OZONE GAS VS ESPORTA VS DIY METHOD
OZONE GAS CLEANING - AT A GLANCE
Process
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Equipment is placed in a sealed compartment surrounded by ozone gas.
Effectiveness
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Equipment must be completely dry before treatment.
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Most items still require hand-sprayed disinfectant after ozone treatment.
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Ineffective on damp equipment — ozone cannot penetrate thick padding.
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Requires very high gas intensity and long exposure time to reach bacteria deep inside.
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High ozone levels can break down equipment over time.
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On damp items, ozone converts water (H₂O) into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which can:
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Destroy fabric and threads
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Discolour materials
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Damage rubber and latex
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Sweat, fungus, mold, and bacteria may still remain in equipment after treatment.
Odour Removal
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Ozone reduces odours, but:
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Leaves behind a strong metallic smell
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Often mixed with the scent of disinfectant spray
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Product Safety
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Health Canada warns against ozone exposure.
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Not environmentally friendly.

ESPORTA WET CLEAN PROCESS

Process
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4-stage wet clean process using the Esporta IS4000.
Effectiveness
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Four sets of equipment washed separately in individual cages.
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Equipment held firmly in place; water flushed through wet or dry gear.
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Computerized wash program ensures consistent results every time.
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Deep cleaning penetrates pads and foam to destroy bacteria at the source.
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Scientifically tested detergents and disinfectants optimize 99.9% eradication of bacteria and pathogens.
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Published lab results verify bacteria kill rates, including Staphylococcus aureus.
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Environmentally safe, phosphate-free, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and non-caustic detergents.
Odour Elimination
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Wash process flushes away all bacteria and bodily fluids.
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Equipment comes out clean, fresh, disinfected, and odor-free.
Product Safety
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Environmentally safe footprint; safe for both equipment and operators.
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Detergents are phosphate-free, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly.
Endorsements
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Endorsed by Hockey Canada, Walter Gretzky, Joe Thornton, CDC, coaches, trainers, equipment managers, athletes, and industry professionals.
DIY METHODS

Process – Common DIY Methods
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Bathtub soaking (“bathtub soup”)
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Febreeze or disinfectant sprays
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Pressure washing
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Regular washing machines
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Oxy-action cleaners
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Bleach or white vinegar
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Cheap vodka
Effectiveness
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Most DIY methods provide only a temporary fix — they mask odour but don’t kill the bacteria.
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Many cause more harm than good, damaging gear or irritating skin.
Key Risks:
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Soaking in Bathtub (with Oxy, Bleach, etc.):
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Can damage equipment over time.
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Chemicals may remain on gear, causing skin irritation.
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Agitation stirs up bacteria instead of removing it.
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Using a Washing Machine:
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Doesn’t penetrate deep into padding or foam.
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Agitation can destroy structural integrity of the gear.
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Bacteria and mold remain inside.
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Disinfectant Sprays:
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Only sanitize the surface.
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Do not eliminate bacteria or mold deep within pads.
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Improper Drying Methods:
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Air drying is required — not machine drying.
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Machine dryers only dry the outside, leaving the inside damp and allowing bacteria to survive and return.
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Odour Elimination
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DIY methods do not fully eradicate bacteria or mold, which means the odour always returns.
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Odour elimination requires deep sanitization, not surface treatment.
Product Safety
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While some household products are safe in other applications, they can:
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Damage sports equipment
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Leave behind harsh residues
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Cause skin irritation
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