The sweet smell of derby

[Christina Ells]

It has come to my attention that my pads stink to high heaven. I became aware of this last night on my way home from scrimmage when a putrid scent in my car almost forced me to swerve off the road. Imagine my shock and horror (ok, not really) to find out that the rancid smell was coming from my epidermis! Curse my pads. Curse their unyielding scent that sneaks up and accosts my sensitive olfactory glands.

I must find a way to vanquish them!

To date, I have tried baking soda, Dr. Bronners, Soaking for unnecessarily long periods of time - and all have netted the same result...clean pads for one practice. One practice!! So much toil for very little payoff. And so - I am starting a new revolution...The stank pride revolution.

I will no longer subject myself to the stress of stinky pads, and I will accept my limitations as a domestic goddess. I will no longer google the best way to clean derby pads, as each endeavor ends in disappointment with a failed remedy. I will raise my head with pride knowing that my stank pads stand for something, and that their unholy smell signifies that I have arrived. I am unstoppable and I am strong. I am derby woman - hear me roar!

I will start the revolution just as soon as I take my pads out of the washer...

baby steps....baby steps....

[The Warden]

Have you tried 20 mule team borax natural laundry booster? A lot of the girls on the team use it and swear by it. Just pour a cup of it into your washer and let them soak for 2 to 3 hours on small load and then drain the water and spin them to remove the remaining water. Remove them and let them air dry, this should work hope it helps.

[Evilyn A. Heathen]

i was told recently that borax can deteriorate pads, so use sparingly and dilute it well!

there was a girl on my team whose pads stunk so badly i washed them myself with my brew. i had to do them twice (and the water from the first dose was BROWN. like REALLY BROWN), but it finally got rid of that smell!

i know some girls on my team like the get the funk out stuff, too! i tried some and it worked very well!

[Bombadee]

I do Borax too. Just in the washing machine, on the soak cycle. I swear by it.
I also started to wear cotton socks on my elbows and knees, just cut the toes out and slide em up. That helps cut down the frequency for the need to wash.

[Masuimi Smax]

I do the vinegar soak for 15 mins. Then wash my pads with frebreze laundry and detergent. The best help however is a bit of prevention. They still will need to be washed every now and again. On the sin city faq the recommend using old sock (I prefer cotton ) between you and the pads.
I go the whole OCD way out! I do the socks, then babypower or foot powder to absorb the sweat.
When I get home I spray athlete foot spray(ringworm prevention) on them, hang them outside to dry and air out your skate bag too. At the bare minimuim the are outside to air out after practice and that helps a lot.
Off topic but if it is someone on your team or opposing team that has that sweet er sweat smell you can spray perfume on your guards or glove. When the smell gets to you and you want to hurl smell your guards. This I learned from a jersey skater who has a gage reflex like mine.

[Christina Ells]

Awesome! Thanks :)

[Evilyn A. Heathen]

i have brewed up some cleaner that works pretty well...

fill your sink with hot water. as it's filling up, add white vinegar (about a cup or so), borax (found in the laundry aisle) and about half a dose of regular detergent. get it mixed well (but be careful-don't burn yourself!) as the borax needs some help dissolving. soak gear for at least 15 minutes (i usually do mine for about 30). rinse well, hang dry.

i made some of this mix for my league and have heard nothing but rave reviews.

[Jondi Soper]

Seriously get "Get the Funk Out." The stuff is AMAZING! My whole team smells better!
http://www.getfunkout.com/

If you pay shipping, they will send you a free sample that can be used for your team to try it out. It is GREAT stuff.