How to Store Football Equipment During the Off-Season

Step 1: Clean Everything Thoroughly

Proper cleaning at the start of the off-season prevents long-term buildup of dirt, sweat, and bacteria, which can cause premature wear and tear. Here’s how to break down the process by gear type:

Helmets

Disinfect all inner padding using an approved sports gear cleaner or a water-vinegar solution.
Wipe down and polish the exterior shell to remove surface grime and scuffs.
Air-dry fully before storing—do not leave in direct sunlight as it may weaken the shell over time.

Pads (Shoulder, Rib, and Knee)

Remove any fabric liners or covers if detachable and machine wash them on a gentle cycle.
Wipe down the inner foam with a damp cloth and non-abrasive cleanser.
Leave pads out to air-dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using dryers or direct heat which can warp the padding.

Cleats

Knock off dried mud and debris from soles using a stiff brush or scraper.
Clean the upper surfaces with a mild soap solution. For leather cleats, apply a leather conditioner once dry to keep them supple.
Ensure they’re completely dry before storing to prevent mildew and sole separation.

Jerseys and Compression Gear

Machine wash all soft gear in cold water with mild detergent.
Skip the dryer—air-drying helps prevent shrinkage and maintains the elasticity of compression fabrics.

Cleaning is your first line of defense. A properly cleaned kit sets the stage for easier maintenance and smarter storage throughout the off-season.

Step 3: Use Smart Storage Strategies

Storing your football equipment correctly during the off-season can make a big difference in preserving its quality and performance. Here’s how to do it right:

Choose the Right Environment

Store equipment in a cool, dry place. Avoid basements prone to moisture or attics that get too hot—temperature fluctuations and humidity can damage materials over time.

Avoid Plastic Bags

Don’t seal gear in plastic bags. This traps moisture and can lead to mildew. Instead, opt for breathable storage:
Mesh bags for airflow
Ventilated plastic bins or storage totes

Organize and Label

Separate gear by type (e.g., helmets, shoulder pads, cleats) and label each container. This makes prepping for next season faster and helps track what needs repair or replacement.

Protect Cleats

Use shoe trees in cleats. They help maintain shape, prevent curling, and reduce odor build-up during long storage periods.

For more proven storage setups and expert advice, check out these equipment storage tips.

Final Play

Gear Prep = Game Performance

Off-season isn’t just a break—it’s the foundation for your next season’s success. Taking the time to properly store, maintain, and monitor your football equipment ensures you’re not scrambling to replace damaged gear or making last-minute fixes.
Stored gear is protected gear—safe from mold, wear, and unnecessary aging
Cleaned gear improves comfort, hygiene, and overall durability
Organized gear helps eliminate stress when it’s time to suit up again

Make the Off-Season Work for You

Every athlete knows preparation is half the battle. Use the months between seasons to strengthen your routine—not just your body, but your equipment plan too.
Review your storage checklist quarterly
Stay ahead of wear and tear by addressing issues early
Build good habits that keep your gear reliable season after season

Treat the off-season like the first quarter of your next campaign. By investing a little time and care now, you’re setting yourself up to lead, perform, and stay safe when the whistle blows.

Why Proper Off-Season Storage Matters

Football gear takes a beating all season long. If you just toss it into a closet or garage without a second thought, it’s asking for cracks, mildew, and wear that shortens its life. Proper storage isn’t complicated, but it makes a difference. Keeping gear dry, clean, and in shape prevents damage that can be harder—or more expensive—to fix later.

Think about each piece as an investment. Helmets, pads, cleats—none of it is cheap. You want that gear to be game-ready when training starts up again, not sitting with flattened padding or rusted hardware. Good storage can preserve performance and save you money on replacements.

It also keeps you in line with safety standards. Damaged equipment increases injury risk. Many leagues inspect gear before the season kicks off, and non-compliant items can bench a player fast. Storing your gear right keeps you compliant and ready to go.

Smart storage doesn’t just protect—it prepares. Treat your gear with the same focus you give the game itself.

Step 2: Perform Basic Maintenance

Before anything gets tucked away for the off-season, give every piece a hard look. Helmets and facemasks take a beating—check them for cracks, dents, or stress marks. If it looks sketchy, it probably is. Don’t take chances.

Straps, buckles, chin cups—tighten everything. Loose fasteners are not something to discover in week one. Take a screwdriver or wrench and hit each connection point with intention.

Any metal parts—buckles, screws, clips—can rust quietly over months in storage. Hit them with a light coat of anti-rust spray to keep corrosion in check. Not greasy. Just protective.

Finally, toss out or tag gear that’s seen better days. If something’s damaged or at the end of its life, call it. Don’t let broken equipment steal time and focus during preseason. Better to deal with it now than scramble later.

Step 4: Monitor During the Off-Season

Once your gear’s packed away, you’re not totally off the hook. Check in every few months—quarterly is a good rule of thumb. Mold, mildew, or unwanted critters can creep in faster than you think, especially in humid or poorly ventilated spaces.

Keep the storage area dry and breathing. If it’s a garage or basement, consider a small dehumidifier or even just cracking a window when you visit. Getting rid of trapped moisture goes a long way toward keeping pads from breaking down and helmets from smelling like a science experiment.

While you’re at it, give things a once-over. If you notice pads getting crushed under a pile or cleats sitting unevenly, fix it. Good storage maintains gear shape—it doesn’t punish it. A quick tidy-up now beats paying for replacements later.

Bonus: Use the Full Off-Season to Your Advantage

Don’t set it and forget it. Around the halfway point of the off-season, pull your gear out and give it another once-over. Clean off any lingering dust, recondition leather where needed, and double-check that nothing’s warped or deteriorating in storage. This keeps small issues from growing into major problems before next season.

Start your prep early. Don’t wait until the first week of training to realize you’re missing a chin strap or your cleats are cracking. Give yourself time. Inspect gear, test fit everything, do light spot cleaning, and replace whatever didn’t make the cut.

Most importantly, create a written checklist. Include every piece of equipment, its current condition, and whether it’s game-ready. Having a solid gear log saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your team accountable.

For an in-depth seasonal plan, see this complete off-season storage guide.