South Africa Classic Headguard Lid

After every game

1. 1Undo the strap, open the lace right up and let it air. Never leave it scrunched wet in the kit bag overnight — that is where the smell starts.
2. 2After a sweaty one, rinse it under a cold tap and gently squeeze the water out. Squeeze, never wring or twist.
3. 3Hang it somewhere airy, out of the sun. Back in the bag only once it is dry.

When it needs a proper wash

1. 1Do the chin strap's velcro up first, so the hook side cannot scratch the shell or the logos.
2. 2Fill a basin with cool water and a little mild detergent — wool wash or baby shampoo is perfect. No bleach, no soakers, no fabric softener.
3. 3Massage it clean with your hands. Fingertips only over the front logo and the side flags — no brushes, no scourers.
4. 4Rinse in clean cold water until it runs clear, then press the water out in a towel.
5. 5Air dry in the shade with the lace fully open. No dryers, radiators or hair dryers. The padding holds water and can take a full day to dry right through, so wash it the day after a game — not the morning of the next one.