Alright, folks, let’s talk about something that’s not always at the forefront of our minds but is super important for anyone who plays football – keeping those padded football pants clean. I learned this the hard way, trust me. You don’t want to be that guy with the stinky gear. So, I took it upon myself to figure out the best way to wash these things, and I’m here to share my process with you.
Getting Started
First off, I gathered all my dirty football pants. I’ve got a few pairs because, let’s be honest, I don’t always remember to wash them right after a game or practice. Then, I checked the labels. Most of my pants have these little tags that tell you how to wash them. Some say machine wash, some say hand wash. It’s like a secret code you gotta crack.
Prepping for the Wash
Next, I removed any loose dirt or grass. I just shook them out real good outside. You don’t want all that gunk in your washing machine, right? Then, I turned the pants inside out. This helps protect the outer layer and the pads inside. I also checked the pockets – gotta make sure there’s no gum, coins, or whatever else in there. Once, I found a five-dollar bill, so that was a nice surprise!
The Washing Process
- I threw them in the washing machine. I used cold water because the tag said so, and I didn’t want to risk shrinking them or messing up the pads.
- I added a mild detergent. Nothing too fancy, just the regular stuff. I’ve heard bleach can ruin the material, so I stayed away from that.
- I set the machine to a gentle cycle. These pants have pads in them, so you don’t want them getting all twisted and beat up.
Drying Them Out
After the wash, I took them out and checked the pads. They were still in place, which was good. I laid them flat to dry. Some people hang them up, but I found that laying them flat helps them keep their shape better. I put them in a well-ventilated area, but not in direct sunlight because that can fade the colors.
The Final Check
Once they were completely dry, I flipped them right side out and checked them over. No more stink, and they looked pretty darn good. I made sure the pads were still in the right spots and hadn’t shifted around too much.
So, there you have it. That’s my tried-and-true method for washing padded football pants. It might seem like a lot, but it’s worth it to keep your gear in good shape and not be the smelly kid on the field. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes!
