Goalkeeper gloves, just like football boots, are made by combining different types of materials. Regardless of the brand, this means they all share a fairly common problem: a bad smell. When these materials come into contact with the sweat on our hands, they can produce a very unpleasant odour. This is mainly due to the build-up of bacteria caused by the contact between the skin, sweat and the various materials used in both goalkeeper gloves and football boots. In some cases, the odour can be stronger than in others due to another factor: the moisture that remains in these items when we try to clean them after training sessions or matches.
Therefore, the first thing we need to bear in mind is that the unpleasant odour from our football kit is usually due to inadequate maintenance or, quite simply, a lack of care for our gloves and boots. That’s why we need to start giving them the attention they deserve and get into the habit of keeping them in good condition. How can we do this? For example, by avoiding leaving gloves or boots inside the sports bag for days on end, especially if it remains completely zipped up. After every training session or match, it’s a good idea to take all your kit out of the bag, clean it properly and leave it to air out.
What is the best way to get rid of a bad smell?
When the unpleasant odour from our goalkeeper gloves becomes very strong, it’s best to wash them properly to remove the bacteria and traces of sweat that contribute to this problem. The best way to do this is whilst wearing the gloves, so that you keep one on whilst using your other hand to clean it. Then, repeat the process with the other glove. It’s a fairly simple procedure: you just need to use a cleaning product specifically designed for goalkeeper gloves and wash them carefully, taking care not to soak them completely. They should always be left to dry naturally, in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. You can also stuff newspaper inside them to help absorb moisture. You must avoid using tumble dryers at all costs and never leave the gloves out in the sun. Furthermore, it is advisable to use specific products for the care and maintenance of goalkeeper gloves.
Once they have been washed and left to dry naturally, the unpleasant odour should disappear or, at the very least, be significantly reduced. If the odour persists after this process, we recommend using the SP Futbol deodorant spray, which is specifically designed for goalkeeper gloves. This product will help combat the odour and keep the gloves fresh for longer. However, it is important to bear in mind that the spray is not a substitute for washing: for it to be effective, it is important to first remove any traces of sweat and clean the gloves properly, as explained above.
In short, whether we’re talking about goalkeeper gloves or football boots, it’s essential to maintain a cleaning and care routine throughout the season. This will ensure that our kit is always in the best possible condition and ready to accompany us to every training session and match.
