The Bathtub Soak Guide: How to Deep Clean Hockey Gear at Home

Professional gear cleaning services are the gold standard for deep sanitization — but between professional treatments, a home deep clean keeps equipment in better condition and significantly extends the time between service visits. Here's how to do it properly without damaging your gear.

What Can Be Bathtub Soaked

Fabric and foam-based protective gear without significant hard shell components can be hand-washed in a tub: shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards (remove or tape off hard shells if possible), hockey pants, and gloves. Neck guards and base layers can go straight in the washing machine. Helmets should be wiped down by hand, not soaked. Skates never go in water.

The Soaking Process

• Fill the tub with lukewarm water — not hot; heat can affect adhesives and foam properties
• Add a small amount of a mild, sports-specific detergent or an enzyme-based cleaner designed for athletic gear
• Submerge gear and work the water through the foam and fabric by gentle squeezing — don't scrub aggressively
• Soak for 15–20 minutes, then drain and refill with clean water for a rinse cycle
• Squeeze out excess water gently — don't wring; wringing distorts padding and can break adhesive bonds

The Critical Step: Drying

This is where most home cleaning efforts fail. Gear that's been soaked must be dried completely — not partially, completely — before it goes back in the bag or near the rink. Damp gear packed away is worse than unwashed gear packed away. Hang every piece individually in a well-ventilated space with a fan for airflow. Allow 24–48 hours. Rushing the drying process defeats the purpose of cleaning.