The Ultimate Guide on How to Make Cleats and Gloves Less Smelly
Introduction
We've all been there – that awful smell when you pick up your cleats or gloves after practice. It’s that mix of sweat and bacteria that turns your gear into something you’d never want to put near your nose. The good news is, you don’t have to live with that stink forever.
In this article, we’re diving into simple ways to stop that smell before it starts, and some easy tricks to freshen up your cleats and gloves if it’s already too late. From airing things out to some secret weapons, I’ve got you covered.
Stick around, and let’s get your gear smelling fresh again!
Prevention is Key
Prevention starts with something simple – airing out your cleats and gloves after every practice. If they’re just a little damp, hang them up to dry. For wetter gear, set them out in the sun and let the fresh air do its job. If they’re soaked, flip your cleats upside down over a floor vent and let some hot air flow through. The biggest mistake? Tossing them into a dark, damp bag. That’s just asking for bacteria to grow and the smell to get worse.
Good Hygiene
Your gear isn’t the only thing that can stink. If your feet and hands aren’t clean, it’s going to make the problem worse. Wash your feet regularly and make sure they’re dry before putting on your cleats. And always wear socks. Socks absorb the sweat from your feet, keeping the moisture under control.
Quality Socks Matter
Not all socks are created equal. You need high-quality socks, like Drymax, that can wick away sweat and keep your feet dry. They help a lot in reducing moisture inside your cleats. Also, don’t wear the same socks day after day. Rotate them, and make sure you're always putting on a fresh, dry pair.
These simple steps will go a long way in keeping your cleats and gloves from getting smelly!
Basic Cleaning Methods
Hand Washing
When it comes to cleaning your cleats and gloves, hand washing is the way to go. Using a little laundry detergent in a sink can work wonders.
Simply fill the sink with water, mix in the detergent, and give your gear a good scrub. It helps get rid of dirt, sweat, and bacteria that cause those nasty odors.
One thing to avoid: throwing your cleats or gloves into the washing machine. The rough cycle can destroy the grip on your gloves and damage the traction plates on your cleats. Plus, you risk breaking your machine. So, stick to hand washing, and let them air dry afterward. It might take a couple of days, but it’s worth it.
Freezing Overnight
If you want an easy and effective way to kill bacteria, try freezing your cleats and gloves overnight. The cold temperature stops bacteria growth and helps get rid of odors.
Here’s how you do it: place your cleats and gloves in separate plastic bags (you don’t want them touching anything else in your freezer), seal the bags, and leave them overnight.
The next day, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. It’s a quick and simple trick that helps keep your gear smelling fresh. Just be sure to give everything a good wipe down afterward.
Natural Deodorizers
Baking Soda Mix
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep your cleats and gloves smelling fresh, baking soda is your best friend. You can create a mix of baking soda, baking powder, and cornflour. This powerful combo absorbs moisture and kills bacteria, helping to get rid of bad odors. There are two easy ways to use this mix.
First, you can put the mixture inside a pair of cotton socks and place them in your cleats overnight. The socks will soak up the smell and leave your gear smelling better. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the mix directly into your cleats and gloves. Just leave it overnight and shake out the excess in the morning. Either method works like a charm!
Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is another natural option to fight odors and bacteria. It neutralizes smells and keeps your cleats and gloves fresh. To make a simple vinegar spray, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. After practice or a game, spray the inside of your cleats and gloves with the vinegar solution.
Once sprayed, let them air dry completely. You can do this regularly to keep odors under control. It’s an easy, cheap, and effective way to deodorize your gear naturally. Plus, vinegar helps kill bacteria, which means less odor in the long run.
Alcohol Spray
Alcohol is a quick and easy way to kill bacteria in your cleats and gloves. Simply fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and give your gear a good misting after practice or games. The alcohol works by killing the bacteria that cause odors. Plus, it evaporates quickly, which means it won’t leave any moisture behind.
After spraying, be sure to let your cleats and gloves air dry in a well-ventilated area. This simple method helps keep your gear fresh and bacteria-free without much effort. It’s a guaranteed way to fight the stink!
My Secret Weapon – Boxing Glove Inserts
Here’s my secret weapon: boxing glove inserts. Boxers have dealt with smelly gloves for years, and they’ve come up with a great solution. These inserts are designed to absorb moisture and keep gloves fresh, and they work just as well for cleats.
After practice, just pop a pair of these inserts into your gloves and cleats. They help soak up sweat and stop odors from forming. You can easily find them online, and I recommend getting one pair for your gloves and another for your cleats.
Some even come with convenient strings to hang them up for better airflow. This is an easy, low-maintenance way to keep your gear fresh all season long.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can keep your cleats and gloves smelling fresh game after game. Consistency is key—air them out, clean them, and use natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar, or alcohol. Don’t forget those boxing glove inserts!
Got any other tricks? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about how to keep football gear stink-free!