How to Avoid Bacteria This Football Season

Keeping football players healthy requires clean, germ-free gear. High school and college level football players often suffer from staph/MRSA, ringworm, impetigo, athlete's foot, COVID-19, flu, and even herpes outbreaks. This makes thorough disinfection of football gear an absolute priority. By improperly storing and cleaning football pads and helmets, bacteria and odors can spread exponentially. When football equipment isn't disinfected with disinfectant spray between uses, it is likely to become infected and stinky.

As clean gear experts, we’re sharing our specific tips for killing germs and odors with Matguard Disinfectant Spray.

Start With the Player

Start with the basics—the player. A healthy start begins with proper hygiene. Prior to handling pads, helmets, and other gear, players should thoroughly wash their hands with soap. Showering and handwashing should be promoted after every practice and game. Tell players not to share towels, soap, or hand sanitizer in the gym and locker room.

Clean & Disinfect Football Pads

Step 1: Remove Visible Dirt From Pads

As simple as it sounds, this is an essential step to properly clean and disinfect football pads. Shake or brush off any loose or visible dirt.

Step 2: Disinfect and Deodorize

Remove the padding from the pads that cover the plastic "shell". Spray all the plastic areas on the football pads with a non-bleach disinfectant like Matguard Disinfectant that won’t damage the pads. Set the gear out to dry thoroughly. Next, give the padding some disinfectant love by spraying thoroughly. This will kill 99.9 percent of germs and help keep pads smelling fresh throughout the season. Remove neglected pads and soak them in Matguard sports gear spray for a longer period of time. In between disinfecting treatments and wearing pads, always allow them to fully dry.

Step 3: Repeat After Every Use

To prevent infection and odor, football players must deodorize and disinfect their football pads after every use. Every time players put on football gear, make sure it is clean.

Step 4: Store Carefully

It is never a good idea for players to stuff damp or dirty pads into enclosed spaces like gym bags and lockers. This will only cause bacteria to breed and greatly contributes to “football pad funk.” Spray pads with Matguard disinfecting spray before storing. If you're wondering about storing sports equipment in garage, read our guide on storing sports gear. 

Clean & Disinfect Football Helmets

Step 1: Remove the Helmet’s Inner Lining

A removable antimicrobial moisture-wicking lining is usually found on football helmets. Simply detach the Velcro from the padding at tshell's top, bottom and sidesell. Slide or remove the padding gently so you don’t cause damage.

Step 2: Remove All Visible and Loose Dirt

Remove all loose dirt from the helmet and its padding.

Step 3: Disinfect and Deodorize

Spray everything thoroughly with MATGUARD non-bleach disinfectant. Water-based Matguard Spray won't break down fibers or leave behind noxious fumes, as it contains no bleach, alcohol, ammonia or peroxide. Allow the padding and lining to dry thoroughly. Spray the inside of the helmet thoroughly and allow it to air dry while the padding is drying.

Step 4: Repeat After Each Use

Like with all other gear, disinfection is a must after each use.

Disinfecting with Matguard will help players stay in the game and keep gear smelling fresh and clean.