How to Wash Shin Guards
Shin guards, also known as shin pads, are one of the few essential equipment that soccer players of all ages need.
Shin guards help protect the soft tissues and bones of the legs from direct impact. Without them, you could experience scrapes or even fractures. Unfortunately, I’ve seen it twice and it’s not pretty!
Proper care and maintenance of your shin guards are important to ensure that they remain effective at protecting your shins. You also want your shin guard to last as long as possible.
Key Takeaways From This Article:
- Shin guards are used to protect your shins from minor to major injuries.
- Cleaning your shin guards will make them last longer and make them smell better.
- Cleaning your shin guards is very easy (jump to instructions).
- I would avoid using washing machines. Instead, I’d clean them by hand so the material stays together.
Cleaning your shin guards helps make everyone in your life much happier. Is there anything worse than your child taking 🤢 off their shin guards after a hard-fought game? Nope!
How To Wash Soccer Shin Guards in 5 Easy Steps
As you can probably imagine, washing your shin guards is not a difficult task. It just takes some time and effort.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash shin guards:
- Remove any dirt or debris from the shin guards by gently brushing them with a soft, damp cloth. This will help to loosen any dirt that may be stuck to the surface.
- Fill a sink with warm water and a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent (both work great). Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can damage the shin guards.
- Submerge the shin guards in the soapy water and gently scrub them to help loosen any dirt or stains. You may also use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the surface of the shin guards.
- Rinse the shin guards thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Allow the shin guards to air dry completely before using them again. Avoid drying them in direct sunlight or using a heat source, as this can cause the shin guards to become stiff or brittle.
BONUS TIP: Once they are 100% dry, you can apply a small amount of silicone spray to the surface to help keep them flexible and prevent cracking. This isn’t necessary but helps.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your shin guards are clean and well-maintained for your next training session.
How Often Should You Wash Shin Guards?
Washing your shin guards can be a hassle so doing it every month or two is enough.
One thing a player can do is take their shin guards out of their bag after they play and let them air out. Shin guards stay moist when left in a soccer bag so it not only smells bad but it makes it unpleasant for everything else in the bag.
Every weekend, our family will take all the uniforms, cleats, and shin guards out of the soccer bags and leave them on the back deck. This helps dry all the sweat out and makes it bearable for the next week!
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically you can put your shin guards in the washer, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Your shin guards could warp or get damaged in a washer. Instead, we suggest hand washing them.
You should wash your shin guards at least once or twice a month. We understand how busy you are so doing it periodically will help.
We recommend taking your shin guards out of your soccer bag every night so they air out. Damp shin guards smell over time.
Written By: Beau Bridges
Beau is the founder of SoccerNovo, dedicated to helping players and parents navigate the youth soccer landscape. As a former youth coach and soccer parent, he shares insights on player development, recruiting, and the ever-evolving soccer scene in the U.S.
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