How to Wash Shin Guards: A Fast and Easy Step-by-Step Guide

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There are different ways to clean your soccer shin guards for hygiene and to increase their lifespan. You can either hand-wash them or throw them into the washing machine, or even into a dishwasher.

However, shin guards should not be left in a bag after a game or training session, at least for too long, because they can smell bad and make your bag, and other items in there, smell bad as well. In this blog we will be going over how to wash your shin guards properly.

How to Wash Shin Guards

Easy and Simple Steps for How to Wash Shin Guards

After a few times of wearing your shin guards you may find that they are starting to smell or look really dirty. The easiest way to wash your shin guards is by throwing them inside the washing machine, but it is important to check the cleaning instructions of your gear first to make sure its washing-machine safe.

Another option you have is to hand-wash your shin guards by following these easy and simple steps.

Gather Your Materials:

Before starting the cleaning process make sure to have the following materials:

  • A bowl full of warm water, or use a sink
  • A natural laundry detergent
  • A fine brush
  • Clean, soft cloth

Prep Your Shin Guards:

Remove the shin guards from your soccer bag, and take a moment to brush off any visible dirt or debris.

Hand Wash with Soapy Water:

Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently scrub the shin guards using a fine brush or a soft cloth.

Focus on Troublesome Areas:

Pay special attention to areas prone to collecting sweat and bacteria, such as the padding and straps.

Soak for a Few Hours:

For stubborn odors or stains, allow the shin guards to soak in the soapy water for a few hours.

Rinse and Wipe:

After the soaking period, rinse the shin guards thoroughly with clean water and wipe them down with a soft cloth to remove any soap.

Air Dry Naturally:

The next step is to let your shin guards air dry naturally. Hang them in a well-ventilated area to ensure they dry completely and eliminate any remaining odors.

Final Inspection:

Once dry, check your shin guards one last time to see if you got rid of all of the stains and the smell.

How to Wash Shin Guards

Conclusion

In this blog, I provided a quick and easy guide for how to wash shin guards effectively, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hygiene and extending the lifespan of your soccer gear. By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you not only eliminate unpleasant odors but also maintain clean shin guards that have the potential to last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you wash shin guards?

The amount of times that you wash your shin guards is going to come down to preference. Typically, once a month should be okay, but If you play competitively a lot then you may want to do it twice a month. If you find your shin guards are starting to develop dirt and unpleasant smells, then that is a good sign that they may need a cleaning soon.

Can you put soccer shin guards in the washing machine?

Yes, technically you can put your shin guards in the washing machine, but it is not really recommended as different parts of the shin guards may get damaged depending on the type of shin guards you wear. Hand washing is best.

Should you leave soccer shin guards in your bag?

Avoid leaving your shin guards inside of your bag as they may develop unpleasant smells and can make the rest of your equipment, such as socks, and cleats, smell too. Leave them outside to air dry and help to naturally eliminate odors.

Do shin guards go over or under socks?

Shin guards are meant to be worn under socks, not over your socks whether that is your team socks, grip socks, or any other type of sock.

How do you wash soccer shin guards?

Shin guards can get really smelly because of the sweat that builds up when you play, which is why it is important to know how to wash your shin guards properly.

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