Keeping it Clean and Safe

If your child is wrestling, you already know that wrestling gear goes through a lot. Frequent practices and intense competitions mean wrestling shoes, headgear, singlets, and other equipment become sweaty and worn quickly. Properly caring for your wrestler’s gear isn’t just about keeping it looking nice; it’s about maintaining cleanliness, preventing infection, and ensuring the equipment lasts as long as possible.

Wrestling involves close physical contact, making hygiene especially important to prevent skin infections and other health concerns. Properly cleaning and maintaining wrestling gear can significantly reduce these risks, keeping your wrestler healthy, comfortable, and safe. Here’s a straightforward guide to effectively care for your wrestling gear.

1. Caring for Wrestling Shoes

Wrestling shoes are among the most important items in your wrestler’s gear bag. They provide essential grip and ankle support, so keeping them clean and well-maintained is vital. After each practice or match, it’s important to let shoes air out properly to prevent unpleasant odors and bacterial growth.

Always remove shoes from the gear bag immediately after use and allow them to dry fully. Placing crumpled newspaper or shoe deodorizer inserts inside the shoes can absorb moisture and reduce odors. Occasionally, use disinfectant wipes or mild soap and water to gently clean the soles and exterior, helping remove bacteria that accumulate from wrestling mats.

Avoid washing wrestling shoes in the washing machine or fully submerging them in water, as this can damage the structure of the shoe and reduce grip quality. Instead, spot clean gently and always allow shoes to air-dry naturally.

2. Cleaning Wrestling Singlets and Practice Clothing

Wrestling singlets and practice gear quickly become sweaty, dirty, and susceptible to bacteria. Washing wrestling clothing immediately after each practice or match prevents odors and bacteria growth, greatly reducing the chance of skin infections.

Wash wrestling clothing separately or with other athletic gear using mild detergent on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, as these can break down the fabric or irritate the wrestler’s skin. After washing, promptly remove items from the washer and allow them to air dry or dry them using low heat in a dryer.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on clothing labels to ensure that the singlets and practice clothing remain in good condition throughout the wrestling season.

3. Maintaining Wrestling Headgear

Headgear is crucial for preventing ear injuries and protecting wrestlers from developing cauliflower ear. Because headgear directly contacts skin, sweat, and hair, it can quickly become dirty and develop odors.

To clean wrestling headgear, regularly wipe down the ear cups, straps, and padding with disinfectant wipes or a damp cloth with mild soap. Make sure to let it air dry completely before packing it away, as moisture can lead to unpleasant smells and bacterial growth. Avoid fully immersing headgear in water unless specifically indicated by the manufacturer, since prolonged exposure to moisture can damage padding and shorten its lifespan.

Regularly inspecting the straps and buckles for damage or wear is important. Replace headgear promptly if straps become frayed or padding becomes damaged, as headgear only provides effective protection when in good condition.

4. Caring for Protective Gear: Mouthguards and Knee Pads

Protective gear such as mouthguards and knee pads also requires regular cleaning to ensure safety and comfort. Mouthguards, in particular, can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned after each use.

Wash mouthguards thoroughly after every practice or competition using cold water and mild soap, or use a specialized mouthguard-cleaning solution. Allow mouthguards to air dry completely before placing them in their storage cases to reduce bacteria and odors. Periodically, soaking mouthguards in antibacterial mouthwash or specialized cleaning solutions can further maintain cleanliness.

Knee pads absorb a lot of sweat and often come into direct contact with the wrestling mat. Wash knee pads after every few uses in a gentle laundry cycle, using mild detergent and cold water. Allow them to air dry completely, as high heat can damage elastic materials or foam padding.

5. Keeping Wrestling Bags Clean

It’s easy to overlook the wrestling bag itself, but bags can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria due to damp gear. After practices or matches, remove all gear from the bag and let the bag fully air out. Regularly wipe down the interior of the bag with disinfectant wipes or a cloth dampened with mild soap and water.

To further prevent odors and bacteria, use small deodorizer packets or dryer sheets inside your wrestling bag. Periodically washing wrestling bags according to manufacturer instructions will help maintain cleanliness and durability over time.

6. General Wrestling Hygiene Tips

Alongside proper gear maintenance, wrestlers should follow simple hygiene practices to stay safe. Showering immediately after practice or competition, using antibacterial soap, greatly reduces skin infection risks. Additionally, regularly inspecting skin for redness, rashes, or unusual marks helps identify potential infections early.

Teach your wrestler not to share personal gear like headgear, mouthguards, or shoes with teammates. While sharing may seem convenient, it greatly increases the risk of transmitting skin infections.

Clean Gear Means Healthy Wrestling

Taking the time to properly clean and maintain wrestling gear not only ensures safety and comfort but also prolongs the lifespan of your child’s equipment. Good hygiene habits established early on help wrestlers stay healthy, confident, and competitive on the mat.

As a parent, teaching your wrestler to take responsibility for their own gear helps them learn valuable life skills such as accountability and attention to detail. Proper gear maintenance is a critical part of being a successful wrestler, and taking care of equipment is just as important as mastering moves and techniques.

When gear is kept clean, your wrestler can fully focus on improving their skills, building confidence, and enjoying all the benefits wrestling has to offer.