How to wash football pants with pads

A Guide to Keeping Your Football Pants and Pads Clean

When the final whistle blows, and your football match is over, there’s one task that still remains: cleaning your football pants with pads. Your football uniform is not just any outfit; it’s your armor, your battle gear. And like any good warrior, you need to ensure your armor is well-maintained. The sweat, the dirt, the grass-stains from your last sprint to the end zone – all of these require proper cleaning to keep your football pants in top shape. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to ensure your football pants and pads are clean, fresh, and ready for the next game.

Step 1: Preparing for Cleaning

Remove the Pads from the Pants

First things first, you need to separate the pads from the pants. Most football pants come with removable pads, making it easier to clean both items without causing any damage. Locate the velcro, buttons, or zippers that secure the pads in place, and gently remove them.

Shake Off Excess Dirt and Debris

Before washing, give your pants a good shake to rid them of any loose dirt and debris. By doing this, you prevent clogging your washing machine with the residual mud and grass from the football field.

Step 2: Pre-treating Stains

Identify and Treat Specific Stains

Football games are a contact sport, and as such, stains are inevitable. Grass, mud, and even blood are common culprits. Pre-treating these stains before washing can significantly improve the cleaning process. To pre-treat, dab a bit of stain remover on the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes.

Use Appropriate Stain Removers

When it comes to stain removers, not all are created equal. Some are better suited for tackling certain stains than others. For instance, a mild detergent mixed with warm water can work wonders on grass stains, while hydrogen peroxide is great for blood stains.

Step 3: Washing the Pants

Check the Care Label for Washing Instructions

Always check the care label on your football pants before washing. These instructions are provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of your gear. Follow them to avoid causing any unnecessary damage.

Select the Right Washing Machine Settings

When washing your football pants, always opt for the gentle or delicate cycle. This way, you can clean your pants without causing damage to the fabric or the integrity of the pads.

Use a Suitable Detergent

When it comes to detergent, choose one that is mild yet effective. You want a detergent that can thoroughly clean your football pants, but not one that’s so harsh it damages the fabric or pads.

Wash Pants Separately

Washing your football pants separately from your regular laundry not only prevents color bleeding but also ensures a more thorough clean. Your football pants have unique cleaning needs and should be treated as such.

Step 4: Drying and Maintaining Your Pants

Air-Dry the Pants

Heat from the dryer can damage the pads and cause the fabric of your football pants to shrink. To avoid this, opt for air-drying. If possible, dry your pants outside in the sun, or indoors in a well-ventilated area.

Inspect the Pads and Pants

After washing and drying, regularly inspect your pads and pants for any damage. Check for any loose threads, rips, or tears that may need repair. Also, ensure that the pads haven’t lost their protective properties.

Proper Storage

Store your football pants in a dry, cool area to prevent the growth of mildew or the build-up of unpleasant odors. If possible, keep them in a breathable bag to allow for air circulation.

FAQs

Can I use bleach on my football pants?

Unless the care label specifically allows it, avoid using bleach as it can damage the fabric and cause discoloration.

What if the pads can’t be removed from the pants?

If the pads can’t be removed, hand wash the pants carefully, focusing on the fabric areas and avoiding the pads as much as possible.

How often should I wash my football pants?

It’s best to wash your football pants after every game to remove dirt, sweat, and odor. Regular washing also prevents stains from setting in.

Conclusion

Taking care of your football pants and pads is not just about looking good on the field; it’s about ensuring your gear continues to provide the protection you need. By following these steps, you can keep your football pants clean and durable, ready for many more games to come.