How to Wash Shin Guards

One of the great things about soccer is the lack of required equipment. Some sports demand a long list of gear just to participate, and some of that gear is likely to be quite expensive. But, in soccer, that list is minimal. While we love the lack of equipment required to get into soccer, there is one item that we need to mention—your shin guards. These are important to keep your shins protected from kicks—and like anything else you wear on the field, they need to be cleaned from time to time. Let’s take a closer look at how to wash your shin guards!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Are you in a hurry to clean your shin guards so you can move on to the next chore? We hope this quick list of instructions will help you do just that:

• Brush away in debris.Before washing, take a moment to wipe off any dirt or debris that has collected on the shin guards. This will be a particularly important step after a game on a muddy field.
• Check instructions.Be sure to look at the instructions for your specific guards to make sure they’re okay to wash in a machine. If not, you’ll need to wash them by hand.
• Machine wash.If you are able to wash your shin guards in the washing machine, place them in a pillowcase for the wash cycle to help prevent them from banging into the sides of the machine.
• Use the right detergent.Use a quality detergent, like WIN Sports Detergent, and run the machine on a gentle cycle. Be sure to select no spin!
• OR Hand wash. If your guards are made entirely with plastic, handwashing may be best. Use a brush with soap and water to scrub away any debris. Then soak the guards in a mixture of 1-2 oz of detergent to 1 gallon of water for 15-20 minutes. A plugged sink and a capful of WIN Sports Detergent works perfectly!
• Air dry.When the cycle or soak is finished, DON’T place the guards in the dryer, as this can cause damage. Instead, hang them out somewhere to dry.

How Often Should You Wash?

Putting your shin guards through the wash cycle after every use isn’t necessary. If you play or practice regularly, a wash once a month will keep mold, mildew, and other nuisances at bay. With that said, there is something you can do after every practice or game to help keep your guards fresh: take them out of your bag!

Most likely, you’ll stuff them into your bag after you’re done playing to make the journey home. Once back home, don’t let them stay wrapped up in your bag until the next use. Instead, take them out and give them some space to breathe. This will help them to dry out, and it should keep unwelcome smells away—at least for a while. A quick spray with disinfectant after each use can help as well.

Washing The Rest of Your Soccer Gear

It’s just as important to keep up with washing the rest of your soccer gear. You’ll need to wash your uniform or practice clothing more frequently than your guards, as sweat and odor can build up quickly. But there shouldn’t be many surprises with this chore, as long as you have a good plan and the right detergent.

One important thing to keep in mind is that your soccer jerseys, shorts, and socks are likely all made from synthetic fibers, rather than cotton. Regular detergents may not help with removing odor from synthetic materials. That’s because regular detergents are designed to treat cotton, not synthetics. You may have even noticed your gear still stinks after washing. To tackle odor with ease, try a dedicated sports detergent, like WIN Sports Detergent, which is made specifically to remove odor, sweat, and oils from synthetics.

Try WIN Detergent Today

For a reliable detergent that has been specifically formulated to deal with your sweaty activewear, be sure to give WIN a try. It can be difficult to get rid of the stink that hangs around in synthetic fibers when using a traditional detergent, but WIN is ready for the challenge. Order a bottle today and see for yourself what a difference WIN can make!