Golf gloves are super important. They help you get a good grip and improve how you play.
But after a bunch of rounds, they can get really dirty, sweaty, and smelly.
Naturally, you’ll want to wash them to keep them fresh and clean. But can you wash golf gloves without damaging them?
Yes you can! But how you wash them depends on whether they’re leather or synthetic.
In this post, I’ll go over the do’s and don’ts of washing golf gloves, and I’ll show you how to clean them.
Table of Contents
Can You Wash Golf Gloves?
The short answer is yes, you can wash golf gloves.
But, HOW you wash them depends on the material of the glove. Let me explain:
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Leather Gloves
Leather golf gloves are porous and permeable, and are usually made from premium materials like Cabretta leather – which require special care.
You should NOT machine wash leather gloves.
Submerging the glove in water can cause the leather to stiffen and lose its suppleness.
So, these gloves should only be hand washed / spot cleaned.
Use a damp cloth and a mild soap or leather cleaner to gently wipe away dirt and stains.
Synthetic Gloves
Synthetic golf gloves are made from materials like microfiber or synthetic leather.
These materials are generally more durable and can withstand machine washing. You can machine wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cool water.
But don’t use fabric softeners or bleach, as they can damage the material and reduce its effectiveness.
How to Clean Golf Gloves
Now let’s take a look how to clean dirty, smelly and sweaty golf gloves step by step:
#1 Prepare The Gloves
Before washing your golf gloves, you have to get them ready.
Shake the gloves out to dislodge any sand particles, and remove any dirt, grass clippings, or debris from the surface of the glove.
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Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt lodged in the seams or stitching.
If the glove is really sweaty you can turn it inside out.
#2 Wash The Gloves
Now decide how you are going to wash them. Like I said, this depends on the glove material.
You can only machine wash synthetic gloves. Leather gloves should be spot cleaned.
Leather Gloves
First you need to prepare a mild soap solution.
Mix a few drops of mild soap, like saddle, glycerin or a gentle laundry detergent, with lukewarm water. But don’t use harsh chemicals or detergents – it can break down the leather or damage the fabric.
Dip a clean washcloth into the soap solution and wring it out so it’s damp, not soaking.
Now gently wipe down the palm, fingers, and wrist closure of the glove.
These areas come into the most contact with the club and sweat the most, so they require the most cleaning attention.
Oh and do not scrub too aggressively. And rinse thoroughly.
If your leather gloves have heavier stains or require more cleaning, you can use a leather cleaner specifically designed for golf gloves.
Synthetic Gloves
You can spot wash synthetic golf gloves too.
But if you’re machine washing synthetic golf gloves, place them in a mesh lingerie bag or a pillowcase to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged in the wash.
Use a mild detergent and cool water, and select the gentle cycle.
But avoid using fabric softeners.
They can leave a residue on the glove’s which will reduce its grip.
#3 Drying The Gloves
After washing the golf gloves, you need to dry them correctly to avoid mildew and keep their shape and performance.
Never put your golf gloves in the dryer, as the heat can shrink and damage them.
Instead, air dry them – especially leather gloves.
Stuff the glove with a clean cloth or paper towels to help it maintain its shape, and place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators or heaters.
Synthetic gloves can be air-dried or tumble-dried on a low heat setting.
If you’re air-drying, make sure to reshape the glove and stuff it with a cloth or paper towels.
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#4 Conditioning And Restoring After Washing
Once you’ve washed and dried your golf gloves, it’s a good idea to condition them.
Conditioning helps restore the material’s suppleness,grip and performance.
Use a high-quality leather conditioner or glove conditioning product, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
This helps replenish the natural oils in the leather, keeping it supple and comfortable.
For synthetic gloves, you can use a fabric refresher spray specifically designed for sports apparel. This helps remove any lingering odors and refresh the fabric.
Or applying a hand cream or silicone spray to the interior will also help restore grip and softness.
Bottom Line
Hand wash leather gloves and machine wash synthetic gloves.
By following these cleaning tips, you can extend the life of your golf gloves and ensure they perform their best on the course.
Remember, a clean and well-maintained glove provides superior grip and comfort.
FAQs
Can You Put Golf Gloves In The Dryer?
No. Don’t put golf gloves in the dryer, as the heat can cause the leather to stiffen and crack. However, synthetic gloves can be tumble-dried on a low heat.
Can You Wash Cabretta Leather Golf Gloves?
Cabretta leather golf gloves should not be machine washed. Instead, they should be hand washed with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Why Do Golf Gloves Get Hard?
Golf gloves can become hard due to sweat and dirt buildups. It can also become hard if you don’t dry it properly and expose it to direct heat or sunlight. Luckily, you can soften it.