How to wash cricket pads
Cricket is a much-loved sport with millions of avid fans around the world. Alongside bats, balls and wickets, one crucial part of the game often overlooked is the protective gear, particularly cricket pads. They play a vital role in preventing injuries to players’ legs from impact by a swift ball or accidental collision on the field. However, after several innings, these pads can accumulate dirt, sweat and unpleasant odours that not only compromise their effectiveness but are also unsanitary. Knowing how to wash cricket pads properly prolongs their lifespan and ensures they provide maximum protection during all games.
Materials Needed for Cleaning
Before proceeding with cleaning cricket pads, you need certain materials like a mild detergent or soap bars, a soft scrub brush, sponge (optional), clean towel for drying and bucket full of warm water. It’s essential to use non-abrasive brushes so as not to damage the padding material when scrubbing away the dirt.
Understanding the Type of Your Pads
Different types of cricket leg guards exist; while some have removable inner padding that could be washed separately, others don’t possess this feature. Understanding which kind yours belongs will decide if you will introduce them entirely into water or just cleans certain areas.
Types Not Suitable for Direct Water Exposure
If your pads do contain materials such as foam or plastic which should not come into direct contact with excessive water, it would be best to spot clean any visible stains using a dampened cloth and mild detergent. Wipe off any residual soap carefully for maintaining structural integrity.
Pads With Removable Inner Protection
On another hand, if you’ve got ones wherein interior paddings can be removed easily- feel free to take those out for managing detailed cleansing routine accordingly without worrying about possible water damages.
Full Video in Youtube
Cleansing Procedure
Once you have understood the type of your pads and removed any inner padding if necessary, the next step is to clean them. Firstly, apply a small amount of detergent or soap on the dirty areas. Then use your soft scrub brush in circular motion against all grime until they look satisfactory again. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and ensure no soap remains left.
Disinfecting the Pads
In these COVID-19 times, it’s also necessary to disinfect your cricket pads. Use an EPA-approved surface disinfectant on its exterior part then wipe off properly using cloth so there won’t be remaining residues causing potentially irritating effects on players’ skin amidst games.
Drying Your Cricket Pads
After washing, avoid leaving your cricket pads wet for long periods as it could become a breeding ground for moulds and bacteria hence hampering overall performance. It’s recommended allowing them dry naturally outside under sunlight which doubles up as natural disinfectant too killing germs further ensuring safety plus hygiene for everybody involved.
Note: Never tumble-dry or place directly onto heated surfaces such as radiators; high heat can damage synthetic materials usually utilised in making sports gear like this one!
Maintaining Cleanliness between Washes
To maintain cleanliness between washes, consider cleaning your cricket pads after each game using alcohol wipes. Add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil into interior sections exuding pleasantly refreshing aromas while fending-off bacterial growth simultaneously. Remember to air them out post usage as well rather than packing-up immediately indeed helping maintain freshness till next match unwrapped. Following these practical tips will keep your protective gear in top shape enhancing quality as well longevity, thereby saving lots of money over time since replacement need wouldn’t arise frequently at all!
