Keeping your lacrosse gear and lacrosse equipment clean and well-maintained is essential for performance, comfort, and safety. Sweat, moisture, weather, and constant contact all take a toll on your equipment. Proper cleaning routines not only extend gear lifespan but also prevent odor, bacteria buildup, and performance issues. This 2026 guide shows players exactly how to clean and care for gloves, pads, helmets, sticks, cleats, and goalie gear, plus the best products to keep everything fresh.
Why Cleaning Your Lacrosse Gear Matters
Regularly cleaning your equipment helps:
- Reduce odors caused by bacteria and sweat
- Prevent mold in gloves, pads, and cleats
- Extend the lifespan of foam padding, palms, and liners
- Improve comfort and fit
- Keep your gear safe, protect its ability to prevent injuries, and ensure it's game-ready every session
Lacrosse gear sits right against your body, and bacteria grow fast when equipment stays damp in a closed bag. A consistent routine keeps your gear fresh and your health protected.
How to Clean Lacrosse Gloves
Gloves absorb sweat in both the palms and the backhand padding, making them one of the strongest sources of odor. Over time, this sweat and moisture can cause gloves to develop a strong smell, so regular cleaning is important to eliminate or reduce bad odors.
Cleaning Steps
- Air-dry gloves immediately after each use
- Do not place in direct sunlight
- Wipe palms gently with a damp cloth
- Use mild soap only if needed
- Apply sports disinfectant spray
- Open the cuff and fingers for ventilation while drying
Maintenance Tips
- Never machine-wash gloves
- Keep palms free of dirt, sticky tape residue, and muddy mesh
- Consider rotating between practice gloves and game gloves
How to Clean Shoulder Pads & Arm Pads
Knowing how to wash lacrosse pads properly is essential to maintain their condition and extend their lifespan. Pads accumulate sweat inside the foam, straps, and liners. Regular cleaning prevents breakdown of protective materials.
Cleaning Steps
- Fill sink or tub with lukewarm water
- Add a small amount of gentle detergent or sports gear soap
- Hand washing is recommended for lacrosse pads, as it helps prevent damage and ensures thorough cleaning, especially for delicate or leather components.
- Submerge pads and lightly scrub straps and padding
- Rinse thoroughly
- Press gently to remove water (do not twist)
- Hang and air dry completely
Maintenance Tips
- Clean every 2–3 weeks or more in hot weather
- Avoid hot water, which can deform foam or plastic
- Inspect straps, buckles, and Velcro regularly
How to Clean Lacrosse Helmets
Helmets require special care since they include adhesives, padding, and hardware.
Cleaning Steps
- Wipe shell with warm water and mild soap
- Disinfect inside padding with approved gear wipes
- Clean chin pads and jaw pads thoroughly
- Wipe down facemask and remove dirt or turf pellets
Maintenance Tips
- Never use bleach or strong chemicals
- Check screws, facemask hardware, and chin strap monthly
- Replace worn or sweat-soaked pads when needed
How to Clean Lacrosse Sticks (Head, Mesh & Shaft)
Proper stick maintenance helps your pocket stay consistent throughout the season.
Cleaning the Head
- Remove mesh if needed
- Scrub head with warm water and dish soap
- Brush scoop and sidewalls to remove turf, mud, or tape residue
- Air dry completely
Cleaning Mesh & Strings
- Rinse mesh under cold water
- Avoid strong detergents
- Air dry without stretching the pocket
- Re-pound once dry if needed
Cleaning the Shaft
- Wipe with warm soapy water
- Remove sticky tape residue
- Re-apply fresh tape for grip and comfort
How to Clean Cleats & Turf Shoes
Footwear picks up sweat, dirt, mud, and turf pellets. Proper cleaning prevents odor and deterioration. After cleaning, always allow your cleats and shoes to become fully dry before use or storage to prevent odor, bacteria, and damage.
Cleaning Steps
- Remove insoles and laces
- Brush off dirt and turf pellets
- Wipe with warm water and mild soap
- Let fully air dry
- Note: Some cleats may take a couple days to fully dry, so plan your cleaning ahead of practices or games.
- Sprinkle baking soda inside overnight for odor control
Maintenance Tips
- Never use a dryer or heater
- Replace insoles each season
- Store cleats outside your main gear bag
How to Clean Goalie Gear (Cat 2 & Cat 3)
Goalie gear absorbs more sweat and impact than any other equipment. Clean it carefully to maintain protection.
Goalie Leg Pads
- Wipe exterior with damp cloth
- Use Odor-Aid spray to disinfect surface
- Avoid soaking pads
Goalie Uppers & Chest Protectors
- Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water
- Use gentle detergent
- Rinse thoroughly
- Air dry completely
Goalie Pants
- Hand wash only
- Avoid heat
- Air dry inside-out for best results
Goalie Gloves
- Clean palms with soft cloth
- Disinfect inside with gear spray
- Air dry open overnight
Deep Cleaning Lacrosse Gear
Deep cleaning your lacrosse gear is crucial for maintaining top performance and keeping odors and bacteria at bay. Over time, sweat, dirt, and moisture can build up deep within your pads, gloves, and helmet, so a thorough clean every few weeks is essential.
To deep clean lacrosse pads, fill a sink or tub with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the pads and let them soak for 15–20 minutes to loosen dirt and sweat. After soaking, use a soft brush to gently scrub away any stubborn stains or grime, paying special attention to high-contact areas. Rinse the pads thoroughly with cold or warm water to remove all soap residue, then press out excess water without twisting or wringing. Always air dry your pads completely in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup and mold.
For lacrosse gloves, follow a similar process: soak them briefly in warm water with mild detergent, then gently scrub with a soft brush. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can break down the materials and reduce grip. If you choose to machine wash, use a gentle cycle and place gloves in a mesh bag for protection. Never use hot water or a dryer—always air dry gloves fully before storing.
Helmets also benefit from a deep clean. Spray the inside padding and shell with a disinfectant spray, then use a soft brush to clean away any dirt or sweat. Wipe down the exterior and let the helmet air dry completely before your next practice or game.
Regular deep cleaning not only keeps your lacrosse gear smelling fresh but also helps maintain the integrity of the materials, ensuring your equipment performs at its best all season long.
Cleaning Delicate Lacrosse Gear
Delicate lacrosse gear, such as shoulder pads and elbow pads, requires extra care to keep it clean and in top condition. These pieces are often made from specialized materials that can be damaged by harsh chemicals, rough scrubbing, or improper washing techniques.
When cleaning more sensitive lacrosse gear, begin by gently wiping the surface with a damp cloth to clear off any loose dirt or grime. Prepare a small bowl of warm water with a tiny amount of mild soap, then use a soft brush or sponge to lightly scrub areas where sweat or stains have built up. Work slowly and avoid pressing too hard so you don’t crush the padding or damage the fabric. Once you’re done, rinse everything with clean water to wash away any leftover soap.
Afterward, let your shoulder pads, elbow pads, and similar items air dry completely in a cool, ventilated space. Never put them in the dryer or near a heat source—high temperatures can cause the foam to warp or the materials to break down. Skip bleach and hot water as well, since both can weaken protective elements. If you’re dealing with strong odors or stubborn spots, you can use a mixture of half water and half white vinegar, or choose a sports-specific detergent made for technical gear.
Keeping up with regular cleaning prevents bacteria and mold from developing, helps your equipment stay fresh, and extends its usable life. Always check the care instructions for your particular gear model, and avoid machine washing or drying unless the manufacturer notes that it’s safe.
Recommended Deodorizers
Sweat buildup leads to the strongest odors in gloves, cleats, helmets, and equipment bags. Regular washes and deodorizing are key to preventing odors and bacteria buildup in lacrosse gear. These products help eliminate bacteria and prevent smells from returning.
- Odor-Aid Sports Equipment Spray
- Odor-Aid Disinfectant
- Odor-Aid Shoe Deodorizing Inserts
- Odor-Aid Antibacterial Wipes
Best uses:
- Inside gloves
- Helmet padding
- Arm pads and shoulder pads
- Goalie uppers
- Cleats and turf shoes
- Lacrosse bags
Shop: Deodorizers Collection
Lacrosse Bags for Organization & Ventilation
A proper lacrosse bag extends gear life by improving airflow and keeping fresh items separate from wet ones.
Bags you carry:
- Warrior lacrosse bags
- Maverik equipment bags
- Under Armour bags
- Ventilated gear duffels & backpacks
Features to look for:
- Ventilated compartments
- Stick holders
- Cleat pockets
- Wet/dry sections
- Heavy-duty zippers
Shop: Lacrosse Bags Collection
How to Store Lacrosse Gear Properly
Do This
- Hang pads and gloves to air dry
- Use deodorizers after each practice
- Keep cleats outside your gear bag
- Store gear in a cool, dry place
Avoid This
- Leaving wet gear in your bag for more than a few hours
- Drying with direct heat (heaters, dryers, radiators)
- Storing gear in damp basements or garages
Weekly & Monthly Maintenance Routine
Weekly
- Air dry all gear
- Wipe gloves and helmet
- Shake dirt out of cleats
- Spray down pads with Odor-Aid
Monthly
- Deep clean shoulder pads, arm pads, and gloves
- Clean and adjust pocket
- Tighten helmet screws
- Re-tape your stick
When to Replace Lacrosse Gear
Replace gear when you notice:
- Torn palms on gloves
- Flattened or cracked padding
- Worn-out straps or Velcro
- Helmet cracks or loose padding
- Mesh that won’t hold shape
- Cleats with worn studs or split soles
Well-maintained gear lasts longer, but competitive play will eventually wear down even the best equipment.
Final Tips for 2026
- Dry everything immediately after practice
- Use deodorizer spray every session
- Wash pads regularly using mild detergent; for extra odor control, add a half cup of white vinegar to the wash when cleaning uniforms or pads
- Carry spare shooters, screws, and tape
- Break in new gear well before the season starts
You can read more about who we are on our About Us page. If you ever want personalized tips for gear care or maintenance, just reach out through the Contact page.
Keep your gear fresh, clean, and ready for every game — shop cleaning supplies, deodorizers, and lacrosse bags at Sanderson Lacrosse →
Gloves Collection
Protective Gear
Cleats
Goalie Gear
Mesh & Stringing Kits
Deodorizers
Lacrosse Bags
