I would suggest the same as Lefty... #3son always wipes his catcher's gear down after every game and then pulls it out of the bag to air dry when he gets home. He's a big fan of Febreze - I'm just glad they make several different fragrances... now when I smell it, I just think "stinky gear"! So changing it up every once in a while is good!
#3 is always willing to share anything but the mask - he says it gets way too gross in there, and he really doesn't want to experience anyone else's grossness. The mask seems to be the harder piece to clean, especially the inside. He has several though and always rotates, especially on multiple game days. Again, important to air it out, not let it sit in the bag... yuk! Now if I could just get him to take the socks off BEFORE he comes in the house!!
I will say that we have hosed off his chest protector with no ill results, but that was only one time at the end of the season. Just make sure it gets good and dry before you stash it away - of course, then fall ball starts and you start all over again!
