Gather Supplies: Dish Soap, Towels, Bucket
Hey friends! If you’ve ever played lacrosse, you know those pads can get pretty nasty after just a few practices or games. All that dirt, grass, and sweat builds up quickly. But have no fear – cleaning lacrosse pads doesn’t have to be a huge chore. With just a few basic supplies and 15 easy steps, you can have them looking and smelling fresh again in no time.
The first thing you’ll need to gather is dish soap, towels, and a bucket. Any kind of dish soap will work, but I prefer to use a degreasing formula since it helps break down the oils from sweat and dirt. You’ll also want some old towels or rags that you don’t mind getting a bit gross, and a large bucket or bin to soak the pads in.
Fill the Bucket with Warm Water
Once you’ve got your supplies, it’s time to fill up the bucket! Warm water works best, as it helps loosen up the gunk. I like to fill my bucket about halfway with warm water from the tap. If you want you can also add a capful of vinegar to help deodorize as you clean.
Add Dish Soap and Swish It Around
Next up, squirt a few big squeezes of dish soap into the bucket and swish it around with your hand to get some suds going. The soap will act as a detergent to lift dirt and oils off the pads as they soak.
Remove Pads from Bag and Submerge in Soapy Water
Now it’s time to actually put the pads in! Take them out of your equipment bag and put them right in the soapy bucket. It’s best to let them soak for at least 15-30 minutes so the soap can really penetrate the fabric and foam.
Scrub the Exterior with a Sponge or Brush
After soaking, the real scrubbing work begins. Take a sponge, brush, or rag and scrub the exterior of the pads to lift off caked on mud and grass stains. Get into all the seams and crevices and apply some elbow grease to get them looking crisp again!
Clean Pad Interior with a Rag
Don’t forget the inside of the pads too! Reach inside with a rag or brush to clean the interior lining. This is where a lot of sweat and body oils collect, so make sure to give it a good wipe down.
Rinse Thoroughly with Clean Water
Once you’ve done the scrubbing, it’s time to rinse. Take the pads out of the bucket and rinse them thoroughly under running water. This removes all the soap residue that could be left behind. Rinsing also helps flush out any loose dirt and grime.
Squeeze Out Excess Water
Freshly rinsed, the pads will be sopping wet. Help remove some of that moisture by squeezing and wringing the pads to get out excess water. I like to put mine between two towels and squeeze or even step on them to really wring it out.
Stuff Pads with Towels to Absorb Moisture
Even after squeezing, the pads will still be pretty damp. To help draw out even more moisture, stuff some dry towels or newspaper inside. The absorbent materials will pull water out of the fabric overnight.
Lay Out Pads to Air Dry
Almost done! At this point just lay the pads out on the ground or drape them on a fence to air dry. Laying them flat helps maintain their shape as they dry. Depending on humidity, they may take a day or two to fully dry.
Disinfect Pads with Lysol or Similar
For an extra level of cleanliness and sterilization, you can spritz the pads with Lysol or another disinfectant spray once fully dry. This kills any bacteria that may still be lingering from all those hard-fought games.
Spot Treat Stubborn Stains
If you notice any stubborn stains after cleaning, spot treat them with a dab of dish soap or laundry detergent. Gently rub it in, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse. The enzymes will help break down staining from mud or grass.
Deodorize Pads with Baking Soda or Spray
Finally, to leave your pads smelling fresh, sprinkle some baking soda inside and let sit overnight. The baking soda will help absorb odors. Alternatively, you can use an odor eliminating spray made for sports gear.
Return Pads to Bag When Fully Dry
The last step is to put the pads back in your bag once they are completely dry. Check for dampness and sniff for any lingering odors. Then zip them up and you’re all ready for your next game day!
So there you have it – a straightforward 15 step process to clean gross lacrosse pads and have them looking and smelling fresh. The key is using warm water, dish soap, scrubbing, rinsing, and fully drying. Taking the time for proper maintenance will extend the life of your gear and avoid any embarrassing odors! Let me know if you have any other lacrosse equipment cleaning tips. Happy playing!
Fill Bucket with Warm Water
Alright, we’ve got our dish soap, towels, and bucket ready to go – now it’s time to fill ‘er up! I like to use warm water straight from the tap when washing my lacrosse pads. The heat helps to loosen up all that caked on mud and grass so it’ll scrub off easier later.
I usually fill up my bucket about halfway full with warm water. You don’t need a ton of water, just enough to submerge the pads fully. If you want an extra cleaning boost, go ahead and add a capful of white vinegar to the water too. The vinegar helps cut through odor and disinfect the gear as you wash.
Once you’ve got a nice pool of warm, sudsy water in the bucket, we can move onto the next step – actually dunking the stanky pads in! I know, I’m getting excited too. There’s something so satisfying about tossing super dirty sports stuff into a bubble bath and seeing it transform.
But before we get to the good stuff, I wanted to share a quick lacrosse cleaning war story. Last season, our team somehow ended up having practice in the massive mud pit that formed on our field after a huge rainstorm. I’m talking shin-deep slop – it was gross!
After slogging through the mud for two hours, my pads were absolutely caked in muck. I mean totally crusted over in wet soil that had started to dry. Needless to say, a bucket of plain old warm water was not gonna cut it that day. I had to fill up a kiddie pool in my backyard just to get enough water to soften all that mud!
It took nearly an hour of soaking, draining, and refilling the pool to get my pads clean. Lesson learned – stay away from the mud pits! Warm water alone does the job just fine for regular pad washing. No kiddie pools required unless you really put your gear through the ringer.
With our bucket prepped, let’s move on to…
Add Dish Soap to Water
Alright, bucket filled with nice warm water? Check. Now comes the fun part – adding the dish soap! I give my bucket a few generous squirts of dish soap right into the water. Any kind will do, but I like to use Dawn or other degreasing formulas since they cut through oils and grease so well.
After adding a good amount of soap, I swish it around with my hand to get it mixed in and work up some suds. You want enough soap to make the water feel slick. Bubbles just mean it’s ready to start breaking down all that built up lacrosse grime!
Speaking of grime, one time after a particularly intense game I noticed the pad inserts were still soaked with sweat. We’re talking visible sweat stains and major odor. No bueno.
So for that extra smelly situation, I added a few extra pumps of dish soap and even sprinkled some baking soda right into the water too. The extra soap kicked up even more bubbles to cut through the body oils, and the baking soda helped bubble away the stench.
It worked like a charm – the inserts came out looking and smelling fresh. So don’t be shy with the soap if you’ve got some really ripe gear on your hands. More bubbles mean more cleaning power!
I also like to throw in a capful of white vinegar sometimes too for extra deodorizing. The vinegar helps break down stubborn odors, especially if my pads didn’t fully dry out after a previous wash.
Some people even use laundry detergent instead of dish soap. I haven’t tried it, but apparently it works well too. Anything that cuts grease and makes good bubbles will get the job done.
Once I’ve got a nice bubbly pool of warm sudsy water, it’s finally time to…
Remove Pads from Bag
Bubble bath ready? Now it’s time for the stinky stars of the show – the pads themselves! Go ahead and pull those smelly suckers out of your equipment bag and get ready to dunk them in the suds.
I like to grab all the gear at once – shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, helmet, you name it. No sense in drawing this out over multiple wash cycles. Get it all in there at once for a total deep clean!
When removing and handling the pads, be sure to check for any rips or tears. Small holes can get bigger if you’re too rough. And you definitely don’t want anything important like strap buckles or clips breaking off into the water.
Also take a quick peek for permanent stains before washing. Sometimes if dirt and sweat is left on too long it can actually dye or bleach the materials. Getting out those types of stubborn stains is tough, but soaking in oxyclean or bleach can help.
Speaking of stains, you’ll definitely want to treat any blood spots ASAP. Blood will set and bond quickly if left on padding or fabric. As soon as you notice it, gently dab the stain with cold water and dish soap. Don’t scrub too roughly or you may spread the stain.
If you’ve got some old blood spots already set in, try an enzyme cleaner like Bac-Out or meat tenderizer. Make a paste with a little water, apply to the stain, let sit 15 minutes, then wash. The enzymes will break down the blood proteins and lift the stain.
For fresh stains on white materials, hydrogen peroxide also works wonders. Apply it directly, let fizz for a minute, rinse, and wash. Just don’t use peroxide on colored fabrics since it can bleach them.
Phew – that’s a lot of stain talk. As you can see, it’s important to treat any problem spots on your pads before washing. An ounce of prevention saves major headache later!
Okay, let’s set those now pristine pads into the water and move on to…
Submerge Pads in Soapy Water
The pool is bubbly, the pads are prepped, and now it’s time for the fun part – dunking those dirty suckers! Go ahead and place the pads into the sudsy warm water, making sure they are fully submerged.
I like to put the stiff, bulky pads in first, like the helmet and shoulder pads. Get those heavy ones in there to displace the water, then arrange the smaller pads and gloves around them so it all fits.
You want the water level to cover everything, so the gear can soak thoroughly. Some splashing is inevitable, so I recommend doing this in an outdoor area or over a water source.
Don’t be surprised if the water looks absolutely filthy within a minute or two of soaking. All that caked on mud, grass, sweat, and grime has to go somewhere – namely, into our cleaning bucket.
Pro tip – if the water gets really dark and gross quickly, drain it and refresh the wash to get the pads cleaner. Just remix some suds in the bucket before dropping the pads back in.
How long should you soak the gear? I recommend at least 15-30 minutes for a thorough bubble bath. This gives the dish soap time to fully penetrate and loosen everything.
For pads that are especially muddy or sweat soaked, I’ll sometimes soak even longer – like over an hour. When in doubt, let it soak until the water runs clear.
While the gear is soaking, the suds will lift away dirt, break up clumps of mud, and dissolve dried sweat and body oils. It’s the power of soap chemistry working its magic!
Let your pads take a nice relaxing dip in the tub while we move onto the exfoliating part – scrub time! I’ll grab my brush and sponge and…
Scrub Exterior with Sponge or Brush
Alright, pads have soaked long enough – time to get scrubbing! For this step you’ll want a sponge, brush, or rag to really dig into all the nooks and crannies.
Start by pulling each pad out of the water one by one and giving the exterior a good scrub. I like to use a stiff bristle brush for the tough mud caked areas. Really work the bristles over the surface to loosen debris.
For softer materials like fabric or mesh, switch to a sponge or rag. Scrub in circular motions to lift grime and rinse the suds. Get into seams, logos, and anywhere gunk accumulates.
Be firm but gentle – you don’t want to tear any materials or fray straps. I speak from experience after getting a little overzealous with the scrub brush once!
To get into the deep grooves in helmet shells and shoulder capsules, use an old toothbrush or cotton swabs. The smaller bristles will dig out packed in dirt.
While scrubbing, check padding and foam for stuff that may be embedded. I’ve found everything from cleat studs to sunflower seed shells wedged in elbow pads before.
For gear with velcro, use an old comb to pick off anything stuck in the hooks. Just run it over the velcro to clean and detangle it.
And don’t forget the bottoms of shoes and cleats! Give some extra scrub time to the studs and treads to release caked on field muck.
Once everything has been scrubbed and sudsed up, it’s time to rinse. The pads still have some soaking and drying ahead before they’re game ready again. Let’s keep this cleaning train rolling!
Clean Pad Interior with Rag
We’ve scrubbed the outside of the pads, now let’s get inside! For this step, you’ll want some rags or small towels to clean the pad interiors.
Start by unzipping or unclipping any covers to access the inside foam and lining. Use your fingers to feel for dampness or caked in gunk.
If the lining is really sweat soaked or smelly, remove it entirely to clean separately. Otherwise, spot clean problem areas with a rag and soapy water.
Get into crevices and seams by bunching up the rag to reach tight spots. For shoulder capsules, stuff the rag down into the pads to scrub deep inside.
You can also use the end of a spiral rat tail comb to cleanly scrub inside pad channels. The spiral shape allows it to contour inside.
While cleaning the lining, inspect the foam inserts too. Pull them out to check for mold or mildew, especially if stored damp.
If inserts are removable, take them out and hand wash gently with soap. Let fully air dry before putting back in.
For non-removable foam, use Lysol or vinegar spray to disinfect. Avoid soaking this padding so the adhesive doesn’t fail.
Once you’ve scrubbed out all the interior gunk, be sure to rinse rags thoroughly so no soap residue remains inside. We don’t want any suds left behind!
If the lining is super disgusting even after cleaning, you can toss it in the washing machine separately. Just use cold water and air dry after.
Alright, insides are fresh! Now we just have to rinse everything before letting the pads dry. The home stretch is approaching!
Rinse Thoroughly with Clean Water
Scrubbing done? Great! Now it’s time to rinse all that soap residue away with some fresh clean water.
I like to do this step outside with a hose, but you can also rinse in a shower or use buckets of clean water.
Start by blasting gear with a steady stream of water, turning the pads over to rinse both sides. This helps wash away any leftover suds or gunk freed up by the scrubbing.
Get into crevices by pinching the fabric and aiming water jet directly in. Rinse until the water runs clear coming off the pads.
For items like gloves and shoes, rinse inside too by placing under running water and working the fingers or toes.
You really want to flush away every last bit of soap here, so keep rinsing until bubbles are completely gone. Remaining residue can leave gear feeling stiff or crunchy.
I once made the mistake of not rinsing pads thoroughly enough after washing. The leftover suds dried onto the fabric, leaving a weird chalky coating on everything. Rookie move!
If you notice any stubborn spots of stuck on soap, dip a rag in clean water and gently dab – no more scrubbing needed at this point.
Rinsing removes all the lifting power of the soap, so grit and grime rinsed off won’t re-stick. But any leftover suds can leave a mess!
Take your time with this step to really clear away any soap. Your gear is almost finish line ready – just a few more steps to go!
Squeeze Out Excess Water
Gear all rinsed off? Excellent! Now it’s time to remove some of that moisture before letting everything air dry.
Start by squeezing pads, gloves, and other gear to wring out as much water as possible. I like to wrap items in a towel and squeeze or even stand and stomp on it to really get it dry.
Be careful not to twist or wring too harshly on flexible materials – you don’t want to rip mesh or reinforced padding.
For bulky pads, press down firmly on exterior surfaces to push water out of the interior foam. This helps force out deep down moisture.
On helmets, remove any padding from the interior and squeeze out water. Then flip the helmet over and shake out any pooled water inside.
Cleats and shoes can be stuffed with towels and newspaper to absorb excess wetness too. Just remove the insoles first.
The key is to manually remove as much water as you can. This prevents long soggy drying time that can lead to mold or mildew.
One time I skipped this step and just laid my soaked pads outside to dry. It took nearly 2 days for them to fully dry out. And the lining got a bit musty from all that trapped moisture.
So take a few extra minutes to wring, squeeze and stomp your gear now. It will pay off with faster drying in the next steps.
Alright, gear wrung out and ready for the home stretch! Let’s get these pads fully dry and game ready.
Stuff Pads with Towels to Absorb Moisture
Alright, we’ve squeezed out all that excess water we could. Now let’s use some towels to draw out even more moisture as the pads dry.
Start by stuffing absorbent towels or newspaper inside pads and gear to soak up wetness. Focus on the interior lining and foam pieces.
For shoulder capsules, leg pads, and gloves, fully stuff the inside with towels or paper. Be generous and over stuff them.
In helmet interior padding, add extra towel layers or replace with dry pads. This will pull moisture from the shell.
Cleats and shoes can be stuffed with newspaper or dryer sheets to absorb wetness and deodorize.
The key is to use ultra-absorbent materials that will draw dampness out of the gear overnight as it dries.
On pads I’ve washed and not fully dried right away, I’ve noticed some interior lining and foam can stay moist for days. Not good!
That trapped moisture promotes mold growth and musty odors. No one wants stanky, bacterial pads!
So take the time to fully stuff gear at this stage. Those towels will work like a sponge to pull out remaining wetness.
Almost to the finish line! Just a little air drying left and your pads will be fresh and ready for action. Let’s keep this lacrosse laundry moving!
Lay Out Pads to Air Dry
Towels and newspaper stuffed? Gear is ready to be laid out to air dry! This last step ensures pads fully dry to avoid mold or mildew.
Start by removing the absorbent materials stuffed inside. Check that lining and foam isn’t still sopping wet. You want it just lightly moist at most.
Next, lay out pads on a flat, dry surface in the sun. Concrete or turf works great to let air circulate all around.
Position gear so padding and lining can dry fully. Prop up or loosely hang if needed. Turn over periodically so both sides dry.
For extra drying power, set up a fan to blow air directly on laid out pads. This keeps air moving to evaporate moisture.
If drying indoors, use a dehumidifier in the room and lay gear near ventilated areas. Avoid damp basements or bathrooms.
Drying time varies based on humidity, sun, ventilation, etc. Thinner pads may dry overnight while bulky ones need 1-2 days.
Check gear every few hours until completely dry. Poke foam and smell liners for any lingering moisture or stuffiness.
If pads will be stored long-term, make sure they are fully dry before bagging up. Any remaining moisture can lead to mold!
Pat yourself on the back – you made it through the 15 steps! Let that clean gear dry and you’ll be ready to hit the field looking and smelling fresh again in no time.
Disinfect Pads with Lysol or Similar
Pads all dry? Looking good! Now let’s give them one final disinfecting spray down before storing.
For this step, grab a can of Lysol, alcohol spray, or other disinfectant. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage pad materials.
Work in a well-ventilated area and lay down some newspaper. Then thoroughly spray gear, coating all exterior and interior surfaces.
Aim disinfectant into pad crevices and seams. Flip over and repeat to coat both sides.
For helmet interior padding, removable inserts, and shoe insoles, remove and spray separately before replacing.
Spray a rag and thoroughly wipe down helmet and facemask interior and straps. Get full coverage.
Let the disinfectant sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping dry with a towel. This allows it to fully kill bacteria.
An antibacterial spray like this prevents gear from getting that stanky, musty smell over time. It kills microbes that cause odors.
You can also use rubbing alcohol or vodka! The high alcohol content disinfects and evaporates quickly without residue.
For extra odor fighting power, sprinkle some baking soda inside pads and helmets after spraying. It absorbs and neutralizes smells.
Let gear fully air dry one last time before packing up to remove any lingering disinfectant smell.
Spot Treat Stubborn Stains
Pads freshly disinfected and smelling clean? Awesome! But if you notice any leftover tough stains, let’s knock those out with some spot treatments.
Check pad lining, foam, and exterior for any remaining discoloration or set-in gunk spots. These can happen after multiple muddy games.
For mud or dirt stains, mix a paste of dish soap, vinegar, and warm water. Gently scrub into the stain with a toothbrush.
Grass stains can be spot treated with rubbing alcohol or hairspray. Spray it on and let sit 5 minutes before rinsing.
For sweat stains, make a baking soda paste with water. Let it set for 30 minutes before rinsing – the baking soda will lift discoloration.
If you notice mildew spots, spray vinegar and let sit before wiping. The acidity kills and removes mildew.
For tough grease spots, dab on a little bit of Dawn dish soap and scrub gently with a rag or old toothbrush.
Spot test treatments first on small hidden areas to make sure they don’t damage pad materials. Take your time and let solutions soak in.
If stains have set in for a long time, re-wash pads and focus on problem areas to lift stains. Repeat spot treatments after.
With a little elbow grease, you can get your pads looking crisp and clean again. Stains don’t stand a chance against your laundry skills!
Deodorize Pads with Baking Soda or Spray
Looking fresh! Now let’s give your pads one final deodorizing treatment before storing them away.
Baking soda works great for absorbing odors. Sprinkle a light layer inside pads and helmet, let sit overnight, then shake out.
For quick odor removal, spray gear with an odor eliminating product like Febreze. Let dry fully.
Vodka or rubbing alcohol also help deodorize gear when spritzed on. Just spray lightly and let air dry.
Essential oils can leave a light pleasant scent too. Dilute a few drops of tea tree, lemon, or lavender oil with water in a spray bottle.
For serious stank, sprinkle in some activated charcoal before storing. It pulls odors from the air like a magnet.
White vinegar is another odor remover. Wipe pads down with diluted vinegar or place bowls near gear while storing.
Cedar blocks or dryer sheets tossed in your bag will make everything smell fresh too.
I like to keep my gear smelling nice by spraying with vinegar after every use. It prevents any odors from building up over time.
Nobody wants to be the stinky teammate with foul gear! A quick deodorizing treatment keeps those pads and helmets fresh.
Your lacrosse laundry is complete! Enjoy your sparkling clean pads. Thanks for following along on these helpful cleaning tips!
Return Pads to Bag When Fully Dry
We did it! The pads are scrubbed, dried, deodorized, and looking brand new. Now we just have to get them back in the bag for game time.
Before bagging up your gear, do a final check that everything is 100% dry. Feel padding and lining for moisture or sniff for musty smells.
Damp pads in an enclosed bag can lead to mildew or mold growth. Make sure no traces of moisture remain.
Once fully satisfied your equipment is dry, carefully place it back into your bag. Pack up those pads neatly!
If you have time before the next game, leave bags open or unzipped while storing. This allows for continued airflow.
Some people even stash dryer sheets in bags to keep that fresh scent. Just don’t use heavily perfumed ones that could irritate skin.
Consider buying moisture-absorbing bags to toss in with your gear. Silica gel packs help maintain dryness.
It’s also good practice to take pads out of bags periodically while in storage. This lets you inspect for any developing moisture or mildew issues.
Congratulations – you stuck it through the entire lacrosse laundry process! Enjoy hitting the field with clean, dry, odor-free gear. No more stanky pads for you!