How to Clean Baseball Catchers Gear in 5 Easy Steps

A catcher’s gear can get pretty dirty after a game. Here are 5 easy steps to clean your baseball catcher’s gear.

Introduction

If you play baseball, then you know that one of the most important parts of your gear is your catcher’s gear. This gear helps to protect you from the high speeds of a fastball and the hard hits of a line drive. But, it can also get pretty dirty. Here are five easy steps to help you clean your catcher’s gear.

Step One: Gather Your Supplies
To clean your catcher’s gear, you will need a few supplies. You will need a brush, some warm water, and a mild detergent. You will also need a soft cloth or sponge and a towel.

Step Two: Remove the Dirt
The first step in cleaning your catcher’s gear is to remove all of the dirt. You can do this by using the brush to loosen any dirt that is caked on. Once the dirt is loose, you can use the cloth or sponge to wipe it away.

Step Three: Wash the Gear
Once all of the dirt has been removed, it is time to wash the gear. You can do this by soaking the gear in warm water with a mild detergent. Once the gear has soaked for a few minutes, you can use the cloth or sponge to scrub away any remaining dirt.

Step Four: Rinse Away All traces of Soap
After scrubbing away all traces of dirt, it is important to rinse away all traces of soap. This step is important because soap can leave behind a residue that will attract more dirt. To rinse away the soap, simply soak the gear in clean water for a few minutes.

Step Five: Dry The Gear
The last step in cleaning your catcher’s gear is to dry it off. You can do this by hanging up the gear or laying it out in the sun. Once the gear is dry, it will be ready to use again

Step One: Pre-Soak in Vinegar and Water

The most important step in cleaning your baseball catcher’s gear is to pre-soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water. This will help to loosen any dirt or grime that may be stuck to the surface of the gear. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will also help to remove any lingering odors.

To pre-soak your gear, mix together 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water in a large bucket or container. Submerge your gear in the mixture and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can let it soak for longer – up to several hours.

Step Two: Scrub with a Nylon Brush

With the gear still wet from the rinse, use a nylon brush to scrub all of the surfaces of the catcher’s gear. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, as dirt and grime can build up in these areas.

Step Three: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your catcher’s gear thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove all the soap suds. If any soap suds remain on the gear, they will attract dirt and dust, and your gear will get dirty again more quickly.

Step Four: Dry in the Sun

After you have rinsed all the soap off your catcher’s gear, it’s time to dry it in the sun. This will help to kill any remaining bacteria and will also help to remove any lingering smells. Hang your gear up on a clothesline or over a chair so that it is exposed to direct sunlight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to speed up the drying process.

Step Five: Apply a Catcher’s Mitt Conditioner

Once you have removed all the dirt and grime from your catcher’s gear, it is important to condition the leather to prevent it from drying out and cracking. There are several commercial catcher’s mitt conditioners on the market, or you can make your own by combining one part white vinegar with two parts linseed oil. Gently rub the conditioner into the leather, being careful not to saturate it. Allow the conditioner to soak in for at least 30 minutes before wiping off any excess.

Conclusion

If you follow these five steps, you’ll have clean baseball catcher’s gear that looks and smells great. You’ll also extend the life of your gear and save money in the long run.

So there you have it! Five easy steps to clean baseball catcher’s gear. Do you have any tips or tricks that we missed? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.