Sports Then and Now

No one wants to pull out their sports equipment just before a game only to notice mold, mildew, cracks, termite holes, or other forms of damage. That is why you should spend some extra time cleaning and correctly packing all of your gear. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your sports equipment safe and damage-free.

Deflate All Balls When Not Being Used

Just before packing away all of your gear, you need to deflate any balls that are filled with air. Those balls contain a flexible air bladder that becomes weaker over time. Taking a few pounds of air out of a ball will increase its lifespan and prevent it from becoming lopsided.

Wipe Everything Down

Sports equipment is often caked in sweat and mud by the end of the season. Most gear is designed to stand up to that grime, but it needs to be thoroughly cleaned before packing it away. A damp towel and some warm water can be used to clean most sticks, bats, and pads. Once you are done cleaning the gear, you should wipe off all excess moisture.

Regularly Wash the Fabrics

One of the most important steps in this process is thoroughly washing all clothing as often as possible. That clothing is going to be covered in germs by the end of a game, and the smell will be overwhelming if the jerseys, shorts, and training outfits aren’t sanitized. Most sports clothing can be washed on the hottest settings of your washer with a powerful detergent.

Skip the Larger Equipment Bags

It might be tempting to toss all of your equipment into a large bag, but that is going to reduce the lifespan of your gear. For most sports, you should be able to find custom bags that are purpose-built for specific pieces of equipment. Those storage bags are going to prevent bats, balls, pads, and other gear from banging against one another.

Invest in a Storage Unit

Unless you happen to have a large and empty garage that stays at a consistent temperature, you should most likely rent a local storage unit from a place like Walsh Moving & Storage. A good storage unit is going to be climate controlled and protected by multiple layers of security. Renting a unit for the off-season will keep your home, school, or place of business clutter-free.

Sports equipment can be expensive, and that is why you need to make sure that it remains undamaged in between games and seasons. Spending a little extra time cleaning and packing your gear could help you avoid expensive damage.