InlineSkates.net

Let’s face it, inline skating is an activity that makes you sweat. And while there have been many advances in equipment design to help keep padding ventilated and fresh, skating pads are going to start smelling of sweat at some point. You can keep your gear smelling fresher, longer, with these tried and true methods.

Give ‘Em Some Air

Whether you are taking a quick trip around the block or a mini-marathon skate, your protective gear is going to be saturated with sweat when you’re finished. Like other items, it isn’t a good idea to put your protective gear away while it is still wet. If you do, this will cause the growth of bacteria and as a result, create that horrible stench. When you get finished skating let your gear sit out for an hour and dry before putting it away. For additional freshness, throw a dryer sheet in your bag after you pack your equipment away.

Spray ‘Em Down

Another method is to spray your gear with a disinfectant spray. A quick shot of Lysol or a similar product can help to kill bacteria that form from wet pads. We do not recommend household cleaners like Fantastic or Simple Green as this may damage your equipment more than help it and they can also irritate the skin quickly. Try quick sprits of Lysol or Febreeze but understand that even a heavy use of these products can irritate eventually. If you have sensitive skin, try spraying the products to help freshen the smell, then rinse and dry the pads.

Give ‘Em a Wash

If you just want to skip the other methods described here, give your pads a quick wash through the washing machine with this neat little trick. Add 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar and a 1/8 cup of detergent to a wash load before the cycle starts. If possible, let the pads soak for 10 minutes prior to the cycle. Run the cycle and then put the pads out in the sun to dry or in the dryer for 15 minutes. Strong smells will be dissolved after a good washing using this method.

Inline skating is an enjoyable activity that is great for the entire family, regardless of age. But regardless of age or skill level there is one important item that every skater must remember to do, wear the proper protective gear. Every inline skater should wear, at minimum, a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Each of these items provides protection in its own way, in the off chance that you take a spill. Even the most advanced skaters will fall every one in a while, that is just the nature of being on skates. However, if you wear the proper safety equipment, you skate within your abilities, and you skate in safe conditions (dry, flat, un-crowded areas), you will not have to worry about falling or getting injured.

We understand that not everyone owns each piece of protective equipment above. If you can, we recommend that you invest in the items you do not have. If that isn’t exactly an option right now, we strongly advise that you at least get a helmet and wrist guards. When you fall, you will no doubt attempt to brace yourself with your hands. Therefore, wrist guards are very important for protecting against broken wrists or fingers. Additionally, if you fall backwards or lose control while skating, you will want to protect your head from slamming against the ground or any other items in the vicinity or your tumble. You may think you look dumb, but that is a small price to pay for your safety and well-being.

If you are still a bit hesitant to protective gear because you believe it will make you hot, sweaty, and itchy, please note that inline skating protective gear has come a long way in design since the 1980s and 1990s. Today’s protective gear is typically lined with wicking material that not only feels comfortable, but it pulls moisture away from your skin as well. As a result, this keeps you cooler and dryer, eliminating the itchiness of wearing pads. Additionally, the pads are much lighter now too. This makes them practically unnoticeable when skating.

Protective pads have also evolved beyond knee, elbow, and wrist pads, to pads that protect the entire body. Crash pads are new to the market and are designed to protect against broken bones, scratches, and bruises. They are worn like a piece of clothing with small pads on the surface for protection and manufactured from mesh or wicking material to keep you cool.

If you’re looking to do yourself a favor, we strongly recommend that you invest in the right protective gear because it will save you money in the long run, and help you avoid pain and anguish too.