How to Wash and Clean Volleyball Knee Pads Easily?

As a coach, I always wondered why those sweaty and grimy knee pads hamper my team player’s game.

Turns out, a player’s gear is their biggest support to ensure smooth performance not only during the main game but also for the countless workouts and warmups.

The pads’ porous materials quickly become covered in grime, filth, and perspiration, creating an ideal setting for the growth of bacteria. You can avoid skin irritations and infections by keeping your knee pads clean.

As a former volleyball player, amidst the never-ending practice sessions and warmups, at times, even I would feel too exhausted to add one more task to my day of cleaning the pads. This feeling continued until I was about to seriously get injured due to a lot of friction between my skin and the pads.

Eventually, I learned how to easily wash volleyball knee pads on my own. Now, as a coach, I ensure that all my players learn volleyball from scratch, which means from body coordination to maintaining gear hygiene.

Why does proper washing of knee pads matter?

As the coaches say, “The only limits on your volleyball journey are the ones you set for yourself.”

Maintaining the quality of the pad’s materials is important for a bunch of reasons, such as keeping knee pads clean. Constant sweat and moisture exposure destroys foam and textiles over time, diminishing their protective properties.

As a result, knee pads fail to offer the essential comfort and support during intense motions, increasing the risk of injury.

Pads should be washed regularly to prevent degradation and preserve their protective layers.

Earlier, I often overlooked or neglected to follow a regular maintenance plan for my kneepads. This resulted in the pads requiring a thorough, time-intensive washing the rare times I did consider washing them.

Clean kneepads can improve your comfort, hygiene, safety, and overall performance in the sport. Keeping your knee pads clean also extends their shelf life, so it’s a win-win in the long run.

What you’ll need

You would be surprised to know that after years of spending time as a volleyball player, I can confidently share that you don’t require high-end products to clean those pads. Even the simplest of ingredients can ensure proper cleaning and increase the shelf life of your knee pads. Take a quick look at these tips you need to follow:

The most basic, mild laundry detergents can be effective. Go for anti-dye and perfume-free detergents to reduce fabric discoloration and skin discomfort. All-purpose cleansers are also a great choice!

Include baking soda in your cleaning routine. It works wonderfully as a deodorizer, removing smell that detergents may not completely eliminate. Just adding a half-cup of baking soda during the rinsing process can get you the desired result.

A fabric softener may assist your knee pads in maintaining their intended texture. However, not every pad material responds well to conditioners. Before applying any fabric conditioner, read the directions provided by the pad maker.

Make sure you have a bucket or basin of a considerate size to immerse your knee pads before washing them. Soaking them in your choice of cleaning solution for 30 minutes with lukewarm water can loosen the dirt stuck in deep corners.

Avoid scrubbing your pads with a harsh brush, as they can wear out sooner.

Air-drying is another important part of cleaning your knee pads. After washing your knee pads, use a drying rack or clothesline to air dry them. This process retains the material’s quality and ensures your pads last longer. It can also get rid of the odor present in those used pads.

Washing Volleyball knee pads – Manual and Machine methods

Method 1: Hand washing

Cleaning your kneepads is essential and can be easily done with your hands by following these simple steps:

Inspect and prepare: Check your kneepads for tears, loose straps, grease stains, or sweat buildup. Turn them inside out to access trapped dirt and odors more effectively.
Pre-treat tough stains: For stubborn stains, apply a stain remover directly to the affected area and let it sit for 15 minutes before proceeding with washing.
Create a deep-cleaning soak: Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with lukewarm water in a bucket. Add the kneepads and sprinkle with baking soda, which will fizz and help lift bacteria from deep inside the foam. Soak for 30 minutes to several hours for heavily soiled pads.
Post soaking, simply scrub with a mild brush using mild detergent specifically designed for synthetic fibers

Method 2: Machine washing

Washing the kneepads with your hands can be a time-consuming process. But you always have the option of washing them in a machine instead. Here’s how you can do it without putting in a lot of time and effort:

Most volleyball kneepads can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them during washing.
Choose the correct machine setting. The gentle cycle is designed to work best with knee protectors. Minimal agitation preserves the pad’s structural integrity while adequately cleaning it.
Use proper detergent: Choose a detergent designed for synthetic fibers and activewear to effectively remove odors and oils. Add half a cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle for extra deodorizing power.
Air dry completely: Avoid using the machine’s dryer as its intense heat may alter the pad’s shape, reduce cushioning, and shred the cloth. Instead, air-dry your pads to ensure durability. Air dry in a well-ventilated area for up to 12 hours.

Drying and deodorizing hacks

If those over-used kneepads with bad odor can ruin a game, they can definitely ruin the vibe of a changing room, too. Protecting and preserving the quality of the kneepads is more effective than just washing them.

It is your next step to avoid wearing out the kneepads. Here is an important tip –

After each use, remove kneepads from your bag immediately and let them air out to prevent bacterial growth. Wash every 1-2 weeks depending on use frequency.

Constant washing can make the pads dull and loosen their material. Proper drying and deodorizing will help you preserve their original quality, increasing their shelf life. Here’s how you can achieve this:

After washing, you will find that knee pads cannot be dried like regular clothes. High temperatures jeopardize the pad’s durability, causing abnormalities and lowering its quality. Instead, air drying offers a dependable drying process.

Spread your knee pads in a well-ventilated area, such as outside in the shade or an airy room indoors, away from direct sunlight.

Conditioning is beneficial for foam-based knee pads. The foam may harden after washing, so a small amount of moderate fabric softener can help restore its elasticity.

Regularly inspect your equipment for any mildew, dampness, or damage. This measure enables early precautions, keeping your knee pads in top condition and ready for action whenever duty calls.

Well-treated knee pads serve you longer

Maintenance can be a time-consuming process, but speaking from my experience, it is essential for keeping the quality of your kneepads intact.

Your kneepads are more than just a piece of protective equipment; they are an investment.

Regular washing is essential for maintaining them in good shape. Handling them carefully during the wash and correctly storing them can help them last much longer.

By following the tips and measures I provided above, you can keep your knee pads in good shape, ensuring they give the maximum protection while saving money on replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my kneepads?

Kneepads should be washed regularly, depending on the frequency of use. For active sports or daily use, it’s ideal to wash them once a week.

If you use them less frequently, washing every few weeks may suffice. Regular cleaning helps maintain hygiene, extend the lifespan of the pads, and keep them comfortable.

What if I don’t have access to a washing machine?

If you don’t have a washing machine, hand washing is a great alternative.

Simply fill a basin with warm water and mild detergent, gently scrub the kneepads with a cloth or soft brush, and rinse thoroughly. Allow them to air dry.

What if my kneepads smell?

If your kneepads have a bad odor, try soaking them in a mixture of water and vinegar for about 30 minutes to neutralize odors. Afterward, wash them as usual.

Dry them thoroughly to prevent bacteria growth. You can also sprinkle them with baking soda before washing them to help absorb lingering smells.