This will sound weird to some but trust me it works. I have the schutz kool chest protector and diamond shin guards. I umpire baseball and fast-pitch softball a lot, a lot of Legion, ASA, NASP, TC and NSA tournaments along with high school and college. I would say 20-30 games a month from February-April and then 100 games a month from May-September. I wash my equipment (cp, sg, hats, and bbags) in the Dish Washer with light detergent and water softener then let them air dry. They smell and look great and the dishwasher doesn't wear them out. I also use febreaz during tournaments. GL