Washing athletic pads is essential for hygiene and prolonging their lifespan. You can effectively clean your pads using a washing machine on a gentle cycle or by hand washing, depending on the specific type of gear.
Methods for Washing Athletic Pads
Based on the type of athletic pads and their care instructions, you have a couple of primary options for cleaning:
Machine Washing Athletic Gear
For many types of athletic gear and pads, the washing machine can be a convenient option.
- Preparation: Before putting any gear in the washing machine, make sure to check the labels of your gear to confirm that they are machine washable. Not all pads are suitable for machine washing, and ignoring labels can cause damage.
- Washing: If the labels indicate machine washability, you can proceed by taking your gear and running it through the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a little detergent. Using a gentle cycle helps protect the integrity of the padding and materials.
- Detergent: Use a small amount of standard laundry detergent. Specialized sports washes are also available that can help tackle tough odors.
Hand Washing Athletic Pads
Hand washing is often recommended for certain types of pads, especially those that are bulkier, have rigid components, or when machine washing is not advised by the manufacturer.
- Specific Pads: The reference mentions hand washing for specific items: Hand washing your gear. To wash elbow and shoulders pads, soak and gently scrub them in cool water.
- Process: To hand wash, fill a basin or sink with cool water. Add a small amount of detergent or sports wash.
- Cleaning: Submerge the pads and let them soak for a while (e.g., 15-30 minutes). Then, gently scrub the pads, paying attention to areas with more dirt or odor. Use a brush if necessary, but avoid harsh scrubbing that could damage materials.
- Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the pads under cool, running water until all soap residue is gone.
Comparing Washing Methods
Here's a quick comparison of the two methods:
| Method | Recommended For | Process Highlights | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Wash | Machine-washable gear (check labels) | Gentle cycle, little detergent | Always check labels; may not be suitable for all pads |
| Hand Wash | Elbow pads, shoulder pads, delicate items | Soak, gently scrub in cool water, rinse | More labor-intensive; gentle on materials |
Drying Athletic Pads
Regardless of whether you machine wash or hand wash, it's generally best to air dry athletic pads. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can degrade foam, plastic, and fabric components. Lay the pads flat or hang them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
