headgear that you have, you might also be able to remove some of the inner liners. If that’s the case, remove and wash them separately by soaking them in the soapy solution.

Allow the headgear to dry completely before wearing it again.

Cleaning Your Headgear with Rubbing Alcohol

You can sanitize your headgear with rubbing alcohol. Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray the solution onto the outside of your headgear and wipe it down with a clean cloth.

Do the same with the inside, paying extra attention to the chin and forehead areas.

Once you’re finished, allow it to air dry.

How to Wash Wrestling Shoes

Cleaning Your Wrestling Shoes by Hand

Start by removing the shoelaces. Wash them separately in a tub by soaking them in a detergent solution.

For the shoes themselves, you want to mix ACTIVE Detergent with warm water in a small container. Dip a piece of old cloth in the mixture and work on the outside of the shoes one area at a time. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to clean the sides and soles.

Pro-tip: You can mix a bit of baking soda with the detergent if odors are an issue.

Avoid scrubbing vigorously as that can damage the fabric. Depending on how dirty the shoe material is, you might have to rinse the cloth often.

Allow the shoes to dry completely away from sunlight or direct heat. Stuffing newspaper into them will help to get rid of moisture. Put the laces back on once they’re dry.

How to Remove Odors from Wrestling Knee Pads

Are Wrestling Knee Pads Machine Washable?

Most are machine washable. To be sure, double-check the care labels before tossing them in the machine.

Start by putting the knee pads in a mesh laundry bag. That will prevent them from getting tangled with your other garments. Make sure you’ve secured all of the velcro and snaps on the pads before closing the bag.

Place the knee pads into the machine. It’s a good idea to add a few shirts or towels in as well to balance the load and to prevent the pads from banging around in the machine.

Add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder to the washer and if necessary, a cup of white vinegar to neutralize odors. Choose a gentle cycle with cold water, and press start.

Take the knee pads out of the laundry bag once the cycle is finished and hang them up to air dry. You can also lay them flat on a clean surface. Do not put them in the dryer – the material can warp or shrink due to the heat, which would affect its fit.

Washing Wrestling Knee Pads by Hand

Fill the tub halfway with warm water and add a scoopful of ACTIVE Detergent. You might also want to add a capful of white vinegar to eliminate odors.

Place your knee pads in the tub and saturate them by swirling them around. Don’t be alarmed if the water changes color – that’s just the dirt and residue coming off the material.

Leave the knee pads in the solution for at least 30 minutes; that will allow the detergent to get rid of the grime and dirt.

Rinse the pads under running water afterward.

Gently squeeze the material to get rid of some of the moisture. You can also use a clean towel to absorb the excess water.

Let them air dry by hanging them up in a well-ventilated area. Do not put them in the dryer.

Washing Wrestling Gear – FAQs

Can you put wrestling shoes in the washing machine?

Some shoes can be put in the washing machine. When in doubt, check the care label – it’ll tell you whether or not the item can be machine washed. In some cases, you might even be able to wash them together with your tennis shoes.

What’s the best way to deodorize a sweaty uniform?

White vinegar is great at eliminating smells. For example, you can add one cup of vinegar during the final rinse cycle or soak the item in a vinegar-water solution before washing.

Should you add fabric softeners when washing wrestling gear?

No, avoid using fabric softener. It’ll coat your gear with a waxy layer, preventing sweat from evaporating from the surface.

Can you clean wrestling gear with baking soda?

Yes, baking soda can be used as a deodorizing agent. You can also use it to remove stains from your shoes.