Rugby headgear goes through a lot, heavy contact, sweat, mud, rain, and long training sessions. Proper care is essential to keep it clean, fresh, and most importantly, safe to wear.
Unlike regular sports gear, rugby headgear contains specialised protective foam that can be permanently damaged by heat, harsh chemicals, or improper washing. Looking after it properly will help maintain both comfort and protection.
Over time, sweat, dirt, bacteria, and repeated impacts can affect the condition of your headgear.
Regular care helps to:
Keep your headgear hygienic
Reduce odours caused by sweat and bacteria
Maintain the fit and shape
Protect the foam and padding
Extend the lifespan of your gear
Rugby headgear should always be hand washed in cold water only.
Fill a sink or bucket with cold water and use a small amount of mild detergent. Gently clean the headgear by hand or a soft cloth.
Do not scrub aggressively, twist, or wring the headgear, as this can damage the materials and protective foam.
Never put rugby headgear in a washing machine.
Machine washing can:
Damage protective foam
Distort the shape
Stretch straps and stitching
Reduce the protective performance
Even a gentle cycle can cause irreversible damage.
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of rugby headgear.
Never expose your headgear to heat above 60°C (140°F).
This means you should never:
Put it in a tumble dryer
Dry it near heaters
Leave it on a hot dashboard or in direct intense sunlight
Use a hair dryer to speed up drying
Storing a hot areas like attics or hot water cupboards
Iron it
Heat can warp or break down the foam, reducing its ability to absorb impact. and delaminate the outer layer from the foam
After washing:
Gently shake off excess water
Pat dry with a towel
Leave to air dry naturally in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area
Allow it to dry completely before storing or wearing again.
To protect the materials, follow these care guidelines:
Do not bleach
Do not dry clean
No contact with petroleum or silicone-based products
Products containing petroleum or silicone can degrade the foam and outer materials over time.
To reduce odours and bacteria:
Remove headgear from your sports bag straight after use
Let it air out after every session
Store it in a cool, dry place
Avoid crushing it under heavy gear
A little regular care goes a long way.
Even with proper care, headgear won’t last forever.
Consider replacing it if you notice:
Compressed or flattened padding
Tears or worn fabric
Loose straps or stitching
Poor fit
Visible damage to foam panels
If the protective structure is compromised, it’s time for a replacement.
Rugby headgear is designed to protect you, but only if it’s properly cared for.
The golden rule is simple: cold hand wash only, and keep it away from heat.
Treat your headgear properly, and it’ll stay cleaner, fresher, and ready for every tackle, ruck, and scrum.
