Okay, so my hockey bag was starting to smell like something died in it, and my Loomis gloves were getting stiff. Figured it was way past time for some gear TLC. Let me walk you through what I actually did this weekend to try and make this stuff last longer.
Gathering My Attack Plan
First, I just dumped everything out onto the garage floor – gloves, elbows, shins, helmet, the whole disgusting pile. Needed to see the enemy. Grabbed whatever cleaning junk I had: mild dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, an old toothbrush, and some microfiber towels. Didn’t wanna buy special stuff.
The Stink Removal Mission
Step 1: The Vinegar Soak
Mixed warm water with about a cup of plain white vinegar in a big bucket. Dunked the gloves, elbow pads, and shin guards in there. Let them sit for like 20 minutes while I scrubbed the helmet inside and out with soapy water. Vinegar smell was strong, but way better than the old gear funk.
Step 2: Scrub Time
Pulled the pads outta the vinegar bath and went to town with the soapy water and toothbrush. Seriously, so much grime came off the palm of the gloves and the padding folds. Was kinda gross but satisfying. Didn’t go crazy hard though, didn’t wanna wreck the stitching.
Step 3: Baking Soda Blitz
For the real stubborn stink spots inside the gloves and skates? Sprinkled baking soda directly on the smelly liners, rubbed it in a bit with my fingers, and left it sitting overnight. Vacuumed it out the next morning.
Operation Dry Out
This part’s crucial. Didn’t just chuck everything back in the bag wet. Spread all the pads out on the floor near a fan – NOT blasted with a heater or in direct sun. Let the air move over ’em. Turned the gloves inside-out to dry faster. Took a whole day, maybe two. Felt the padding inside before storing – totally bone dry.
Prepping for Storage
While stuff was drying, I actually wiped down the helmet cage and buckles with a soapy cloth to get rust off. Sprayed a tiny bit of WD-40 on the helmet buckle since it was sticking – just a drop! Put everything back loosely in the bag, no cramming. Left the bag open in the garage so air keeps moving.
Final Thoughts
Honestly? Took maybe an hour of actual work spread over a couple days. Gear smells way better, feels less crunchy, and doesn’t feel like it’s rotting anymore. I’m betting it won’t fall apart as fast now either. Vinegar and baking soda are magic for hockey stink – cheap and easy. Just gotta commit to actually washing and drying it properly after games instead of letting it stew.
