I just started playing soccer very recently. The shinguards I have now are about six months old, and they're the first pair I've ever owned. Anyway, they stink like crazy, and I'm not sure what to do with them. Do people just replace shinguards every couple of months to avoid this problem, or just live with it? Is there a way to clean them or something? The shinguards themselves still work fine, and I really don't need new ones, I just want a way to make them not smell so much. Is this something all soccer players have to deal with?
mine stink as well but they dont stink as much as before because i stopped wearing them for practice and only games. but maybe your coach makes u wear them for practice i dunno.
Don't worry about it's not like they're constantly near your face is it? Just chuck em in tha wash after each game or training session. Or have 2 pairs 1 for Training and 1 for Games.
Thanks for this thread! When I played a lot of people kept saying "You stink!" and now I know it was my shinguards and not the way I played!
Here's a good article on shinguards that mentions odor: "CARE: You'll want shinguards that are easy to wash, either by hand or by machine. Look for a guard with a lining that's been treated with an antimicrobial agent to reduce odor ." http://www.tiburonsoccer.org/Equipment/shinguards.htm
my mom washes them cuz she cant stand the smell, personally it doesnt bother me, its not like u stop in a game and say "man my shinguards reak, i should go home and wash them."
Plastic should not be hurt by washing machines, although it might make a banging sound if there arn't too many other clothes in there. Be careful as exposed velcro will tear up any Dri-Fit style shirts also being washed. Fiberglass guards should not be put in the washing machine, as the thrashing will break them down. It's easier to just wash them in a sink with an old toothbrush.
I tired just 2 pairs so far,but never had such problem really,just take sweaten stuff out of bag immediatelly and let it dry,and it was enough with me,well,there is one thing,the socliners for air zooms II turf,they got unbelievably smelly after few uses!!never happened to me before w any other shoes,so I need to take them out of shoes everytime as well which helps a bit..
here are a couple more suggestions buy http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductP...Id=1&Section_Id=1059&pcount=&Product_Id=96076 they don't really stink at all when you wash your shingaurds, make sure you dont wash em with your uniform. If the velcro gets caught on your shirt, some of the thinner kinds could be ripped to shreds.
Don't you practice hard if so you have a greater chance to be hurt in practice if you don't wear them. Get hurt in practice you miss games wear the shin guards.
I always made it a point not to wash any of my gear, including uniform... Keeps the people on the other team at arms length.
With some shinpads you can take the plastic out of the front and just wash the fabric, my puma ones had that. You really should wear shinpads for your team, especially if there's some Tossers in your team who play clumsy or think it's funny to try and take people out for a laugh. Although you shouldn't really have to wear them if you're a 'team' because why would you want to hurt a team mate? Beyond me.
spray 'em with lysol or some other disinfectant, don't leave them in your bag, there's those disposable disinfectant wipes now too
i can take a tackle, and we dont slide tackle in practice only push and pull shirts and crap no kicking in the shins on purpose.
Here's a suggestion, don't put the OSi shinguards in the washer. They lose their custom shape and therefore don't fit right.