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OZONE GAS VS ESPORTA VS DIY METHOD

OZONE GAS CLEANING - AT A GLANCE

Process

  • Equipment is placed in a sealed compartment surrounded by ozone gas.

 

Effectiveness

  • Equipment must be completely dry before treatment.

  • Most items still require hand-sprayed disinfectant after ozone treatment.

  • Ineffective on damp equipment — ozone cannot penetrate thick padding.

  • Requires very high gas intensity and long exposure time to reach bacteria deep inside.

  • High ozone levels can break down equipment over time.

  • On damp items, ozone converts water (H₂O) into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which can:

    • Destroy fabric and threads

    • Discolour materials

    • Damage rubber and latex

  • Sweat, fungus, mold, and bacteria may still remain in equipment after treatment.

 

Odour Removal

  • Ozone reduces odours, but:

    • Leaves behind a strong metallic smell

    • Often mixed with the scent of disinfectant spray

 

Product Safety

  • Health Canada warns against ozone exposure.

  • Not environmentally friendly.

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ESPORTA WET CLEAN PROCESS

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Process

  • 4-stage wet clean process using the Esporta IS4000.

 

Effectiveness

  • Four sets of equipment washed separately in individual cages.

  • Equipment held firmly in place; water flushed through wet or dry gear.

  • Computerized wash program ensures consistent results every time.

  • Deep cleaning penetrates pads and foam to destroy bacteria at the source.

  • Scientifically tested detergents and disinfectants optimize 99.9% eradication of bacteria and pathogens.

  • Published lab results verify bacteria kill rates, including Staphylococcus aureus.

  • Environmentally safe, phosphate-free, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and non-caustic detergents.

 

Odour Elimination

  • Wash process flushes away all bacteria and bodily fluids.

  • Equipment comes out clean, fresh, disinfected, and odor-free.

 

Product Safety

  • Environmentally safe footprint; safe for both equipment and operators.

  • Detergents are phosphate-free, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly.

 

Endorsements

  • Endorsed by Hockey Canada, Walter Gretzky, Joe Thornton, CDC, coaches, trainers, equipment managers, athletes, and industry professionals.

DIY METHODS

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Process – Common DIY Methods

  • Bathtub soaking (“bathtub soup”)

  • Febreeze or disinfectant sprays

  • Pressure washing

  • Regular washing machines

  • Oxy-action cleaners

  • Bleach or white vinegar

  • Cheap vodka 

 

Effectiveness

  • Most DIY methods provide only a temporary fix — they mask odour but don’t kill the bacteria.

  • Many cause more harm than good, damaging gear or irritating skin.

Key Risks:

  1. Soaking in Bathtub (with Oxy, Bleach, etc.):

    • Can damage equipment over time.

    • Chemicals may remain on gear, causing skin irritation.

    • Agitation stirs up bacteria instead of removing it.

  2. Using a Washing Machine:

    • Doesn’t penetrate deep into padding or foam.

    • Agitation can destroy structural integrity of the gear.

    • Bacteria and mold remain inside.

  3. Disinfectant Sprays:

    • Only sanitize the surface.

    • Do not eliminate bacteria or mold deep within pads.

  4. Improper Drying Methods:

    • Air drying is required — not machine drying.

    • Machine dryers only dry the outside, leaving the inside damp and allowing bacteria to survive and return.

 

Odour Elimination

  • DIY methods do not fully eradicate bacteria or mold, which means the odour always returns.

  • Odour elimination requires deep sanitization, not surface treatment.

 

Product Safety

  • While some household products are safe in other applications, they can:

    • Damage sports equipment

    • Leave behind harsh residues

    • Cause skin irritation

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