How to Wash Shin Guards

Some sports require a long list of (often expensive!) gear just to participate. Fortunately, soccer players need relatively little to get out on the field. There is, however, one item that is virtually mandatory: shin guards. These are important to keep your shins protected from flying cleats—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 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 or laundry bag for the wash cycle to help prevent them from banging into the sides of the machine.
• Use the right detergent.Use a quality sports detergent, like WIN Sports Detergent, and run the machine on a gentle cycle.
• OR Hand wash. If your guards are made entirely of plastic, handwashing is best. Use a brush with soap and water to scrub away any debris. Then soak the guards in a mixture of detergent and water for 15–20 minutes (a plugged sink works nicely).
• Air dry.When the cycle or soak is finished, DON’T place the guards in the dryer, as this can damage them. Instead, hang them out to dry.

How Often Should You Wash?

Washing your shin guards after every use isn’t necessary. If you play or practice regularly, a wash once a month should do just fine. 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, after you’re done playing, you stuff them into your bag for the trip home. Once you get there, however, don’t let them stay wrapped up in your bag until the next use. Instead, take them out and let them dry. This should keep unwelcome smells at bay—at least for a while. A quick spray with disinfectant after each use can also help.

Washing The Rest of Your Soccer Gear

It’s important to keep up with washing the rest of your soccer gear, too. Uniforms or practice clothing will need to be washed more frequently than your guards, as sweat and odor can build up quickly in these items. Luckily, 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 probably made from synthetic fibers, rather than cotton. As a result, regular detergent may not help with removing odor. This is 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, 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, but WIN is ready for the challenge. Order a bottle today and see for yourself what a difference WIN can make!