How to Clean Football Pants the Right Way

Why Cleaning Football Pants Matters

Learning how to clean football pants properly isn’t just about looking sharp—it’s about staying healthy, comfortable, and game-ready. Football pants take a beating during practices and games, soaking up sweat, dirt, and bacteria from turf or equipment.

Preventing Bacteria Buildup from Sweat and Turf Exposure

Moisture and grime create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Without regular cleaning, pants can harbor harmful germs that stick around long after the final whistle.

Reducing the Risk of Skin Infections Like MRSA, Staph, or Ringworm

Bacteria left on gear can lead to serious skin infections. These issues spread easily in locker rooms and on shared surfaces—and football pants are one of the biggest culprits if they’re not cleaned the right way.

Keeping Gear Game-Ready and Extending Its Lifespan

Cleaning football pants regularly keeps them in playable shape. Mud, blood, and turf stains can break down the fabric if left untreated, shortening the gear’s lifespan and making replacement more likely.

Boosting Team Confidence with Clean, Odor-Free Equipment

No one wants to suit up in gear that reeks. Clean, fresh-smelling pants aren’t just better for hygiene—they make athletes feel more confident and prepared to perform.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Football Pants

When people search for how to clean football pants, they often end up damaging their gear without realizing it. Here’s what to avoid if you want your pants to last all season.

Why Standard Washing Machines Aren’t Ideal for Football Gear

Tossing padded football pants into the wash seems easy—but it’s risky. Agitators can tear seams or damage built-in padding, especially when mixed with other heavy items.

Dangers of High Heat: Warping Pads, Damaging Elastic, Shrinking Fabric

Dryers are even worse. The high heat can warp foam pads, ruin the fit, and melt elastic bands. Once that happens, you’re stuck with gear that doesn’t perform—or worse, doesn’t protect.

How Detergent Residue Can Irritate Skin and Reduce Fabric Breathability

Many detergents leave behind harsh residues that can irritate sensitive skin, especially during a game. Overuse of detergent also clogs fabric pores, making pants feel heavy and stiff.

Mistaken Belief That Strong Detergent = Better Clean

Strong-scented or ultra-concentrated detergents aren’t more effective for sports gear. In fact, they often mask odor without removing the bacteria that causes it. Disinfecting is a smarter move—especially with alcohol-based sprays designed for athletic fabrics.

The Right Way to Clean Football Pants

If you’re wondering how to clean football pants the right way, it starts with the right routine—not just throwing them in the wash and hoping for the best. Follow these four simple steps to keep your gear clean and functional.

Step 1: Shake Off Dirt and Debris

Before anything else, shake out the pants to remove any turf pellets, mud, or dried grass from games or practice. This makes the rest of the cleaning process easier and more effective.

Step 2: Use Matguard® Helmet & Pad Wipes or Spray

• Target the built-in pads and high-contact zones with Matguard Helmet & Pad Wipes to kill bacteria and wipe away odor.

• After sweaty practices or long game days, reach for Matguard Helmet & Pad Spray for deep, even coverage.

• These products are safe for skin-contact areas and won’t break down fabrics or padding like bleach-based cleaners do.

Step 3: Hand-Wash or Spot Clean Fabric

• Fill a tub or basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Gently scrub stained or soiled fabric by hand—no harsh twisting or wringing, especially near seams or padding.

•  For tough stains, let the pants soak for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Step 4: Air Dry Properly

• Hang the pants up in a well-ventilated area—ideally outdoors in the shade or in a laundry room with airflow.

• Avoid dryers or direct sun exposure, which can shrink fabric, warp pads, or weaken stitching.

How to Keep Football Pants Odor-Free Between Games

Once you’ve figured out how to clean football pants, the next step is preventing that stink from coming back. Daily maintenance goes a long way during the season.

• Wipe down the pants with Matguard disinfectant wipes after each use to stop odor-causing bacteria from building up.
  

• Use Matguard® Helmet & Pad Spray between washes to neutralize tough smells and freshen things up fast.
  

• Store pants in breathable mesh laundry bags instead of sealing them in tight duffels, which trap moisture and make odors worse.

Why Matguard® Products Are a Game Changer

Matguard isn’t your average cleaning brand—it’s trusted by athletes for a reason:

• The 70% alcohol formula kills germs on contact without using harsh chemicals or bleach
  

• Designed specifically for athletic gear and skin-sensitive areas like waistbands, hips, and padding
  

• Used by thousands of high school, college, and professional teams who need serious protection against infections
  

• Helps extend the life of your gear by keeping it clean, dry, and odor-free between washes

Final Thoughts: A Smart Cleaning Routine = Stronger Season

Knowing how to clean football pants the right way is a small habit that makes a big difference. It helps you avoid costly replacements, protects your skin from irritation or infection, and keeps you feeling fresh on game day.

Make Matguard® Helmet & Pad Wipes and Spray part of your regular routine. Your gear—and your teammates—will thank you.

Explore our Helmet & Pad Cleaning Collection to gear up for a cleaner, safer season.