Quick answer
Hockey gear should be pulled out of the bag and hung to dry after every practice or game, skate blades wiped and guards applied, and the full bag deep-cleaned or aired out weekly. This simple routine prevents the smell, mildew, and premature wear that shorten gear life.
01
Why a gear routine matters
Hockey gear sits in a closed bag soaked in sweat after nearly every session, and without a drying routine it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, and the notorious hockey bag smell. Beyond the smell, wet gear left compressed in a bag also breaks down foam padding and stitching faster.
A consistent after-practice routine, just 10 minutes, extends the life of expensive equipment and keeps a growing kid from needing full gear replacement more often than necessary.
02
The after-practice drying routine
As soon as gear comes off, pull everything out of the bag: shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, gloves, and helmet. Hang or lay flat in a well-ventilated space, a gear rack, over chairs, or a designated spot in the garage. Never leave gear zipped in the bag overnight.
Gloves benefit from a glove dryer or simply propping them open with the fingers exposed to air. Skates need blade guards removed while drying to avoid trapping moisture against the steel, then wiped down and guards reapplied once fully dry.
- Pull all gear out of the bag immediately after practice or games
- Hang or lay flat pads, gloves, and helmet in ventilated space
- Wipe skate blades dry and remove guards until fully dry
- Air out the bag itself, not just the gear
03
Skate care specifically
Wipe blades dry with a towel after every use before putting on guards, moisture left on steel causes rust over time. Check edges periodically, dull or damaged edges affect stopping and turning and are worth a coach's or pro shop's opinion if something feels off.
Skate boots benefit from loosening laces and pulling out the tongue to air dry the interior. Insoles can be removed entirely to dry separately if they stay damp, which helps prevent the interior smell that is hard to get rid of once established.
04
Weekly deep clean
Once a week, wipe down the inside of the bag with a disinfecting wipe or a mild soap and water solution, then let it air out fully before repacking. Some parents run washable gear, certain jerseys, base layers, and some padding, through a wash cycle on a gentle setting if the manufacturer allows it, always check labels first.
This is also a good weekly moment to check for gear that no longer fits, has worn straps, or needs replacing before it becomes a bigger issue mid-season.
05
Age-appropriate ownership
Younger players (6 to 9) usually need a parent to lead the drying routine, though they can help hang smaller items. Ages 10 to 12 can typically manage most of the routine themselves with a reminder and a set spot to hang gear. Teens can, and generally should, own the entire routine independently, it is a real responsibility that builds good habits beyond hockey.
Whatever the age, having a consistent, designated spot for drying gear removes the daily decision-making and makes the habit far more likely to stick.
06
Turning gear care into a habit
Gear care is exactly the kind of unglamorous, controllable work that is easy to skip but adds up over a season. It is also a great fit for a points-based system since it happens after every single practice and is entirely within a child's control.
In the Work Creates the Reward app, parents can set up gear drying and skate wiping as a standing after-practice task, and kids earn points each time they complete it, whether the team won or lost that day. Over a season, that habit protects a meaningful equipment investment and builds real responsibility.
Try this week
- 1Set up a designated drying spot for gear near the door or in the garage.
- 2Practice the full after-practice drying routine together once this week.
- 3Wipe skate blades dry and check edges after the next practice.
- 4Do one weekly bag deep-clean and check gear for wear or fit issues.
Sample weekly point plan
Points for the work your child controls. Wins, stats and roster spots are what that work creates.
Up to 16 pts a week
| Work | When | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Pull gear out and hang to dry after practiceEach practice/game | Each practice/game | 5 pts |
| Wipe skate blades and apply guards properlyEach practice/game | Each practice/game | 3 pts |
| Weekly bag wipe-down and air-outWeekly | Weekly | 5 pts |
| Check gear for fit and wear issuesWeekly | Weekly | 3 pts |
Parent questions
How often should hockey gear be washed?
Check manufacturer labels first, but many base layers and some padding can be washed on a gentle cycle weekly. Hard pads and helmets should be wiped down, not machine washed, unless specified.
How do I get rid of hockey gear smell?
Consistent drying after every use is the main fix. Once smell sets in, a specialized equipment deodorizer or a baking soda soak for washable items can help, but prevention through drying works better than any product.
Should skate guards go on wet or dry blades?
Dry. Putting guards on wet blades traps moisture against the steel and speeds up rust.
How often should skate edges be sharpened?
It depends on ice time and player level, but many players sharpen every few weeks to every couple months. A coach or pro shop can advise based on how your child's skates are performing.
Work Creates the Reward
Turn this plan into a habit your child owns.
Your child logs the reps, prep and recovery they finish. You approve it in seconds. Points build toward rewards your family chooses. See how it works or compare membership plans.
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