Ever wondered what that awful smell is every time you unzip your lacrosse equipment bag? Then, perhaps you should read on.

In order to prevent staph infections, lacrosse equipment needs to be washed periodically. The best way to wash your lacrosse equipment is to run the pads and gloves through the washing machine on the gentle cycle and place them outside to dry. Mouth pieces can be sanitized by soaking them in mouth wash. Helmets need to be washed in hot water with antibacterial soap and placed outside to dry. If you have a lacrosse bag, please wash that as well. Make sure everything is completely dry before you put it back in your equipment bag.

It is a good idea to wash your equipment after a tournament weekend or on a monthly basis. When you get home from practice or a game, always air out your equipment before putting it back in your bag.