Your lacrosse gear takes a beating every time you step onto the field.
Sweat, dirt, mud, grass, rain, and repeated impacts can all add up throughout the season. Taking a few minutes to clean and inspect your equipment regularly can help keep it comfortable, organized, and ready for your next practice or game.
Here's a simple in-season maintenance routine every lacrosse player should follow.
1. Air Out Your Gear After Every Practice
The easiest maintenance habit is also one of the most important: don't leave your gear sealed inside your bag after practice.
Open your bag when you get home and allow gloves, pads, clothing, and other equipment to air out.
Moisture trapped inside a closed gear bag can create unpleasant odors and contribute to buildup on your equipment.
Give everything time to dry before packing it away again.
2. Clean Your Helmet Regularly
Your helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your bag, so give it regular attention.
Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth and clean the interior according to the manufacturer's care instructions.
Pay attention to the padding, chin strap, buckles, facemask, vents, and shell.
During your inspection, look for loose components, damaged straps, or anything that appears unusual. If something is damaged, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for repair or replacement.
3. Take Care of Your Gloves
Gloves absorb plenty of sweat during practices and games.
After playing, open them up and let them dry completely rather than leaving them stuffed inside your bag.
Periodically inspect the palms, fingers, padding, and stitching.
If the palm material is heavily worn or the padding has started breaking down, it may be time to consider a replacement.
4. Keep Your Stick Game-Ready
Your stick deserves a quick inspection before and after practices.
Check the head for cracks or damage and make sure it is securely attached to the shaft.
Then inspect your pocket and mesh.
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Frayed strings
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Loose shooting strings
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Changes in pocket shape
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Excessive wear
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Loose sidewalls
A few minutes of maintenance can help you catch problems before they affect your passing, catching, shooting, or ball control.
5. Don't Forget Your Cleats
Cleats collect dirt and grass every time you play.
After a muddy or wet practice, knock off excess dirt and allow your cleats to dry naturally.
Avoid putting wet cleats away in a closed bag.
While you're cleaning them, check the studs and sole for excessive wear. If your cleats aren't providing the traction you need, it's time to start looking for a new pair.
6. Clean Your Pads and Protective Equipment
Arm pads, shoulder pads, and other protective equipment can quickly collect sweat.
Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for each piece. If removable liners or components are washable, clean them according to the care label.
For equipment that isn't machine washable, wiping the exterior with a damp cloth can help remove dirt and buildup.
Most importantly, let everything dry completely before putting it back in your gear bag.
7. Don't Leave Your Gear in the Car
Your car may seem like the easiest place to store your lacrosse equipment between practices, but it's not ideal.
Extreme temperatures can affect equipment, and a hot car can be especially hard on plastics and other materials.
Whenever possible, store your equipment in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
8. Do a Weekly Gear Check
You don't need to spend hours maintaining your equipment. Once a week, take a few minutes to inspect your entire setup.
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Helmet — Check fit, straps, padding, and condition
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Gloves — Check palms, fingers, and padding
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Stick — Check head, shaft, mesh, and strings
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Pads — Check straps, padding, and fit
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Cleats — Check studs and traction
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Apparel — Wash and inspect regularly
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Gear bag — Empty, clean, and air out
9. Know When It's Time to Replace Something
Maintenance can extend the useful life of your gear, but it can't make worn-out equipment new again.
If a piece of equipment is damaged, no longer fits correctly, or isn't performing the way it should, don't ignore it.
Safety equipment deserves particular attention. Always follow manufacturer guidelines when determining whether protective equipment should be repaired or replaced.
Keep Your Gear Ready All Season
Your equipment works hard every time you step onto the field. Give it a little attention in return.
A simple routine of cleaning, drying, inspecting, and properly storing your gear can help keep your setup organized and ready for your next practice or game.
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