Oh man, it’s that time again.

You pull your curling bag out of storage, unzip it for the first time in months and immediately start wondering:

Is everything still in good shape? Do I need to replace anything? And seriously… can I wash these gloves?

Before you head back onto the ice, give your equipment a quick once-over. A little maintenance now can help keep you comfortable, safe and, just as importantly, keep unwanted debris off the ice.

Gloves

First things first: yes, you can wash them!

Take a good look at your gloves. If they’ve picked up a season’s worth of sweat and grime, they can be hand washed or machine washed, then laid flat to dry.

While you’re at it, check for excessive wear, holes or areas where the material has become too worn to give you the grip you need.

Shoes, Sliders & Grippers

Have a look at the soles of your curling shoes.

If the gripper material on your gripper-soled shoe is crumbling, flaking or breaking apart, it’s time to do something about it. Depending on your shoes, that may mean replacing the gripper discs or having the gripper portion replaced.

Remember: anything flaking off your equipment can end up on the ice, and ice debris is nobody’s friend.

If your shoes have simply reached the end of their life, the beginning of the season is the perfect time for a fresh pair.

Now check your slider. Some surface scratching is completely normal, Teflon is a relatively soft material. What you don’t want to see are sharp edges, cracks or deep gouges that could affect your slide.

And don’t forget your slip-on gripper. These are an important piece of safety equipment and should generally be replaced at least once per season to help keep both you safe and the ice safe and clean.

If yours has holes, tears, cracking or flaking, replace it right away.

New season, new gripper! 🥳

Broom & Handle

Give your broom handle a good inspection.

Is the paint flaking? Are there cracks, chips or areas where the handle looks compromised from storage or transportation?

Flaking paint can become ice debris, and nobody wants to be responsible for a picked rock. If the handle is damaged or shedding material, it’s time for a replacement.

Next, take a look at your broom head, pad and sleeve.

For recreational curlers, the sleeve or pad should be replaced at least once per season. If yours is visibly worn, damaged or has seen a lot of games, starting the year with a fresh one is a good call.

Helmets & Protective Headgear

Protective equipment deserves a little extra attention.

If your helmet or protective headgear has taken an impact or you’ve had a fall while wearing it, it should be replaced according to the product’s safety guidance.

For washable, Head First protective headgear, remove the protective plate, then wash the toque or fabric portion either by hand or in the machine. Lay it flat to dry, then reinstall the protective plate once everything is completely dry.

Pants, Jackets & Everything Else

We know, we know.

You were on a winning streak last season and washing that lucky jacket felt risky.

But the new season means it’s finally time.

Curling apparel can be machine washed, then either tumble dried on low or laid flat to dry, depending on the garment’s care instructions.

Your teammates will thank you.

Ready to Curl?

A quick preseason equipment check can save you from discovering a problem five minutes before your first game.

Check your gear for wear, wash what needs washing, replace anything that could create a safety issue or leave debris on the ice, and head into the new season ready to go.

Clean gear, safe gear, ready-to-curl gear.