After one long summer tournament, I remember coming home and tossing my knee pads on the floor. I was so tired, I didn’t even care how bad they smelled.
But the next day, when I picked them up, the odor almost knocked me out. They were stiff, sticky, and honestly… gross.
That was the day I realized I had been treating my knee pads wrong. I always washed my jersey and shorts, but the pads? I just left them in my gym bag, sealed in sweat. No wonder they turned from white to gray.
So, I decided to figure out how to wash them properly — not just to get rid of the smell, but to make them feel fresh again.
I tried a few ways: handwashing, machine washing, and a quick freshening trick for in-between games. Some worked better than others, but in the end, I found three simple ways that keep my pads clean without ruining them.
Let me share exactly what worked, step by step.
Why Cleaning Your Knee Pads Actually Matters
We usually think knee pads are just gear. You wear them, play hard, and that’s it. But here’s what most players forget: those pads absorb everything — sweat, dirt, floor dust, and bacteria.
If you leave them in your gym bag, the moisture gets trapped inside the foam. That’s what creates that strong, sour odor. Over time, the fabric also gets stiff, and the padding loses its bounce.
Washing them isn’t just about keeping them clean; it’s about protecting your skin and extending the life of your gear. Clean pads:
- Feel soft and fresh when you wear them.
- Protect your knees better because the foam stays firm.
- Don’t irritate your skin or cause breakouts.
- Last way longer, saving you money on replacements.
When you think about it that way, cleaning your pads becomes part of your game prep, not just a chore.
How Often Should You Wash Volleyball Knee Pads
There’s no fixed rule, but here’s a good routine:
- If you play 3–5 times a week, wash them once a week.
- If you play only on weekends, wash them every two weeks.
- No matter how often you play, always air them out after every game.
Even if your knee pads don’t smell bad, they collect bacteria after every use. So it’s better to keep them clean regularly than wait for them to stink.
When you get home, take them out of your bag and let them dry naturally. Just a few hours of air can make a big difference.
Preparing Your Knee Pads Before Washing
You can’t just throw your knee pads into water and hope for the best. A little preparation helps protect the material and makes cleaning easier.
Here’s what to do before washing:
- Shake off dirt or dust.
Give them a few light slaps. This removes the small bits of sand or floor dust that collect during dives. - Turn them inside out.
The inside part traps most of the sweat and odor. Washing them inside out helps the detergent reach that area better. - Check the care label.
Most volleyball knee pads have a small tag that says whether you can machine wash them. If it says “hand wash only,” follow that rule. - Use mild detergent.
Avoid bleach or strong soaps — they damage the fabric. A mild detergent is enough to clean and keep them soft.
Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to start cleaning.
The 3 Best and Easiest Ways to Wash Volleyball Knee Pads
There are three main ways to clean your pads, depending on how dirty they are and how much time you have.
Let’s go through them one by one.
Method 1: Hand Wash (Deep Cleaning Method)
If your pads smell terrible or have been sitting in your bag for too long, this is the best way to bring them back to life.
Step-by-step process:
- Fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water.
Don’t use hot water. It can ruin the foam padding inside. - Add a small amount of mild detergent.
Just enough to make a few bubbles. - Soak your pads for 25–30 minutes.
This helps loosen up sweat, dirt, and bacteria trapped inside the fabric. - Gently scrub.
Use your hands or a soft cloth. Focus on the knee area and the edges where grime builds up. - Rinse with clean, cool water.
Make sure no soap remains — leftover detergent can irritate your skin later. - Press out water gently.
Don’t twist or wring them. That can damage the padding. Just press between your palms to remove excess water. - Dry naturally.
Place them on a towel or hang them somewhere airy. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.
After drying, they’ll look and feel brand new — soft, fresh, and odor-free.
Method 2: Machine Wash (Quick and Easy Routine Cleaning)
When you’re short on time, the washing machine can do the job well — if you use it correctly.
Here’s how:
- Turn them inside out.
This helps the machine clean the inner side more effectively. - Use a mesh laundry bag.
It prevents the pads from stretching or getting tangled during the wash. - Select a gentle cycle.
Cold or lukewarm water works best. Avoid hot cycles or long spins. - Add a small amount of detergent.
Just a teaspoon or two is enough. Avoid bleach or softeners. - After washing, air dry only.
Never put them in a dryer. Heat destroys the foam and makes them stiff.
If you play several times a week, machine washing once every 7–10 days is a great way to keep your pads fresh without too much effort.
Method 3: Quick Freshening (Between Games or Practices)
Sometimes your knee pads don’t look dirty but smell a bit sweaty. For that, a full wash isn’t needed — just a quick refresh.
Try this:
- Air them out after every match. Take them out of your gym bag as soon as you get home.
- Use a vinegar spray. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the pads inside and out, then let them dry.
- Or use baking soda. Sprinkle a little inside your knee pads overnight. Shake it out in the morning.
Both vinegar and baking soda help kill bacteria and neutralize odor. It’s the fastest way to freshen your pads when you’re too busy for a full wash.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Situation | Method | Best For | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very dirty or smelly pads | Hand Wash | Deep cleaning | 1–2 hours |
| Lightly dirty, weekly use | Machine Wash | Regular maintenance | 45–60 mins |
| Slight odor only | Quick Freshening | Between games | 10–15 mins |
How to Dry Volleyball Knee Pads Properly
Drying might seem like the easiest step, but it’s where many people go wrong.
Here’s the right way:
- After washing, gently press out the water with your hands.
- Place them on a clean towel and roll it up to soak extra moisture.
- Lay them flat or hang them in a cool, well-ventilated area.
- Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources like dryers or heaters.
Why? Because heat ruins the foam, and your pads will lose their comfort and fit. Natural air drying may take longer, but it keeps the material soft and flexible.
How to Remove Tough Odors
If your pads still smell bad after cleaning, don’t worry — there’s an easy fix.
Option 1 – Soak them in a mix of water and white vinegar (about 1 cup vinegar per bucket). Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse and air dry.
Option 2 – Sprinkle baking soda inside dry pads, leave overnight, then shake it out. It absorbs leftover moisture and smell naturally.
Both tricks are gentle, chemical-free, and perfect for long-term freshness.
Tips to Keep Your Knee Pads Clean Longer
You don’t need to wash your pads every single day if you maintain them properly. A few smart habits can keep them fresh for weeks.
- Always air them out after every match or training. Hang them somewhere open — not inside your bag.
- Try to wash them regularly, even if they don’t look dirty. Sweat buildup happens slowly and affects the foam over time.
- Use mild soap and avoid strong detergents or softeners. These can weaken the padding and make the fabric slippery.
- If you play several times a week, it helps to have two pairs of knee pads. That way, you can alternate between them and always wear a dry pair.
- Lastly, inspect your pads every few weeks. If the foam feels thin or the stitching starts to loosen, it might be time for a new pair.
Simple care goes a long way. Clean pads feel better, last longer, and make your game more enjoyable.
Also read: 25 Surprising Facts About Volleyball
Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Knee Pads
Many players accidentally damage their knee pads while trying to clean them. Here are a few things to avoid.
Never use hot water — it breaks down the foam and ruins the fit. Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals, as they weaken the fibers.
Avoid wringing or twisting your knee pads after washing. It might squeeze out water faster, but it also deforms the padding inside.
And most importantly, never use a dryer or heater. The heat will cause your pads to lose shape and become stiff. Air drying is slower but much safer.
Small habits like these make a big difference in how long your gear lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I wash volleyball knee pads?
If you play several times a week, wash them once a week. If you play less, every two to three weeks is enough. But always air them out after every use.
2. Can I put my knee pads in the dryer?
No. Dryers can melt or harden the foam inside your pads. Always air dry them naturally.
3. What if my knee pads still smell after washing?
Soak them in a vinegar and water mix for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry. Vinegar helps remove deep odors safely.
4. Can I wash knee pads with other clothes?
You can, but it’s better to use a mesh bag and wash them with similar sportswear on a gentle cycle.
5. What detergent is best?
Use a mild detergent — one made for sports clothes or delicate fabrics. Strong cleaners can irritate your skin.
6. How long do knee pads last?
With proper cleaning and care, a good pair can easily last six months to a year, depending on how often you play.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your volleyball knee pads doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer a deep hand wash, a quick machine rinse, or just a simple freshen-up, each method helps keep your gear clean, soft, and odor-free.
Clean pads don’t just smell better — they protect better. You’ll feel more comfortable diving, sliding, and moving freely without worrying about stiffness or smell.
So, make cleaning part of your routine. It only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference in how your pads feel and how long they last.
At the end of the day, when your gear is clean, you play with more confidence — and that’s what really counts on the court.