In the world of sports, particularly in volleyball, the persistent issue of smelly knee pads is all too familiar to athletes and parents alike. These seemingly indestructible knee pads have been in use for an impressive 12 years, a testament to their durability when cared for properly.
How To Wash Volleyball Knee Pads? To wash volleyball knee pads, first shake off debris, soak in soapy water, scrub gently with a brush, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources for drying.
As a coach, I’m often approached by concerned parents seeking advice on banishing that unmistakable odor. Today, we’re here to share a solution to this common problem, offering a comprehensive guide on how to maintain and clean your volleyball knee pads effectively.
By following these steps, you can extend the lifespan of your knee pads, ensuring a more pleasant and hygienic experience for every game and practice session.
Can You Put Volleyball Knee Pads in the Washing Machine Safely?
Absolutely, it’s safe to use your washing machine to clean volleyball knee pads. They tend to get stinky and dirty because of sweat and use, so it’s important to clean them regularly, ideally every 1-2 weeks. Washing them in the machine is the simplest and most effective way.
What to Know Before Using the Washing Machine for Your Volleyball Knee Pads
Volleyball knee pads offer protection against injuries. To wash them in the washing machine, ensure your machine is clean. Use a cleaner like True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner.
Don’t leave knee pads in your bag after practice. Turn them inside out to air dry. Wipe off visible dirt with a damp cloth.
How to Wash Volleyball Knee Pads in the Washing Machine: Step-by-Step
If your knee pads are all dirty and stinky from regular use, it’s time for a good wash. Luckily, you can clean your volleyball knee pads in a washing machine. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to keep them fresh and hygienic.
1. Soaking Your Knee Pads
The first step is super important here. Using a mix of vinegar and baking soda works wonders for cleaning and removing smells in your knee pads, especially when other methods fail.
Put your knee pads in a bucket, pour in about a cup of white vinegar, and make sure they get coated. Sprinkle baking soda on them, and it should start to bubble up.
This bubbling action helps get rid of dirt and germs deep in the foam. Let your knee pads sit for a few minutes to an hour. Then, add water until the knee pads are floating, and let them soak for a few hours, up to 24 if needed.
2. Inspecting the Labels
Cleaning your knee pads in the washing machine is the easiest way, but make sure it’s okay for them. Look at the tags or the maker’s website to see if they can go in the machine.
3. Wash with a Small Laundry Load
Don’t overload your washing machine with heavy stuff like volleyball knee pads. Use a smaller load, like some T-shirts, until it’s about halfway full. If you wear knee pads for sports, wash them with your sports gear. But remember, don’t mix delicate clothes with knee pads in the machine.
4. Put Your Volleyball Knee Pads in a Mesh Laundry Bag
Use a mesh laundry bag to keep your volleyball knee pads safe and prevent them from getting tangled with other laundry. Make sure the bag is closed and any velcro or snaps on the pads are fastened.
If you don’t have a laundry bag, you can use an extra pillowcase as a temporary holder for your knee pads.
5. Drying Your Knee Pads Naturally
Remember, heat isn’t good for knee pads. Let them air dry completely, which usually takes about 12 hours. For better drying, turn them inside out and leave them outside for an hour or two.
6. Use a Bit of Gentle Laundry Soap
Use detergent made for synthetic fabrics and add enough for half a load. If your knee pads smell bad, add a cap of white vinegar to get rid of the odor. Just make sure the detergent doesn’t have chlorine, as it can fade the color of some knee pads.
7. Choose Cold Water and Gentle Settings
Before starting the washer, pick cold water and make sure the gentle cycle is on. This way, your knee pads stay safe, and the cold water helps get rid of smells and bacteria.
Just check your washing machine’s display for these settings. If you can’t find “gentle,” look for “delicate” instead.
8. Take Out the Pads and Hang Them for Drying
After your laundry cycle is done, take the pads out of the mesh bag and hang them up to air dry for at least six hours. You can also lay them flat to dry but remember to flip them over once one side is dry.
Avoid using a dryer because it can make the pads smaller or misshapen. The best way is to let them air dry, which might take up to 12 hours, but it helps keep the places in good shape and kills any lingering bacteria if you dry them in the sun.
Important Considerations for Washing
Here are some important details to consider when washing your laundry:
Choosing the Right Water Temperature
Always use cold or warm water, not hot, when washing knee pads made from a mix of cotton and polyester. Hot water can ruin the stretchy part that keeps them snug on your knees and might make some knee pads too small to wear.
How Often to Clean Volleyball Knee Pads
You should aim to wash your knee pads every 1-2 months, depending on how much you use them and how sweaty they get. Washing them more often is appreciated by your teammates.
Avoid Using Heat for Drying
Don’t use the dryer for your knee pads. High heat can warp them and make them not fit right. It’s best to let them air dry. If you’re in a rush, you can use a dryer in a low-heat setting.
Gentle Spin Cycle
If you choose to machine wash your knee pads, use the gentle spin cycle. It’s even better to pick the hand wash or delicate setting on your washing machine. This prevents the padding inside the knee pads from moving around or folding.
Remember to Ventilate Your Soiled Laundry
To prevent your knee pads and sports gear from smelling bad, make sure to let them air out after each practice or game. Don’t keep the sweat trapped, especially in a closed volleyball bag.
Is It Safe to Use a Dryer for Volleyball Knee Pads?
Using a dryer for volleyball knee pads is possible but not recommended, except in urgent situations. High temperatures can harm the knee pads. Tumble drying might also change the materials, making them uncomfortable.
Ideally, give them 24 hours to air dry. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest setting and add soft items (no denim) to reduce the impact of tumbling.
Preventing Odors in Your Volleyball Knee Pads
To prevent your volleyball knee pads from smelling, here’s what you can do:
- Clean them after each use by handwashing with mild soap and warm water. Let them air dry. If they’re really dirty, you can use a gentle washing machine cycle.
- Store your knee pads in a cool, dry place to stop bacteria and mold growth.
- To freshen them up, you can spray a fabric refresher on them or leave them out in the sun and fresh air.
For smelly shoes, you can use baking soda:
- Mix 1 cup each of baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch.
- Put this mixture in a pair of cotton socks and place them inside your shoes overnight.
- This will absorb moisture and eliminate odors, leaving your shoes smelling nice.
Repeat this occasionally to keep your knee pads and shoes smelling fresh and clean.
Maintaining Freshness in Your Knee Pads
Knee pads are important for sports like volleyball, but they can get smelly due to sweat and microbes. To prevent this:
- Make sure your knee pads are completely dry by letting them air out in the sun or hanging them up.
- For long-term cleanliness, soak your knee pads in a mixture of 2-4 ounces of white vinegar and chlorine-free detergent for at least 10 minutes.
- Wash them in cold or warm water with a bleach-safe detergent on a gentle cycle or use a neutral detergent on a gentle cycle.
- Consider replacing your volleyball knee pads each season with durable ones to keep them fresh for longer.
Maintenance Tips
Tips for Proper Maintenance:
Wash knee pads after every use if possible:
Cleaning your knee pads after each use is ideal for preventing odor and maintaining hygiene. Handwashing them with mild detergent and warm water is recommended. Allow them to air dry thoroughly to avoid damage from heat.
Check for wear and tear regularly; repair or replace as needed:
Inspect your knee pads regularly for signs of wear and tear. Look for fraying edges, loose stitching, or damaged padding. If you notice any issues, consider repairing or replacing them to ensure they provide adequate protection during sports activities.
Consider investing in multiple pairs for rotation:
If you frequently use knee pads for sports or other activities, it’s a good idea to have multiple pairs. Rotating between knee pads allows them to air out and dry between uses, reducing the risk of odor and bacterial growth.
This also extends the lifespan of your knee pads, as each pair experiences less wear and tear.
FAQs About How To Wash Volleyball Knee Pads
Q1: How often should I wash my volleyball knee pads?
It’s a good practice to wash your volleyball knee pads after every use, if possible. Regular cleaning helps prevent odor and maintains hygiene.
Q2: Can I put my knee pads in the washing machine?
Yes, you can. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid high heat settings or harsh detergents to prevent damage to the knee pads.
Q3: Is it safe to tumble dry my knee pads?
It’s not recommended. High heat in the dryer can damage the fabric and elasticity of knee pads. It’s better to air dry them by hanging them up or laying them flat.
Q4: How can I remove tough stains from my knee pads?
For stubborn stains, soak your knee pads in a mixture of distilled white vinegar and chlorine-free detergent for at least 10 minutes before washing. This can help break down stains.
Q5: Can I use bleach to clean my knee pads?
Using bleach is generally not recommended, as it can damage the fabric and reduce the lifespan of your knee pads. Instead, opt for a bleach-safe detergent or a neutral detergent when washing them.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, maintaining clean and odor-free volleyball knee pads is essential for both athletes and parents. Regular washing and proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of these essential sports accessories.
The article provides comprehensive guidance on how to clean knee pads effectively, emphasizing the use of gentle cleaning methods, proper drying techniques, and the importance of checking for wear and tear.
It also addresses common questions and concerns, such as using washing machines and handling tough stains.
By following these tips and recommendations, athletes can ensure their knee pads remain comfortable, hygienic, and ready for action, enhancing their overall sports experience.
After reading this detailed article, we hope you have a good understanding of How To Wash Volleyball Knee Pads. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments!