Posted By: Truly Free Home
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Posted On: 8/18/2025
As a mom whose kid plays sports year-round, I know a thing or two about how stinky sports equipment can be. When my son started playing hockey, I nearly fell over the first time he dropped his pads, skates, and gym bag in the mudroom. And his cleats and soccer shin guards? They get so ripe they could walk themselves to the laundry room.
The problem is things like cleats and hockey skates can’t be put in the washing machine. There are also weeks when he has practice every day, leaving me little time to clean hockey equipment that can go in the washer and let it air dry. Plus, regular machine washing can wear out his expensive gear—fast.
So, what’s a busy mom with an active kid to do? I’m glad you asked.
Here are three natural ways to remove odors from hockey equipment, football equipment, and other sports equipment.
There’s a reason you’ll often find an open box of baking soda at the back of refrigerators. This naturally occurring mineral neutralizes odor-causing compounds, transforming them into non-odorous substances. So, it’s an effective way to get the smell out of sports gear, too.
For getting the smell out of cleats and skates. Generously and evenly sprinkle baking soda on the inside of shoes and helmets. Let sit overnight. Vacuum up any leftover baking soda.
For getting the smell out of sports pads and helmets. Remove pads from hard outer shells if applicable, and remove soft padding from helmets. Generously and evenly sprinkle baking soda over smelly areas and let sit overnight. Vacuum up any leftover baking soda.
For getting the smell out of gym bags and backpacks. Pour about a cup of baking soda into a plastic bag or place an open baking soda box into the gym bag or backpack. Close the bag and let the baking soda do its thing for 24 hours. Remove and discard used baking soda.
This common laundry additive is also great to have on hand for sports season. Vinegar works by breaking down odor-causing substances and dissolving residues that cause smells.
For quick deodorizing of sports equipment. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the padded parts of sports equipment and inside shoes, gym bags, and backpacks. Place outside in the sun until dry. Odors will dissipate as the solution dries.
For soaking sports equipment. Place washable gear in a large bucket or the tub and soak in a solution of hot water, Truly Free Home Laundry Wash, and vinegar. Set in the sun to air dry. Note: We do not recommend this method for sports shoes.
Other odor and stain eliminators on the market mask smells from sports gear using toxic synthetic fragrances and leave odor-causing bacteria behind. That’s where Truly Free Home is different.
Our non-toxic, plant-powered Odor and Stain Eliminator gets rid of odors from sports gear at the source. Natural enzymes digest bacteria and sweat that seeps into sports equipment and makes it stink, so the only thing left behind is practice- and game-ready gear. Plus, it’s effective at removing grass, mud, and armpit sweat stains, too.
For getting the smell out of cleats, skates, running shoes, backpacks, and gym bags. Generously spray the inside of sports equipment with Truly Free Home Odor & Stain Eliminator. Let dry and enjoy refreshed, stink-free equipment.
For getting the smell out of sports pads and helmets. Remove foam pads from hard outer shells, if applicable, and remove soft padding from helmets. Spray down affected areas with Truly Free Home Odor & Stain Eliminator. Let completely dry before placing padding back into the gear.
Sports gear may never smell like roses, but with these natural tricks, it doesn’t have to knock you out, either. With these easy, natural odor-fighting solutions, you can kick sweaty sports equipment to the curb—for good.
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