Bats, Balls, and Beyond

Whether you're a wrestler or have a wrestler in your family, keeping gear clean is a must. Not only will unwashed wrestling gear develop an unpleasant smell, but bacteria growth on unwashed wrestling gear can lead to infections, skin irritation, and other problems. 

By knowing how to properly wash, deodorize, and sanitize common wrestling gear, you can avoid these issues (and keep your wrestler smelling decent in the process).

Caring For Wrestling Singlets

Wrestling uniforms, which are often referred to as singlets, are often made out of lightweight and relatively delicate materials. For this reason, you'll always want to check the care tag on a singlet before laundering it. In most cases, you'll want to treat it delicately by putting it into a mesh garment bag before washing. This will prevent it from getting snagged on any buttons or zippers that may also be in the wash.

Generally, washing a wrestling uniform with an "active" or "sports" laundry detergent is best for neutralizing odors and eliminating bacteria. And while it may seem like hot water would be best for sanitizing a wrestling singlet, cold (or even warm) water is actually preferable because it is much gentler.

What About Headgear?

Most wrestlers also wear headgear to protect their ears and the sides of their heads during matches. As you can imagine, these can become quite gross after a few sweaty matches, so they should be cleaned regularly. The easiest way to sanitize headgear is to simply wipe it down with a little bit of rubbing alcohol. You can apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab and wipe it down thoroughly, then allow it to air dry for best results. Even with regular sanitizing, you may still want to replace headgear often because the materials are porous, and sweat can seep into the inner foam over time.

Deodorizing Wrestling Shoes

For stinky wrestling shoes, you should start by removing the shoelaces. From there, fill a small container with warm water and active/sports laundry detergent. You can, then, dip a clean cloth into the mixture and then use it to scrub away at the shoes inside and out. Just be sure to allow plenty of time for the shoes to dry; setting them near an open window and stuffing the insides with newspaper can be a great way to speed up the process.

Taking care of wrestling gear can help prolong its life while also reducing odors and bacteria growth, so be sure to follow these cleaning tips for your wrestling singlets, headgear, and shoes.