The Washing Machine Ritual: What Hockey Gear Can and Can't Handle the Machine

The gear smells, the washing machine is right there, and it seems obvious. Machine washing is the right answer for some hockey equipment and a destructive mistake for others. The consequences of getting it wrong range from ruined gear to compromised safety equipment that shows no visible sign of damage. Here's the complete guide.

Machine Washable — Cold, Gentle Cycle

• Neck guards (fabric collar styles without hard shell integration)
• Jocks and jills
• Base layers and moisture-wicking undergarments
• Hockey socks
• Jerseys and practice jerseys

Air dry or use low heat for all of these — high heat degrades elastic, adhesives, and synthetic fibers even in washable items.

Never Machine Wash

• Skates — water immersion destroys internal boot structure, adhesive bonding, and heat-moldable materials
• Helmets — compromises interior foam impact-absorption without any visible evidence of damage
• Gloves — leather palms shrink and crack; internal padding compresses; exterior materials delaminate
• Shoulder pads and hard-shell protective gear — agitation separates adhesive bonds; heat and immersion warp plastic shells

The Right Approach for Non-Washable Gear

Antimicrobial spray, thorough air-drying after every skate, and periodic professional cleaning are the correct tools for the do-not-wash list. The smell driving the machine washing impulse is bacterial — bacteria respond to being denied moisture and treated with antimicrobial agents. The machine addresses the symptom while destroying the equipment. Use the right tool for each job.