How to Clean Lacrosse Pads & Gloves

Lacrosse is an exhilarating action sport that is popular among high school, college and young adult athletes. Since contact is involved, you need to wear elbow, knee, chest and shoulder pads to protect your body and gloves to protect your hands. This protective gear absorbs dirt and perspiration and often needs to be cleaned. While some lacrosse teams and organizations provide professional cleaning services, you can easily clean your own lacrosse pads and gloves. Some manufacturers recommend machine washing on a light cycle; others allow hand washing only.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild liquid detergent
  • Basin or other vessel
  • Aerosol spray disinfectant
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Instructions

  1. Machine Washing

    • 1

      Check to make sure that your gloves and pads are marked "machine washable." If they're not marked, consult your owner's manual, the manufacturer's website or your dealer before washing them in a machine.

    • 2

      Place your gloves and pads in a washing machine and set the cycle to "delicate," "fine washables" or a similar setting. Set the temperature to cold.

    • 3

      Wait until the cycle has completed (20 to 40 minutes), then remove the equipment. Hang it on a clothesline and allow it to drip dry for up to 48 hours.

    • 4

      Spray the gloves and pads with aerosol spray disinfectant between washes.

    Hand Washing

    • 5

      Mix mild liquid detergent with water in a basin large enough to hold your protective equipment.

    • 6

      Immerse the equipment in the basin and circulate it for a few minutes. Allow it to remain in the basin for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse out all detergent residue.

    • 7

      Allow the pads and gloves to drip dry on a clothesline.