How to Wash Volleyball Knee Pads (3 Methods)

There may be no more stunning moment than when you unzip your gym bag and get slapped in the face with a repulsive odor.

Volleyball knee pads, like soccer shin guards, are harbingers of smell-inducing bacteria and sweat.

There are three primary methods of cleaning knee pads:

1. A simple laundry cycle
2. A laundry cycle with extra pep
3. Handwashing

Each method is viable and can be chosen based on personal preference or access to materials.

Some other things might come up and influence your decision on how to wash your volleyball knee pads.

Read our guide detailing everything you need to know on how to wash volleyball knee pads. You’ll have no reason to be bombarded by stink from your knee pads anymore!

Is It Possible to Wash Volleyball Knee Pads?

Yes. Yes, it is.

This question is typically asked by someone wondering if volleyball knee pads can be put in a standard washing machine. The general answer, as we mentioned, is yes, they can. 

It’s important to note that there are some things to consider before pushing the start button.

1. Use a Low Temperature

Nearly all knee pads are made of materials that require low washing temperatures (cold or cool). High temperatures could damage the specialized fibers that makeup knee pads. This could lead to a shorter lifespan or shrinkage.

2. Choose a Slower Speed Cycle

If you can adjust your spin cycle, choose one that’s suited for a slower speed (delicates). High-speed cycles can damage the structure of knee pads, cause the pad to shift in its liner, or lead to the knee pad ripping. Ideally, wash your knee pads with a load of laundry to avoid unnecessary violence inside the washtub.

3. Use Soap

We’ll get into specifics later about what you can add to the wash for cleanliness but leaving soap out of the equation won’t work. The majority of the odor coming from your volleyball knee pads is due to bacteria and water alone will not kill the bacteria living in between the fibers.

Can You Dry Volleyball Knee Pads in the Dryer?

It’s possible. But we don’t recommend it unless you’re desperate.

As we mentioned above, when it comes to washing, volleyball knee pads don’t enjoy higher temperatures.

The process of tumble drying can also alter the fabrics used in construction, making them uncomfortable to wear. Ideally, you should plan well enough to allow 24 hours or more for air-drying your knee pads. 

If you get desperate and decide you must put your knee pads in the dryer, choose the lowest setting available and put some towels or other soft clothes (no denim) in with them to avoid the violence of the tumbling. 

Help! I Need to Get This Smell Out But Don’t Have Time to Wash My Knee Pads.

There are products on the market designed to get rid of or cover up smells in a variety of fabrics.

Unfortunately, the effect is temporary at best. The bad smell will return quickly and combined with the perfume of the masking agent, it’ll only make the problem worse.

There are times that even the strongest smelling laundry detergent can’t remove the dreaded volleyball knee pad smell.

In these cases, it’s time to call in an old miracle fix hiding in your pantry…

White vinegar!

White vinegar is one of the most versatile things in your household. It can be used in cooking, gardening, cleaning, and even has health benefits like aiding lower cholesterol. Most importantly, it’s a champion at killing the bacteria that cause those awful smells in your knee pads. 

How to Wash Volleyball Knee Pads (3 Methods)

As we know, there are three main methods of washing your knee pads: a simple laundry cycle, a laundry cycle with extra pep, and handwashing.

We also now know that the “extra pep” is none other than white vinegar.

Handwashing is perfect for when a laundry machine isn’t available (tournament travel, for instance). 

So, how do you pull these methods off?

A Simple Laundry Cycle 

1. If you can, place your knee pads in a laundry bag made for the washer. If not, just place them directly into the washing machine.
2. Include other laundry to prevent unnecessary roughness on your knee pads.
3. Add laundry detergent.
4. Select the coldest and gentlest cycle possible.
5. Plan for time to hang dry. If you must use the dryer, select delicates or low cycle.

A Laundry Cycle with Extra Pep

1. If you can, place your knee pads in a laundry bag made for the washer. If not, just place them directly into the washing machine.
2. Include other laundry to prevent unnecessary roughness on your knee pads.
3. Add laundry detergent.
4. Add one capful of white vinegar (a little goes a long way).
5. Select the coldest and gentlest cycle possible.
6. Plan for time to hang dry. If you must use the dryer, select delicates or low cycle.

Handwash

1. Run a shower only as warm as you need to be able to stand under.
2. Throw your knee pads on the shower floor as you bathe.
3. Step on your knee pads to knead out dirt and bacteria. 
4. Keep stepping until the water running from your knee pads is clear.
5. Be sure to rinse all soap from your knee pads.
6. Turn off the shower and squeeze as much water from your knee pads as possible.
7. Hang to dry.

You could also use a sink to perform the same steps with your hands. Remember to squeeze excess water out!

Do These Methods Work on All Knee Pads?

There are so many different brands and styles available that it’s hard to give a definitive “yes.”

However, the rule of thumb says that the more elastic (the material that expands and retracts to keep your knee pads on your legs), the more cautious you should be while washing. 

The best thing to remember is that colder and gentler is always better when it comes to laundering your volleyball knee pads.

Use a capful of white vinegar in the washing machine to kill the bacteria responsible for the strong odor.

Allow your knee pads to dry completely to ensure no mildew forms.

Now get back out there with the confidence that neither your volleyball knee pads nor your skills stink!