What Equipment Can You Wash?

Knowing exactly which pieces of hockey equipment can be safely washed — and how — is one of the most practical pieces of gear maintenance knowledge available. Getting this right extends gear life; getting it wrong can damage equipment irreversibly.

What You Need to Know

Machine washable items include jerseys, hockey socks, base layer tops and bottoms, and most fabric-shell shoulder pad covers. Always use cold water, a gentle or delicate cycle, and a sports-specific detergent free of fabric softeners — softener residue clogs the moisture-wicking fibers that base layers depend on to function. Turning items inside out before loading protects exterior graphics and surface finishes from drum abrasion. Mesh laundry bags protect hardware attachments and prevent straps from tangling in the drum.

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 — submerge fully in warm water with sports detergent, work the solution gently into fabric and foam, rinse thoroughly, and air dry palm-side up. Leather-palm gloves should receive spot treatment only — full immersion in water stiffens and cracks quality leather. Shin pads and elbow pads respond well to a hand wash once monthly during the active season, with detachable foam inserts washed separately.

Key Takeaways:

• Machine washable: jerseys, socks, base layers, and fabric shoulder shell covers — cold water, gentle cycle, no softener
• Never machine wash: skate boots, helmets, or protective items with permanently integrated rigid shells
• Hockey gloves with synthetic palms can be fully hand-washed; leather palms require spot treatment only
• Shin pads and elbow pads can be hand-washed monthly — remove detachable foam inserts and wash separately

Knowing what can and cannot be washed — and how — is the foundation of a functional gear hygiene practice that protects your investment every session.