How to clean and care for fencing gear
Fencing gear is an investment, and a little care makes it last for years and keeps the dreaded gear-bag smell away. The golden rule is simple: dry everything fully before it goes back in the bag. Here is how to treat each piece.
Jacket, knickers and plastron
These are washable. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and hang to air dry. Skip the bleach and, importantly, skip the dryer, the heat shrinks them and breaks down the protective fabric over time. Wash them regularly, since sweat is what causes the smell and the bacteria.
Mask
Do not put a mask in the washing machine. Wipe the bib and remove the liner if yours has a removable, washable one. Spray the inside with a fabric-safe disinfectant and let it air dry completely before storing, a damp mask is how you get both smell and rust on the mesh. See the mask guide for buying and fit.
Lame (foil and sabre)
The conductive lame is delicate. Hand wash gently or wipe it down, and never machine wash or tumble dry it, that ruins the conductivity that makes it work. Air dry it flat. If touches stop registering, it may need a conductivity test or replacement.
Glove
Air the glove out after every session and let it dry fully. Many gloves can be gently hand washed when they get ripe; check the maker's guidance first.
Blades and body cords
Wipe the blade down after use to keep rust off, and a very light wipe of oil helps in humid climates. Check the tip and wire on electric weapons. For body cords, coil them loosely rather than yanking or wrapping them tight, that is what saves the fragile internal wires. Store everything dry, and never leave gear baking in a hot car.
The bag (the real smell culprit)
The bag traps moisture, so air it out after every session and leave it unzipped to dry. Wash it occasionally, and a cedar block or a charcoal deodorizer inside works better than perfume. Most gear smell is really bag smell.
Shopping for gear or replacements? See the beginner equipment guide, how to size it, and where to find discount gear.
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