Machine Washing Your Gear

Machine washing is a fast and effective way to clean many pieces of hockey equipment — but doing it incorrectly can damage materials, compromise protective performance, and void warranties. Knowing exactly what's safe makes all the difference.

What You Need to Know

Safe items include jerseys, hockey socks, base layer tops and bottoms, and most fabric-shell shoulder pad covers. Always use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a sports-specific detergent free of fabric softeners — softener residue clogs the moisture-wicking fibers that base layers depend on. Turning items inside out before loading protects exterior graphics and surface finishes.

Items that should never enter a washing machine include skate boots, helmets, and any protective item where rigid plastic shells are permanently integrated into fabric carriers. Hockey gloves can be hand-washed effectively, but high-end leather palm gloves should receive spot treatment only — full water immersion hardens and cracks quality leather.

Key Takeaways:

• Jerseys, socks, base layers, and fabric shoulder shell covers are all safe for machine washing
• Use cold water and gentle cycle with sports detergent — fabric softener destroys moisture-wicking performance
• Skate boots, helmets, and shell-integrated protective gear must never go in the machine
• Leather-palm gloves require spot treatment only — full immersion damages the palm permanently

Machine washing is an efficient maintenance tool for the right items — the habit is only as useful as knowing exactly where the boundary is.