A problem that most goaltenders have, whether it be roller, ball, or ice, is smelly equipment. Despite the amount of effort extended to keep gear smelling clean and fresh, as well as bacteria free, it eventually happens. Hope is not lost, however, as there are many tips and tricks (most of which are cheap and/or free) to make your items as good as new. The benefits of cleaning your equipment are twofold: firstly, it'll be more sanitary. Secondly, you will most likely garner a better price when selling such items on eBay if you can boast that there is no or little smell.

Air It Out - The simplest, and most obvious method, is to air your gear it. Take it outside and let the nice warm air hit it. However, if it's damp or too hot outside, it could become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading only to a worse smell or even the development of rashes.

Rack It Up - Build yourself an equipment rack. This is best used within a basement or empty room with a dehumidifier inside to suck out all the moisture. This is best accomplished by using PVC, as it doesn't absorb moisture nor does it keep smell in.

Boiling Water - This is best used for gloves. Simply set a pot of boiling water, and then run it through the innards of your gloves. The gloves have various openings and are pourous, so as long as you hang them up they will dry properly. A lot of times it makes the blocker palms nice and soft again, and well as easing the break in of trappers. Repeat the process as necessary until the water runs through the gloves cleanly. I usually end up using about 5 pots per glove.

Rub a Tub - For chest protectors and pants, the easiest and most effective method I noticed was to fill a bathtub with warm (NOT HOT) water. Add in a bit of your favorite smelling detergent (no bleach), then soak and scrub vigorously. Rinse out two or three times and then hang to dry. It will take about 2-3 days of sun for it to dry completely, so don't do this until you have some time.

Steam Clean - Visit your local Target/Walmart/Kmart and purchase yourself a Shark Steamer. They generally run about $30-$40. Steam clean your equipment as you would a shirt. It uses less water than the boiling technique, and due to it being a vapor it gets into the small spots that water sometimes misses. The heat also kills bacteria that may be growing.

Fabreeze - I've never had any luck with Fabreeze, but some people swear by it. However, you will be much better off with the antibacterial version than just the plain. If I have to, I use an item called "OT Disinfectant" which is sold at my local hockey shop.

That's all for the guide. Happy cleaning!