Hockey Equipment Hacks Every Parent Should Know (Save Time, Money & Your Nose)

May 07, 2025

Hockey Equipment Hacks Every Parent Should Know (Save Time, Money & Your Nose)

If you’re a hockey parent, you already know the truth: the gear bag doesn’t lie. From the stink to the chaos, managing equipment is a full-time job. This guide shares the best hockey equipment hacks to help you save time, keep gear clean, and avoid those last-minute disasters in the rink parking lot.

1. Pack a Folding Camping Bench

Keeps gear off dirty locker room floors
Doubles as a seat when there’s nowhere to sit
Perfect for the hotel room to lay out equipment to dry
Great for hotel hallways and parking lot pre-game chaos
Folds down small and fits in the trunk

2. Use Box Fans to Dry Equipment Fast

Set up two basic box fans facing opposite directions for airflow
Hang gear on a drying rack or chairs with towels
Aim fans at gloves, shin pads, and skates — the stinkiest items
Don’t pile gear in the bag post-practice; open it up and air it out

3. Sterilize with Equipment Spray

Kill bacteria and freshen gear with a hockey-specific spray (my favorite is Clear Guard)
Look for sprays that are alcohol-free and safe on fabric/plastic
Mist gloves, helmets, elbow pads, and bags
Let air dry before storing

4. Bathtub Soak for Deep Cleans

Fill the tub with warm water and a small amount of sports detergent
Soak chest protectors, shoulder pads, and shin guards
Rinse thoroughly and hang dry (outside if possible)
Don’t wash items with metal or leather pieces this way

5. Dryer Sheets in Gloves & Skates

Slip a dryer sheet into each glove and skate after every use
Helps reduce moisture and odor between games
Bonus: stash a few in the gear bag, too

6. Always Keep Backup Hockey Essentials

Extra laces, mouthguards, clear tape, and socks
Pack them in a small labeled bin in your trunk
A broken lace should never ruin a game day

7. Store Gear the Right Way

Use a vented mesh bag, not a sealed duffel
Another Personal Favorite! Drying Rack
Keep gear in the garage or mudroom — NOT the trunk overnight
Never leave gear in a cold car — it traps moisture and stinks worse

Final Tip: Teach Your Player to Own It

They should unpack, air out, and re-pack their gear
Builds responsibility and respect for their equipment
Saves you from doing it all (again)

Keeping hockey equipment clean and game-ready doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a few smart routines and a bit of gear-parent wisdom, you can stay ahead of the stink and avoid unnecessary expenses.

This post contains links to Amazon, at no cost to you, I may received a very small commission if you were to purchase any items suggested above.

Check out our guide: The Road to Junior Hockey: What Every Parent Needs to Know