Floorball equipment is exposed to a lot of wear, sweat, and moisture every week during training sessions and matches. With proper care, maintenance, and storage, the equipment can last significantly longer while also feeling fresher and more functional.

In this guide, we go through how to take care of floorball sticks, shoes, protective gear, and goalkeeper equipment. You will also get practical tips on how to reduce odor in your bag, dry your equipment properly after training and matches, and store it in a way that extends its lifespan.

Summary

Proper care of floorball equipment helps it last longer and stay fresher between training sessions and matches. Here are some basic things to keep in mind:

• Always dry your equipment immediately after training and matches.
• Do not leave protective gear and clothes in a closed bag.
• Store sticks in a case or bag to reduce wear.
• Replace the grip wrap regularly for better grip and hygiene.
• Use fragrance bags or odor absorbers in shoes and bags.
• Goalkeeper equipment often needs a longer drying time than other gear.

Why is caring for floorball equipment important?

Floorball equipment is often used several times a week and is exposed to moisture, sweat, and wear. If the equipment is placed directly in the bag after training and then left there until the next session, both odor and wear can quickly become a problem.

By drying, airing out, and storing your equipment properly, you can extend the lifespan of sticks, shoes, and protective gear. It also makes the equipment feel fresher and more comfortable to use, while the materials and functionality last longer.

It does not have to be complicated. Often, a few simple routines after training and a little extra care in how the equipment is stored and transported are enough. In the next section, we go through what you should do immediately after training to keep your floorball equipment in good condition.

After training – how to take care of your equipment right away

The most important thing you can do to keep your floorball equipment fresh and in good condition is what you do immediately after training or a match. Moisture and sweat left in the equipment can otherwise quickly lead to both bad odor and unnecessary wear on the material.

By taking a few simple minutes after each session, you can both reduce the risk of odor and make your equipment last significantly longer.

Airing out and drying

When you get home, it is a good habit to take the equipment out of the bag and let it air out. Hang up clothes, protective gear, and other items so that air can circulate around them.

Damp equipment left in a closed bag dries much more slowly and creates an environment where bacteria can easily start to grow. This is one of the most common reasons training gear starts to smell.

For best results, you can:

• Hang up clothes and protective gear so air can circulate around them.
• Open the bag completely so it can dry as well.
• Leave the equipment in a ventilated space.

Do not leave the equipment in the bag

It can be tempting to leave everything in the bag until the next training session, especially if you get home late. But a closed bag with damp equipment is almost always a guarantee for odor problems.

If you do not have the chance to unpack everything right away, it can still make a big difference to open the bag fully and unzip it so air can get in.

Dry shoes and insoles properly

Floorball shoes often collect a lot of moisture during training. Remove the insoles and let both shoes and insoles dry separately. This helps the moisture disappear faster and reduces the risk of odor.

Avoid placing the shoes directly on strong heat, such as a radiator. Instead, let them air dry at room temperature, preferably in a place where air circulates.

How to reduce odor in floorball shoes and training bags

Odor in training equipment is a common problem for many floorball players. The combination of sweat, moisture, and limited ventilation makes it easy for bacteria to start growing in both shoes and bags. These bacteria are mainly what cause the typical smell of training equipment.

With a few simple routines, however, you can significantly reduce the risk of odor and keep both shoes and your bag fresher between training sessions and matches.

Why does odor develop in training equipment?

During a training session, both shoes and equipment become damp from sweat. If the moisture is not allowed to dry properly, it creates an environment where bacteria thrive and multiply.

That is why equipment left in a closed bag often starts to smell faster than equipment that is aired out immediately after training.

By letting the equipment dry properly and making sure air can circulate, you reduce the conditions for bacterial growth.

How to remove odor from floorball shoes

The most important thing is to let the shoes dry properly after each session. Remove the insoles so that both shoes and insoles can air dry separately.

You can also use simple aids to absorb moisture and odor in the shoes between training sessions, such as fragrance bags or other odor-absorbing products placed in the shoes when they are not being used.

It can also help to:

• Keep the shoes in an airy place and not in a closed space.
• Alternate between two pairs of shoes if you train often.
• Wipe the inside of the shoes if they have become very damp.

Tips for keeping your bag fresh

The training bag can also start to smell if damp equipment is stored there regularly. That is why it is a good idea to let the bag air out properly from time to time.

Open all compartments and leave the bag open so it can dry. Many people also choose to use fragrance bags or odor-absorbing products in the bag to keep it fresh between training sessions.

A bag with good ventilation and separate compartments can also make a big difference, especially if you often transport both shoes and other equipment together.

How to take care of your floorball stick

The floorball stick is one of the most important parts of the equipment and is often used during many intense training sessions and matches. With proper care and storage, you can both extend its lifespan and keep the feel of the stick for longer.

Even though modern sticks are durable, both the shaft and blade can be affected by wear, temperature, and how the stick is transported between training sessions. With a few simple routines, you can reduce the risk of unnecessary wear.

Storage of floorball sticks

How the stick is stored between training sessions can matter more than many people think. Large temperature changes and improper storage can affect both the shaft’s properties and the blade’s durability.

Avoid leaving the stick in the car for extended periods, especially during winter or hot summer days. Cold can make the plastic in the blade more brittle, while high heat can affect the material in the shaft.

Many people therefore choose to transport sticks in a floorball stick case or a stick bag. This protects the stick from impacts, dirt, and unnecessary wear when it is not being used.

When should you replace the grip wrap?

The grip wrap gradually wears down during training and matches. When the wrap becomes slippery, hard, or starts coming loose, your grip can worsen and the stick may feel less stable in your hand.

How often you need to replace the grip wrap varies depending on how often you play, but for many players it is common to replace it a few times per season. Some who train often choose to replace it even more frequently to always have a good grip.

A new grip wrap can provide better control of the stick and contribute to a more stable feel in shots and passes.

Read our guide - "How to replace the grip wrap on your floorball stick – Step by step"

Wear on floorball blades

The blade is the part of the stick that is exposed to the most contact with the floor and the ball. Over time, the blade can wear down, develop small cracks, or gradually lose its shape.

Signs that it may be time to replace the blade include:

• Cracks or damage in the plastic
• The blade becoming softer or losing its shape
• Uneven wear on the lower edge of the blade

A blade in good condition provides better ball control and a more predictable feel in both passes and shots.

Read our guide - "How to replace the blade on your floorball stick - Step by step"

Care of protective gear and training clothes

Protective gear and training clothes are often used several times a week and are exposed to both sweat and movement during training and matches. With proper care, they stay fresher longer and also retain their function better over time.

Most protective gear contains materials such as foam and elastic straps. These can be affected by both moisture and improper washing, which means the protection can lose its shape or function if it is not cared for properly.

By letting the protective gear dry properly after training and washing it when needed, you can both reduce odor and extend its lifespan.

Can you wash floorball protective gear in a washing machine?

Many knee pads, elbow pads, and training clothes can be machine washed, but it is always a good idea to check the care instructions first. A gentle wash at a lower temperature is often recommended to protect the material.

A good tip is to use a laundry bag when washing protective gear in the machine. This reduces wear on both the protective gear and the washing machine.

Also avoid using excessively high temperatures or strong wash programs, as this can affect both elasticity and fit.

How to dry protective gear without damaging the material

After washing or training, it is best to let protective gear air dry. Hang it up so air can circulate around the material and the moisture can disappear properly.

Placing protective gear directly on strong heat, such as a radiator or in a drying cabinet with high temperature, can cause the material to wear out faster or lose its shape.

By letting the protective gear dry at room temperature, it will usually last longer.

Knee pads and elbow pads – extra exposed parts

Knee pads and elbow pads are often exposed to heavy stress because they are in direct contact with the floor during play. Check regularly that the protection has not worn through or lost its cushioning. If the material has become thin or the protection no longer fits securely, it may be time to replace it.

Care and drying of goalkeeper equipment

Goalkeeper equipment in floorball often consists of several larger garments and protective items that are used intensively during training and matches. Since the equipment covers large parts of the body, a lot of moisture and sweat also builds up in the material.

This means goalkeeper equipment often needs a little more time to dry than other equipment. By allowing the gear to air out properly after each session, you can reduce the risk of both odor and unnecessary wear.

Dry goalkeeper clothing and protective gear properly

After training, it is a good idea to take the goalkeeper equipment out of the bag and hang it up so air can circulate around the material. Goalkeeper pants, jersey, and other garments can otherwise retain moisture for a long time if they are left folded in a bag.

If possible, it can be helpful to spread out the equipment so that several items dry at the same time. The more air that reaches the material, the faster the moisture disappears.

Just like with other equipment, it is best to let it air dry at room temperature instead of placing it directly on strong heat.

Care of the goalkeeper helmet

The goalkeeper helmet is also exposed to a lot of sweat during training and matches. The inside of the helmet therefore benefits from drying properly between sessions.

If the helmet has removable parts or sweatbands, they can sometimes be taken out and aired separately. Letting the helmet remain open in a ventilated area also helps the moisture disappear faster.

By keeping the helmet dry and clean, you reduce both odor and wear on the inside.

Storage of goalkeeper equipment

Since goalkeeper equipment is often more extensive than regular player equipment, a spacious bag can make transport and storage easier.

A goalkeeper bag often provides more space and makes it easier to organize the equipment between training sessions and matches. No matter which bag you use, however, it is important to let the equipment dry properly before packing it away again.

Choose the right bag for your floorball equipment

A good bag makes it easier to transport and organize floorball equipment between training sessions and matches. At the same time, the right type of bag can help protect the equipment from unnecessary wear.

Which model is best often depends on how much equipment you bring with you and how you usually get to training. For some, a simple case for the sticks is enough, while others prefer a larger bag where all the equipment fits.

Floorball case for your sticks

A floorball case is a convenient solution for transporting one or several sticks. The case protects the sticks from scratches and impacts while also making them easier to carry to and from training.

Many cases also have smaller compartments where you can store things like grip wrap, tape, or other small accessories.

Toolbag / Toolpack – for players and coaches with more equipment

A toolbag/toolpack is a common type of floorball bag that holds both sticks and other equipment. It is often a good choice for players and coaches who want everything gathered in the same bag.

Toolbags/toolpacks often have several compartments, making it easier to separate shoes, clothes, and other equipment.

Backpack – a convenient solution for younger players

For many children and teenagers, a backpack can be a practical alternative. It is easy to carry and works well if you do not have that much equipment.

Some backpacks are also designed for floorball and have room for shoes, clothes, and other smaller pieces of equipment.

Goalkeeper bag for floorball

Goalkeepers often have more equipment than outfield players, which makes a larger bag practical. A goalkeeper bag provides more space for a jersey, pants, helmet, and other pieces of equipment.

The larger volume also makes it easier to pack the equipment without having to squeeze it together, which can be gentler on the materials over time.

Storage between seasons

When the season is over or when the equipment is not used for a longer period, it is a good idea to think about how it is stored. Proper storage can make a big difference in how the equipment feels when the next season begins.

By cleaning the equipment and letting it dry properly before putting it away, you reduce the risk of odor, wear, and materials deteriorating over time.

Clean the equipment before putting it away

Before putting the equipment away for a longer period, it can be a good idea to go through it. Wash training clothes and protective gear if needed and let everything dry properly.

If equipment is stored while still damp, there is a risk that both odor and bacteria will develop while it is being stored.

Avoid cold or damp spaces

It is best to store floorball equipment in a dry space with a relatively even temperature. Damp storage rooms or cold garages can affect both materials and plastic parts over time.

The plastic in floorball blades in particular can become more brittle if it is exposed to major temperature changes over long periods.

Store sticks properly

Sticks are best stored in a way that does not expose them to unnecessary strain. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the sticks or letting them remain bent for long periods.

Many people choose to store sticks in a case or standing against a wall, which reduces the risk of the shaft or blade becoming deformed.

Common mistakes that wear out floorball equipment

Many problems with odor, wear, or reduced function are not caused by how often the equipment is used, but by how it is cared for between training sessions. By avoiding a few common mistakes, you can often extend the lifespan of sticks, shoes, and protective gear.

Here are some things that are good to avoid:

• Leaving the equipment in the bag after training. Moisture and sweat that are not allowed to dry can quickly create both odor and wear on the material.
• Storing sticks in the car for extended periods. Major temperature changes can affect both shaft and blade.
• Never replacing the grip wrap. A worn wrap provides worse grip and can affect the feel of the stick.
• Drying equipment on strong heat. High temperatures can cause materials to lose shape or elasticity.
• Storing equipment in damp spaces. Moisture can eventually affect both materials and hygiene.

With a few simple routines after training and a little thought about storage, much of this can be avoided. 

Summary

Taking care of your floorball equipment does not have to be complicated. With a few simple routines after training, such as letting the equipment dry, airing out your shoes, and keeping the bag clean, you can both reduce the risk of odor and make the equipment last longer.

By also taking care of the stick, replacing the grip wrap when needed, and storing the equipment in a dry place between training sessions and seasons, it keeps both its function and feel over time. Small everyday habits make a big difference and help the equipment feel fresh and ready for the next training session or match.