Umpire Uniform & Equipment Care
Shirts & Slacks
Machine wash warm with like colors, gentle or permanent press cycle. Do Not Bleach.
Tumble Dry Low — Remove promptly and hang up or fold.
Cool iron* only if necessary.
Caution: Avoid unnecessary prolonged sun exposure to clothing to prevent fading (i.e. leaving shirts on seat or hanging in back window of car). Use a garment bag, cover with a cloth or leave them inside until needed.
*Items with patches or numbers: Cool iron on the reverse side on top of a clean terry cloth towel.
Caps
Brush cap with stiff bristle brush to remove dirt and dust.
Spot clean cap with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly. Place in a cap shaper (or stuff with a cloth) to retain shape while it dries. An old minor league umpire tip is to place the wet cap on a lamp shade with the light on to dry it.
Most caps are washable, including the wool ones. Use a cap shaper designed to be washed to protect the cap if you place it in the washing machine. This usually results in limited success. Generally, buy a new cap if more than spot cleaning is needed.
If washing a wool cap, use Woolite (or a similar product) instead of soap.
NEVER dry a cap in the dryer. Place it in a cap shaper or stuff with a cloth to retain its shape while letting it dry.
Use a hat liner to hold its shape between games.
Allow cap to completely dry of perspiration before storing. This is especially important if it gets wet due to rain.
It is not recommended to store in plastic bags since moisture in caps can cause mildew. Use a hat keeper or a cardboard box instead.
Umpire Jackets and Plate Coats
Umpire Jackets
Machine wash cold with like colors, gentle cycle.
Do Not Bleach. Line dry or tumble dry low.
Remove promptly and hang up or fold.
Cool iron only, if necessary.
Plate Coats
Professionally Dry Clean only.
Caution: Avoid unnecessary prolonged sun exposure to clothing to prevent fading (i.e. leaving jacket on seat or hanging in back window of car). Use a garment bag or cover with a cloth.
Shoes
Brush soles of shoes with stiff bristle brush to remove dirt.
Wipe shoe uppers with a soft cloth to remove dust, dirt and moisture.
Store in a cloth shoe bag to keep clean. It is not recommended to store in plastic bags since moisture can cause mildew.
Keep a spray bottle of water and a couple of old towels/rags in your gear bag. Spray water on the shoes to remove dust or dirt.
If your shoes get muddy, wipe/scrape off excess mud and then use the spray bottle (or take them inside when you get home) to remove the remaining dirt. You can let it dry first, it will work just as well when you are ready to clean them. Just remember to use the water sparingly.
Protect shoes using leather conditioners (such as Collonil Shoe Polish or Collonil Waterstop or Parade-grade shoe polish) to ensure long wear-ability. Follow leather conditioner directions to maintain polished appearance.
For patent leather (or shoes treated with Leather Luster), clean with a soft cloth and water only. If you want to increase the "shine" you can use a spray furniture polish. (Pledge is recommended).
Carry some shoe polish in your car.
Check shoestrings often. Keep a spare set in your gear bag.
Protective Equipment
Chest Protectors and Leg Guards
Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt. I hose mine down a few times during the summer and hand them on a clothes line.
Allow to dry thoroughly of perspiration before storing.
Replacement straps can be purchased when they wear out.
Caution: It is possible for rust to form on metal parts of equipment if stored while damp.
Check regularly for proper fit.
Umpire Face Masks and Pads
Wipe frame clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt and perspiration. Leather and suede pads can be spot cleaned only using products specifically designed to clean leather and suede (Caution: Don't use saddle soap. It will irritate your skin).
Allow to dry thoroughly of perspiration before storing.
Accessories
Indicators & Brooms — Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Allow to dry thoroughly before storing.
Ball Bags can be machine washed same as slacks.
Cool Collar — Hand wash in cold water with mild soap. Line dry only.
Belts — Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Allow to dry thoroughly of perspiration before storing.
These are general guidelines. Check manufacturers recommendations for suggested care.