Q. Why would I want to wash my equipment?

A. Your equipment is teeming with bacteria, moulds and fungus that can cause you skin rashes and serious infections! It is the active, growing bacteria that is causing the unbelievable stench and rotting your equipment at the same time. You don’t wear your gym clothes for 5 years without washing them – why treat your equipment any differently? Your equipment didn’t smell when it was new, and it does not have to smell now.


Q. Why has washing sports and recreation equipment become such a big deal?

A. Modern protective sports equipment, with its space age, open cell, foam padding has produced the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Of an even greater concern, the overuse of antibiotics has created a resistance to infection treatments and has allowed new strains of bacteria to evolve. They are deadly, difficult to treat and within hours can leave a victim with permanent skin and bone damage. Some infections have even resulted in player deaths.


Q. Who else besides Esporta thinks washing equipment is a big deal?

A. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), USA Hockey, NFL, NCAA for starters! In 2003 they all issued warnings to athletes and sports teams to begin the routine cleaning of sports equipment due to a dramatic increase in serious infections. Hockey Canada issued instructions two years ago to regularly clean equipment.


Q. If this is such a serious health risk, why haven’t I heard about it before now?

A. Do you remember when hockey players didn’t wear helmets? Today, a player is not allowed on the ice without one. Why? Because research proved that the risk of head injuries could be reduced with the use of helmets and they were made mandatory. Seat belt use is another example of how research eventually impacts society. Esporta discovered 5 years ago, through independent lab tests, that dangerous bacteria were present in equipment. Change requires research and research takes time.


Q. Won’t washing my equipment in water ruin it?

A. Think about it – most sports are harsh and demanding on equipment. It takes a pounding and gloves, skates & padding are wet for prolonged periods of time. Our gentle process uses mild but effective detergents to clean deep into cloth and foam, then rinse away the bacteria, grime and sweat. Your equipment is held in place – no tumbling, twisting or banging around in our Esporta machine! Your equipment comes back fresh, disinfected and ready to wear.


Q. Can I be sure I’ll have my equipment before my next practice or game?

A. Absolutely. Ask about our various services. Tell us when you need your equipment; we’ll be sure it is ready for delivery when promised!


Q. What else can the Esporta Wash System clean?

A. If it can fit in our machine we can probably clean it!