Out of the blue, one of them said…
“Your backplate reflects you so well. It looks clean and properly maintained. I want to learn how to do that."
And as soon as this guy said that, everyone else at the table was like,
"Yes!!! I want that, too.”
“How can we learn that?”
“How do you do it?"
So since everyone was so interested in this topic, I thought you could benefit from hearing a little bit of what I shared with them.
But you might be thinking: “Does cleaning really make a difference? I’ve been playing fine without it.”
Here’s the thing—neglecting your gear is like ignoring maintenance on your car.
At first, it doesn’t seem like a big deal.
But over time, it wears out faster, loses its efficiency, and could fail when you need it most.
And—you might not even realise it, but a dirty, worn-out backplate could be undermining your performance.
It’s not just about the look of your gear, either.
A dirty backplate isn’t just going to smell—it could actually diminish the protection it provides.
Plus, here’s a catch—you’re probably neglecting one of the most important aspects of keeping it game-ready: cleaning it (like I was).
A clean backplate is your best line of defence against injury and discomfort.
If you don’t clean it regularly, you’re essentially setting yourself up for more wear and tear—and it could lead to expensive replacements or worse: injury.
Now picture this:
What if that hit wasn’t just painful, but injury-causing?
Or worse, what if you have to sit out the next play because you’re dealing with a rash or discomfort from a bacteria-filled backplate?
If you’re serious about performance and staying at your peak, you can’t afford to ignore the details.
Because, by keeping your gear fresh, you avoid all the stinky bacteria that can lead to discomfort and irritation.
Still there?
Good.
Use this 4-step guide to clean your backplate, so that you can increase its lifespan, enhance its protection, and ensure that every hit you take is absorbed like it should be.
1. A Clean Backplate: 3 Reasons Why It Matters
#1: Protection That’s Always Ready to Go
- "Your backplate is built to absorb the hits, but if it’s caked with dirt, sweat, and grime, it can’t do its job properly. Dirt and debris can actually weaken the materials and reduce its effectiveness. So, cleaning it regularly ensures that your protection stays strong, no matter how tough the hit is."
#2: No Stink, No Problem – Keep Your Gear Fresh
- "Let’s face it—football gear can get smelly. But it’s not just about the bad odor—it’s about bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can lead to skin irritation or infections. A clean backplate helps keep things fresh, preventing that funky smelland keeping bacteria in check. Trust me, you don’t want to be distracted by a stinky backplate during the game."
#3: Save Money, Extend Gear Life
- "Your gear is an investment. And just like any other gear you rely on, taking care of it means it’s going to last longer. By cleaning your backplate regularly, you’re not only protecting yourself from injury, you’re also saving money by extending the life of your gear. Why buy a new one if you don’t need to?"
2. Quick & Easy Guide: How to Clean Your Football Backplate
Step 1: Gather Your Gear & Supplies
- "Grab your backplate, a soft cloth or brush, mild dish soap, and a sports disinfectant. You don’t need anything fancy—just some basic tools to get the job done. Keeping it simple is key."
Step 2: Clean the Backplate
- "Dip your cloth or brush in warm water and add a little soap. Gently scrub your backplate—no need to go crazy, just clean it enough to get rid of the dirt and grime. Pay extra attention to the areas that get the most sweat and buildup."
Step 3: Rinse, Dry, and Disinfect
- "Rinse your backplate with cool water to get rid of any soap residue, then dry it off with a clean towel. Don’t skip this step—moisture can cause bacteria growth. Finally, spray it with sports disinfectant to kill any germs and keep it fresh."
Step 4: Let It Air Dry
- "The key to keeping your backplate in good shape is letting it dry properly. Don’t toss it in your bag right away—let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this can damage the material over time."
3. Common Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid
#1: Using Harsh Chemicals
- "Using bleach or harsh cleaners on your backplate is a huge no-no. These chemicals can break down the materials and damage your gear. Stick with mild soap and sports-specific cleaners to keep your gear in top shape."
#2: Skipping the Drying Process
- "Never skip the drying step. If you throw your backplate into your bag still damp, it’ll trap moisture inside, leading to bacteria and a stinky backplate. Always let it air dry fully to keep it fresh and prevent mold."
#3: Not Cleaning Often Enough
- "Cleaning your backplate shouldn’t be a once-in-a-while task. Make it a regular part of your routine—after every game or practice. Keeping your gear clean and fresh will extend its life and keep it working at full capacity."
Conclusion
There you go.
The 4 practical step on cleaning your backplate to enhance its performance, AND the common mistakes you should avoid.
So, what do you usually do to clean your backplate?
We’d love to hear from you.
P.S. Click to see O Shield Top Picks and make competitors envy you.
Let’s Roll.