Why hockey gloves stink and how to solve the smell

Ice Hockey and the Inevitable Gear Odor

Anyone who plays ice hockey knows that moment when you take off your gloves after practice or a game... and smell that familiar odor. It’s nothing unusual. Hockey gloves get sweaty during play and don’t always have time to dry properly. Moisture, sweat, and bacteria are the perfect mix for creating odor.

Why Do Gloves Smell?

The main reason is bacteria that multiply in moist environments. Hockey gloves are made of several layers of material and often don’t dry fully between practices. Plus, players rarely take them off during play, so the sweat and moisture stay trapped inside.

If you toss your gloves into a closed bag after practice instead of hanging them up, you’re asking for trouble. A bag with no ventilation will make the odor even worse.

How to Get Rid of the Smell in Hockey Gloves

1. Air Them Out Immediately

As soon as you get home or to the locker room, take your gear – including gloves – out of the bag and let it dry thoroughly.

2. Use an Odor Eliminator

After each practice or game, we recommend using a disinfectant spray for gear that kills bacteria and eliminates odor. A great solution is the Howies Disinfectant Spray, which is specifically designed for hockey equipment.

👉 Find the product at:
https://www.howieshockeytape.cz/spreje/eliminator-zapachu/

3. Wash Gloves Carefully

You can occasionally wash your gloves gently – ideally by hand or using a delicate cycle. Avoid using a dryer – it could damage the materials.

4. Use Moisture Absorbers

There are special gear moisture absorbers on the market that soak up both moisture and odor. If you can't air your gloves out right away, these can help keep the smell under control.

Odor-Free Hockey? With Howies, It’s Possible

Ice hockey is an intense sport, and smelly gear just comes with the territory. But with proper care and the right products, it doesn’t have to be your problem. Howies offers solutions that really work – like this spray odor eliminator, which should be in every hockey bag.