Best Way to Clean & Deodorize Wrestling Headgear

Your headgear can get quite icky by the time you’re done a match. Want to know how to clean it? Just follow these steps!

First things first, you want to prepare a cleaning solution. Fill a small bowl with water and mix in detergent (Active or equivalent) . You can also add a bit of white vinegar, which will help to eliminate odor.

Dampen a clean cloth with the detergent mixture and use it to wipe the outside of headgear. Pay extra attention to the forehead area as sweat tends to accumulate there. Depending on the type, you might be able to remove some of the inner liners. That would be ideal as that would allow you to wash them separately (soaking them in the soapy solution is a good idea).

Allow the headgear to dry completely before wearing it again.

Cleaning Your Headgear with Rubbing Alcohol

You can also sanitize your headgear with rubbing alcohol. Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and water in a 1:1 ratio. Spray it onto the outside of your headgear and wipe it down with a clean cloth. Do the same with the inside—pay extra attention to the chin and forehead areas.

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

KNEEPADS

How to Remove Odors from Wrestling Knee Pads

Wrestling knee pads are important—after all, you can get serious injuries from unprotected knees. Here’s how to wash them.

Are Wrestling Knee Pads Machine Washable?

Yes, they are—most of them, at least. Before tossing them in the machine, double check the care instruction label.

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

Load the knee pads into the machine. Put a few shirts or towels (avoid delicate items) in as well to prevent the pads from hitting against each other or the machine. Ideally, you want the washer to be half full. Add detergent. If necessary, you can add 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. 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.

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