In this guide, we explore how to clean cricket pads to a high standard and ensure that they are fresh when you go to your next match.
A job that pretty much none of us want to do, but all of us have to at some stage; cleaning cricket pads. It isn’t too difficult, but there are multiple steps to it and it can take a while, plus you need to pay close attention if you want to get it right. Mismanaging your cleaning process could even ruin the pads altogether.
Can You Wash Cricket Pads in the Washing Machine?
Before we delve into the steps you should take when cleaning cricket pads, we should explore one of the key questions people have. Can you wash cricket pads in the machine?
The simple answer is no. A washing machine is not a delicate enough wash, and while it might leave your pads sparkling clean, it would also leave them battered and misshapen. Pads need to fit nicely around your shins and lower legs, and if you were to put yours in the washing machine they could get warped.
It is frustrating that we can’t just shove them in the machine with our whites, but that is one of the reasons people want to know the specific steps for cleaning pads.
How to Clean Cricket Pads – In Steps
Let’s get into the simple steps to take to get your pads white, clean, and most importantly, smelling super fresh for the next time you open up your kit bag.
- Brush Away What Dirt You Can
You should be able to get rid of quite a lot of the dirt before you even start any of the washing process. A brush with soft bristles will help you to get even dried on dirt and into the grooves of the pad.
Make sure you do this process outside so that the dirt doesn’t leave you with another clean up operation afterwards.
- Remove the Inside of the Pads
If there is a detachable inner then you should be able to take these out and wash them on their own. They can be cleaned in mild detergent and could even be soaked in it if you need to get rid of dirt and sweat odours.
If the pads aren’t detachable then a simple baking soda and water solution spread across the pads will help to clean the inside. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with slightly less than a tablespoon of water to form a paste which you can then brush in with a toothbrush or similar. Leave it for a couple of hours before rinsing.
- Hand Wash
You just need warm water, a clean cloth, and some mild detergent. Clean away your baking soda solution if you have one, and wash the front of the pad as well as the rear with the water solution. Make sure you get right into the grooves.
If one cleaning cloth gets particularly dirty, swap it for a clean one to ensure you’re not just spreading the mud and dirt around. You may need to repeat the process for the perfect sheen.
- Dry the Pads
Knowing how to wash cricket pads also means knowing how to dry them. If they aren’t dried properly they can develop mould, and if you dry them near a radiator they could potentially be prone to breakages and warping.
The ideal solution is just to air dry them by leaving them outside on a hot day. You can hang them on a washing line if you like.
If outdoor drying isn’t an option then make sure you wrap them in towels first and dry indoors. The towels can help to soak up the moisture that may be on your pads after washing them.
Storage
After all of this, are you going to put your pads back into a muddy bag? Storage is simple. Keep the bag clean, and make sure that the pads are fully dried out before you put them back in there, otherwise you can get bacteria growing on them and they can seriously start to smell.
Conclusion
The Village Cricket Co. batting pads are built to last, but as with all pads they will need cleaning to make them look (and smell) their best.
Good maintenance can help you to make sure your equipment lasts longer, and pads are no exception. It may be easy to throw them back in the bag and forget about them until next week or even next season, but a little bit of cleaning goes a long way, and with those warm summer days to dry the pads afterwards, it is even easier to keep your kit in top condition, and look the part when you head out to bat.