Stop the Stink: Your Guide to Hockey Equipment
Hello Hockey Families,
As a hockey player or hockey family, you know all too well the notorious smell of hockey gear. It’s a topic that gets a lot of airtime in the car ride home after a long game or practice. The good news is that you don't have to surrender to this pungent problem. Today, we are sharing a couple of effective tools to keep your hockey player's equipment fresh and odor-free.
Killing the Hockey Smell with an Ozone Generator
Getting the Gear Dry
First, let's address the root of the issue - moisture. Sweat-soaked equipment is a breeding ground for bacteria, and it's this bacteria that causes the unpleasant smell. One effective tool we recommend to tackle this is a portable dryer.
The Portable Clothes Dryer is a fantastic tool to dry out your gear post-practice or game. This equipment dryer works by circulating warm air around your gear, speeding up the drying process, and making it harder for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. It's compact and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go families who want to start the drying process as soon as the final whistle blows. Simply set up your gear on the dryer, turn it on, and let it work its magic.
The dryer disassembles to fit into a medium sized duffel bag and is perfect for tournament weekends. For tournaments, other methods don’t cut it when games are so frequent. After a game, the dryer takes a minute to assemble. A minute to hang up the gear, and about 30 minutes to dry even wet hockey gloves. Note, we do not put skates in the dryer.
Killing Bacteria
For hockey gear like helmets, gloves and shoulder pads, drying alone will not completely eliminate the odor, especially when it has had a chance to set in. That's where our second recommendation comes in - the [Ozone Machine](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V8SSYPP).
The Airthereal Ozone Machine is a powerful deodorizer that works by generating ozone, a molecule known for its strong oxidizing properties. This allows it to effectively neutralize even the most stubborn odors. Once your gear is dry, simply place the Ozone Machine in a hockey bag and let it run for a 1-hour cycle. We do this about once a month or as needed. If the smell is really stubborn, we run the 2-hour cycle.
WARNING: It's important to be mindful of safety precautions when using it. Ozone is a powerful oxidant, and while it's excellent at eliminating odors, it can also be harmful if inhaled in large amounts.
AIR IT OUT: It's crucial to let the hockey gear air out for at least a few hours after an ozone treatment before wearing it. This allows any residual ozone to dissipate safely.
USE IN WELL-VENTILATED AREA: Additionally, the ozone generator should not be run in confined spaces with people present. Always use it in a well-ventilated area and keep people and pets away from the space during the treatment cycle. We keep ours outdoors when it is running. By following these precautions, you can safely and effectively keep your hockey gear smelling fresh and clean.
Basic Hygiene
In addition to these tools, we always recommend basic hygiene practices such as washing removable parts of equipment regularly, airing out the gear after every use, and never leaving wet equipment in the bag.
Remember, a cleaner hockey bag isn't just about a more pleasant-smelling car ride home - it's also about the longevity of the equipment and the health of the player. By reducing bacteria growth, you're helping to prevent skin irritations and infections, plus your gear will likely last a bit longer too!
With these tools and practices, we hope you and your hockey player will spend less time dealing with smelly gear and more time enjoying the game we all love.
Stay fresh, hockey families!
Note: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for both the portable dryer and the ozone machine to ensure safe and effective use.
