Caring for SPMHA Goalie Equipment

Your rental equipment will look and smell better if you follow some basic care instructions.  In addition this will allow more players to benefit from longer-lasting gear and will help SPMHA maintain the goalie equipment rental program.

General Tips

  • ALWAYS air-dry equipment at room temperature in a well-ventilated area after use. Drying your gear will prevent bacteria growth and reduce odor.  DO NOT use heat to dry equipment as this can cause premature, unseen damage to the surface materials and internal padding which will accelerate wear.
  • Keep all gear away from heat. Gloves are not leather anymore, placed on a heater they will melt.
  • Deodorize equipment with sports disinfectant only, NOT household sprays such as Febreeze. Chemicals in Febreeze will break down the equipment.
  • Do not machine wash equipment. DO NOTsubmerge any item in water because item will most likely not be able to dry properly. Moist areas, that do not dry properly can form bacteria and mildew.
  • If you do forget and leave gear in the bag and it gets stinky you are welcome to take the gear to United Cycle to have it professionally cleaned at reasonable rates.

Pads

  • Air dry pads upside down leaning against a wall.
  • Goal pads can also be cleaned with a damp warm rag.
  • Do not use leather softeners or cleaners. Pads are made with synthetic leather.
  • Do not use Magic Erasers on pads as they contain chemicals that will harm the materials.
  • You should always inspect the toe attaching hardware on your pads.

Gloves

  • Gloves need to be air dried. Open the back of the trapper when drying.
  • Do not store the gloves at the bottom of your equipment bag. Gloves should be the last thing you put in your bag.
  • Catch gloves and blockers should only be cleaned with a damp warm rag, wiping both the interior and exterior.
  • Black and coloured tape on the grip area of your stick will discolour the blocker palm. Dye in the tape will cause the blocker (and your stick) to break down faster.
  • If the palm of your blocker is hard do not just pour water on it. Apply a very small amount of shaving gel and rub it into the palm area.  Allow it to sit for about five minutes and then wipe it off.  This will keep the palm soft.

Arm and Chest Combos

  • If you have a newer arm and chest combo and it is stiff allow 3-4 weeks for it to begin to break in. You can speed up the process by wearing the combo around the house making sure to move around a lot.
  • Chest Protectors may be hand washed only in cold water with a mild detergent. Lightly scrub the item, using a sponge, and then rinse thoroughly. Item should be allowed to air dry.
  • Hang the combo to thoroughly dry right after use. Once a combo starts to stink it is very hard to get the odour out except with professional cleaning.