How to Clean Catchers Gear (4 Ways!)

Compared to other players on the baseball field, the catcher position requires considerably more equipment.

Besides the standard uniform, the catcher’s gear also features helmets with face masks, chest protectors, shin guards, knee savers, and mitts.

Cleaning and caring for this gear is an essential part of preparations for games or practices.

Well-maintained equipment will last longer and help the player’s performance.

More importantly, clean and germ and odor-free equipment can prevent some serious health issues.

With so many different parts, proper equipment maintenance is not easy, but learning how to clean catchers gear is necessary in order to create a more comfortable and safer environment for everyone involved.

How to Clean Catchers Gear

Dirty baseball catcher gear lying on the grass.

Catchers gear can be cleaned in several different ways. Some are more efficient but require more time and work.

Others are simpler and less strenuous but may produce lesser results.

Often, it’s best to combine a couple of cleaning methods to ensure that the equipment will be as clean and safe as possible.

Whatever the cleaning approach you choose, it’s essential that the equipment is regularly maintained and cleaned after each use.

Manual Washing

Manual washing presents probably the most daunting task compared to other cleaning methods.

Still, it’s often used, especially with the players who want to, for whatever reason, avoid cleaning sprays or deodorizer.

As manual washing and subsequent drying of the equipment can be rather time-consuming, this approach should only be used when there’s enough time between the games or practices.

Some parts of the equipment, like padding on chest protectors and shin guards, can even be washed in the washing machine using mild detergent and delicate cycle settings.

Still, always check the instructions on the equipment label.

The Full Manual Washing Process Looks Like This:

Prepare all of the gear, take it apart where possible, and keep all parts separated. If possible, detach all of the paddings from plastic parts of chest protectors and shin guards.

Make sure to wash these separately to get rid of any foul odor and sweat.

Use tap water to wash each part of the catchers gear. Every item should be washed separately. When washing the paddings, rub them lightly with a wet cloth or sponge and some mild soap.

You want to make sure that all the stench is gone.

Avoid fully submerging them in water as you may not be able to dry them properly. You can clean the helmets by gently wiping them with a clean piece of cloth or rag.

Once the washing process is finished, leave all of the parts of the gear out in the sun to dry naturally. Do not put any part of the equipment in the machine dryer.

Optionally, you can use hot water and mild soap for better results.

Cleaning with the Deodorizer Spray

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Using deodorizer spray is a very simple and practical method of cleaning catchers gear.

No products found. are easy to use and their application takes minimal time. Most of them also contain some sort of disinfectant, so they’re efficient against germs and viruses.

Before using the spray check to see if it’s intended for sports equipment cleaning purposes. It should be harmless to any piece of equipment, including the leather parts.

Plus, it should be non-corrosive so it wouldn’t damage the metal parts such as helmets and masks.

Here’s How To Clean Each Part Of The Catchers Gear With A Deodorizer Spray:

For helmets and masks, first, take them apart and remove any extra dirt or debris.

Hold the helmet in one hand and spray it thoroughly, especially the inner part. Repeat the process with the face mask.

When cleaning the chest protector, first separate the padding from the hard plastic shell. Then, evenly apply spray on both sides of the inner and outer layers of the equipment.

Cleaning shin guards with the deodorizer spray is pretty much the same as cleaning the chest protector.

The gloves are often full of dirt and germs, so pay particular attention when cleaning them.

First, spray the outside of the gloves. Then, turn them inside-out and thoroughly spray the inner part.

After cleaning with the deodorizer spray, all parts of catchers gear should be left out to air dry. The spraying process should be done before and after every game or practice.

Cleaning with a Brush and a Hose Pipe

This is a very efficient way of cleaning the catchers gear, but be aware your equipment will take more time to dry than if you use other methods.

Use the brush to remove dust, dirt, and debris from every crack and crevice in the equipment. Remove the padding from the helmet, chest protector, and shin guards.

With the hose pipe, spray the water on every piece of equipment, be especially thorough with gloves and chest protectors.

Leave every item to dry separately.

Cleaning with Kitchen Antiseptic Wipes

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Another way to clean your catching gear is by using kitchen No products found..

These are particularly helpful with hard equipment items, such as helmets and shin guards.

There are no wipes specifically designed for these purposes, you can use the products found in any grocery store.

Another benefit of this method is the antiseptic effect which will help you get rid of any germs or bacteria in your gear.

  • Take your gear apart and layout all the parts separately.
  • Start by cleaning the hard parts of the helmet, chest protector, and shin guards. Clean them thoroughly, wiping them with antiseptic wipes.
  • Next, do the same with paddings and gloves.

Conclusion

Maintaining your gear and keeping it clean is an important part of life as a baseball player. This is especially true for the catchers who, by the nature of their role, carry the most equipment.

At the higher levels of the game, teams have staff whose job is to clean the equipment regularly.

However, for amateur, young, and recreational players, getting a grasp of how to clean catchers gear is of the utmost importance.

Adopting the hygienic habits while young will help players stay safe and healthy throughout the career.

As it is often said, if you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you.

Paul Hall
Paul Hall

Hello, I’m Paul, a 45 year old passionate baseball fan and the owner of this website. I hope my article could help to answer your questions.

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