How to clean catchers gear or any gear is a piece of fundamental and vital knowledge that all players should know and all coaches should teach. While it is an important task, we at bestbaseballreviews see that it is not an easy task. When done wrong, multiple complications arise.
Due to the recent outbreak of the coronavirus, cleaning catchers gear other sports gear has now become a life-saving duty. In fact, you now need to disinfect your catcher gear to make sure that you don’t become infected or infect others.
Commonly baseball catchers gear includes a face mask, a chest protector, shin guards, and catchers gloves. Every one of these catchers gear must be clean and maintained regularly.
Table of Contents
How to Clean Umpire/Catchers Mask
Step Ⅰ: Shake the dirt loose
First, take the mask apart by undoing its straps and pads. Next, shake the mask vigorously to loosen and the dirt and other particles. Finally, take a damp cloth and remove the rest of the dirt and grime from the mask.
Step Ⅱ: Disinfact the catcher’s helmet
Second, sanitize and freshen the mask using disinfectant and deodorizing spray. To do the sanitization correctly, spray the disinfectant thoroughly on the metal cage. Next, spray the deodorant inside the mask.
Keep in mind to let the mask dry out naturally. Using a fan to speed up the process is ok but the time taken won’t lessen. An essential factor to remember when you clean catchers gear is not using a disinfectant or deodorant that is harmful to the gear.
How to Clean Catchers Chest Protector
In most cases, catchers chest protectors come in two pieces, an outer vinyl or rigid plastic and an inner fabric layer. In fact, the two layers help in trapping moisture, etc. Remember this when you clean catchers gear like chest protectors.
Step Ⅲ: Take chest protector apart
First, take the chest protector apart by undoing its straps and pads. Next, shake each layer vigorously to loosen and the dirt and other particles. Finally, take a damp cloth and remove the rest of the dirt and grime from the chest protector.
Step Ⅳ: Disinfact chest protector
Second, sanitize and freshen the chest protector using disinfectant and deodorizing spray. To do the sanitization correctly, spray the disinfectant thoroughly on both the outer and inner layers. Next, spray the deodorant on the two layers liberally.
How to Clean Umpire/Catchers Shin Guard
Step Ⅴ: Clean the shin guard
Like the other catchers’ gear, you need to take the shin guard apart if possible and spray it with disinfectant and deodorant. Keep in mind to spray on both sides freely. Once done, leave it someplace cool to dry naturally. When you clean catchers gear like shin guards, use sports-friendly disinfectant and deodorant.
How to Clean Catchers Gloves
For the catchers’ gloves cleaning, it is simple you follow our simple and easy-to-do five-step process of how to clean a baseball glove. Surprisingly there is a lot of harmful and sometimes damaging advice on cleaning baseball gloves on the internet.
We have created the best cleaning process to help you not fall for them and make your glove unusable.
Common tips on how to clean catchers gear
We have shared with you the best steps for cleaning catcher gear, including the helmet, chest protector, and shin guards. Now we will share some common tips to help make learning how to clean catcher gear easier.
These tips aren’t anything earth-shattering, but many people tend to forget about them, and overall, they are quite effective. So here are 7 tips that will aid you with cleaning catchers’ gear:
Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions:
Before cleaning your catcher gear, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions or guidelines specific to your equipment. This will ensure that you follow any recommended cleaning methods or avoid any practices that may damage the gear.
Remove Dirt and Debris:
After each use:
- Remove any excess dirt, dust, or debris from your catcher gear.
- Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe away surface dirt gently.
- Pay attention to areas like the chest protector, shin guards, and helmet where soil accumulates.
Hand Wash with Mild Detergent:
For most catcher gear components, hand washing is recommended. Fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Submerge the gear and gently scrub the surface with a soft cloth or sponge, paying attention to any stained or soiled areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Spot Clean Tough Stains:
For stubborn stains on catcher gear, spot cleaning can be effective. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water, and apply it to the stained areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
Air Dry:
After cleaning:
- Allow your catcher gear to air dry completely before storing it.
- Avoid using heat sources like direct sunlight or a dryer, as they can damage the materials.
- Hang the gear or place it on a clean, dry surface, ensuring proper airflow to promote thorough drying.
Disinfecting:
To maintain hygiene, consider periodically disinfecting your catcher gear. You can use a sports gear disinfectant spray, a water mixture, and mild disinfectant. Follow the instructions provided by the disinfectant product, ensuring that it is safe for the specific materials of your gear.
Regular Inspection:
Regularly inspect your catcher gear to identify any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Look for loose straps, torn padding, or weakened stitching. Promptly address any issues or consider replacing damaged components to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Off-Season Baseball Gear Protection
Simply put your catchers’ gear someplace that is clean and dry during the off-seasons to keep them safe. It is never a good decision to store your baseball gear in a locker or bag since it makes it foul-smelling or damages them. Also, hang them in your storage area for better ventilation. You can also see this video for a better understanding.
While cleaning a catcher’s gear may seem complicated know that when you buy the best baseball gloves for a position like an outfield or for a youth player you will need to learn to clean those as well.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How important is it to wear shin guards for catchers?
For catchers, it’s important that they wear shin guards. These provide great protection from batted balls that travel low. Most pro pitchers are able to throw some high-speed balls, and these shin guards with chest padding protect them very well from them.
What is the difference between baseball and softball catchers gear?
There isn’t any special difference between the baseball and softball catchers’ gear. All of them in the “youth” size will be the same, with some boys needing a bigger size compared to girls. The “older” sizes are a bit different, with the girls’ chest protectors being more form-fitting with their narrower design compared to the boys’ chest protectors, which are wider.
Finishing the Game
Like all other sports gear, sweat and rainwater will damage your catchers’ gear. Also, if you don’t clean the catcher’s gear, they will spread viruses that are never good. Therefore sanitize and freshen them after every game and practice if possible otherwise on a regular interval. Also, make sure to store them properly during off-seasons.
