June 30, 2025

How to Get Odor Out of Football Gear

If you’re trying to figure out how to get odor out of football pads, it helps to understand where that smell comes from—and why you shouldn't ignore it.

How Sweat, Bacteria, and Turf Grime Settle Into Gear

Football gear traps sweat, skin oils, and field grime deep inside the padding. Over time, this creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive—especially in closed-up gear bags or humid locker rooms.

Dangers of Ignoring the Smell: Bacteria Buildup, Infections, and Ruined Gear

That bad smell isn’t just gross—it’s a sign of bacterial growth. Left unchecked, it can lead to skin infections like staph or ringworm, and it will eventually break down your gear’s fabric, foam, and stitching.

Odor Is a Warning Sign—Not Just an Inconvenience

Think of odor as a red flag. It’s your gear telling you it needs attention. Ignoring it now means replacing expensive pads later—or worse, missing games due to avoidable infections.

Daily Habits That Prevent Odor Before It Starts

Getting ahead of the stink is the smartest way to deal with it. These daily habits can help you stay on top of gear hygiene all season long.

Wipe Down Gear After Every Practice or Game

Start a post-practice routine with Matguard Helmet & Pad Wipes. A quick wipe-down takes less than a minute but helps remove sweat and kill bacteria before it has a chance to settle in.

Let Items Air Dry Instead of Being Thrown in a Closed Bag

Closed gear bags lock in moisture—giving odor-causing bacteria exactly what it wants. Always unzip and hang gear to dry in a well-ventilated area as soon as possible.

Store Gear in Breathable Bags, Not Airtight Containers

Breathable mesh bags allow air circulation and help dry gear naturally. Airtight containers trap moisture and accelerate odor buildup, especially in hot weather.

Spray Down Pads, Cleats, and Helmets with Alcohol-Based Disinfectants

Use Matguard Helmet & Pad Spray daily to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Its 70% alcohol formula disinfects on contact without damaging foam or fabric. It’s a fast, effective step that keeps your gear fresh between deeper cleanings.

How to Clean and Deodorize Each Piece of Gear

When you’re trying to figure out how to get odor out of football pads, it’s important to think beyond just one item. Each piece of gear plays a role in creating (or trapping) that locker-room smell—and each needs to be handled the right way.

Shoulder Pads, Hip Pads, and Other Protective Padding

Why Foam Absorbs More Sweat Than You Think

Foam padding might look clean on the surface, but it soaks up sweat every time you hit the field. Over time, that moisture becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

How to Safely Disinfect Without Damaging Materials

Never soak pads in water or throw them in the washing machine. Instead, use cleaning methods designed for gear that touches your skin and can’t be fully submerged.

Use Matguard Helmet & Pad Spray to Kill Odor-Causing Bacteria

Spray generously after each use. Matguard’s alcohol-based formula dries quickly and kills bacteria deep in the padding—without damaging foam or fabric.

Follow Up with Matguard Wipes for Touch-Ups Between Full Cleanings

For fast refreshes, keep Matguard Wipes in your locker or bag. Perfect for wiping down sweaty areas and preventing odor between deep clean days.

Football Pants

Clean the Inner Lining and Padding Where Sweat Collects

Don’t just worry about stains—odors usually come from the padding or lining. Focus on the areas around the hips and thighs where sweat builds up.

Avoid Using Dryers and Strong Detergents

Heat breaks down padding and elastic, and heavy detergents can leave behind residue that irritates your skin.

Use Matguard Products to Disinfect Padding Without Irritating Skin

Matguard sprays and wipes are skin-safe and made specifically for athletic gear, so they won’t cause rashes or discomfort when gear is worn tight to the body.

Air-Dry with Space Between Items to Avoid Mildew Buildup

Hang pants up with airflow between each item. This prevents the dampness that leads to mildew, funky smells, and fabric breakdown.

Cleats

Scrub Soles and Interiors with Mild Detergent

Use a soft brush or cloth to get mud and turf grime off the bottom and inside the shoe.

Use Disinfecting Spray to Kill Smell-Causing Bacteria

A few sprays of Matguard inside your cleats helps eliminate odor at the source—especially in those hard-to-reach areas where sweat settles.

Insert Dryer Sheets or Deodorizer Pouches Between Uses

Keep cleats fresh overnight with something simple: dryer sheets or moisture-absorbing inserts will help pull out leftover dampness.

Helmets and Chin Straps

Focus on the Chin Strap, Inner Padding, and Faceguard

These areas get the most sweat and contact. If they’re not cleaned regularly, bacteria builds up fast.

Disinfect with Matguard Helmet & Pad Wipes

Quickly wipe down the chin strap and interior padding with wipes after every practice or game.

Use Spray on Sweat-Heavy Areas to Break Down Odor and Germs

After games, hit your helmet with a layer of Matguard Spray—especially on the forehead and crown areas.

Gloves and Socks

Rotate Pairs to Reduce Buildup

Having a few pairs on hand helps reduce how often one set gets worn and prevents odors from setting in.

Hand-Wash or Soak in Antibacterial Detergent

Soaking removes deep-set sweat and keeps fabric from developing a permanent smell.

Lay Flat to Dry—Avoid Trapping Moisture

Air drying is best. Hanging gloves or socks in a humid room or letting them sit in a bag traps moisture and invites bacteria to grow.

Special Focus: How to Stay Odor-Free On the Field

Use Matguard Body Wipes for Skin-Level Freshness

Even when your gear is clean, body odor can still sneak up on you. That’s where Matguard Body Wipes come in.

Wipe down before or after games to cut back on lingering sweat and odor—especially underarms, chest, and neck
Safe on sensitive skin, fast-drying, and designed for athletes who need a quick refresh without a full shower
Perfect for locker rooms, gym bags, tournaments, or travel between games

How Often Should You Deodorize Football Gear?

If you're wondering how to get odor out of football pads and keep it out, it comes down to building a routine. Consistency is the key to keeping gear fresh, clean, and ready to go all season.

Post-Practice Wipe Downs = Daily

After every practice or game, do a quick wipe-down with Matguard Helmet & Pad Wipes. This takes less than a minute and stops bacteria from settling into the pads.

Full Spray and Clean = 1–2x Weekly During the Season

Once or twice a week, give your gear a more thorough treatment with Matguard Helmet & Pad Spray. Cover all major contact points, including shoulder pads, helmets, pants, and chin straps.

Deep Cleaning Schedule: Mid-Season and End-of-Season Resets

At least twice a season, take time to fully inspect and deep-clean every piece of gear. This is your chance to refresh anything that’s developed deep-set odor and catch damage before it gets worse.

Why Matguard Is the Top Pick for Odor Elimination

When it comes to how to get odor out of football pads, Matguard is the trusted name behind the scenes for teams across the country.

70% Alcohol Formula Kills Bacteria That Cause Odor—Not Just Masks It

Matguard goes beyond surface scent. Its medical-grade alcohol content eliminates the bacteria that actually cause the smell, making it far more effective than basic sprays or soap.

Designed for Sports: Safe on Gear, Skin, and High-Contact Surfaces

From helmets to shoulder pads to body wipes, every Matguard product is built for contact sports. No bleach, no skin irritation—just fast, safe results.

Trusted by Top Teams at the Pro, College, and High School Level

There’s a reason thousands of athletic programs trust Matguard. These products are used on the sidelines and in locker rooms across the country by teams that take cleanliness seriously.

Long-Lasting Freshness That Doesn’t Compromise Gear Quality

Matguard keeps your gear smelling clean without breaking down foam, elastic, or padding. It helps you get more life out of your equipment—without the stink.

Final Thoughts: Make Odor Control a Routine, Not a Chore

Knowing how to get odor out of football pads is one thing—making it part of your routine is where the real results happen. A few quick habits each week can protect your gear, your skin, and your performance.