How to Clean and Disinfect Sports Equipment

Athletic gear can get dirty. Real dirty. Learn how to clean and disinfect sports equipment like soccer cleats, shin guards, gym equipment and football shoulder pads to help keep germs and odor at bay.

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Use as directed.

Sports gear requires proper cleaning. Jerseys, cleats, shin guards, shoulder pads, gear bags can all harbor germs and bacteria, and they can get really stinky. We recommend Clorox® Disinfecting Mist for daily cleaning and deodorizing after every practice. This convenient spray can be used on hard and soft surfaces, no wipe required. Use as directed for everyday cleaning to help reduce germs and odor.

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Washing fabric sports gear

Keep in mind that much of your athletic wear and fabric sports gear can simply be added to your regular bleach laundry. Just be sure to check the care label and make sure there’s no spandex, and remember to check for colorfastness.

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Cleaning sports equipment

You’ll be glad to know that the same Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach with CLOROMAX® that sanitizes your laundry can also clean and disinfect sports equipment,* even your favorite plastic coated kettlebell. Any equipment with a hard, nonporous surface can be wiped down with a bleach and water solution. Here’s how.

What you need

Steps for cleaning sports equipment

  1. Mix a bleach solution

    Measure ⅓ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach with CLOROMAX®, and add it to 1 gallon cool water in a plastic dishpan.

  2. Clean hard surfaces

    Wearing gloves, use a sponge to apply the bleach and water solution to hard, nonporous items. Reapply as needed to keep the surface wet for 6 minutes.

  3. Rinse with water

    After 6 minutes, rinse with clean water.

  4. Air dry

    Hang items or lay them onto a towel to air dry.

  • *

    Items must be white (not colored) for bleach use.