However, they also tend to collect dirt and debris over time, which begs the question: how do you clean golf gloves and keep them in good working condition?
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most effective methods of cleaning your golf gloves after a long round out on the course. This method is great for any size glove including cadet golf gloves. We’ll also look to answer a number of the frequently asked questions.
The Quick Cleaning Method
The easiest way to clean your golf gloves is to give them a quick wash after each round. Your gloves will typically be exposed to sweat and dirt, but these two things can easily be washed off.
Failure to rinse sweat and dirt off your gloves can cause them to become stiff and wear faster in the long term.
The most effective way to give your golf gloves a quick wash is to simply pour some cold water over the gloves while they’re still on your hands. There’s no need to use warm water as the cold water can effectively remove the worst of the contaminants.
Once the gloves are wet, rub them gently with a towel to get rid of the dirt and sweat. It’s a good idea to leave the gloves on for as long as possible as this helps them to air dry and ensures that they retain their form to comfortably fit your hands.
The Thorough Cleaning Method
If you feel like your golf gloves need a more thorough clean, this can easily be done. The cleaning process again involves cold water, but you’ll also need soap, as well as considerably more time.
Start by rinsing the gloves with cold water to remove any dried sweat and surface dirt. This can be done with the gloves either on or off.
Once you’ve initially rinsed the gloves, submerge them in a bucket of cold water with dishwashing soap. If you want to remove the worst of the dirt particles, make sure that the soap is activated and producing suds.
Be careful not to scrub too vigorously on the gloves as this can cause further wear and damage which is the last thing you want to do. Now that the gloves are cleaned, you can rinse them off in cold water again.
In terms of drying, it’s probably best to wear the gloves and have them air dry naturally.
If, however, this isn’t possible, you can put the gloves on and quickly squeeze some water out by closing and opening your fists a few times. You’ll then be able to take them off and leave them to dry for an hour.
Once an hour has passed, put both gloves back on to prevent them from either setting or shrinking more than necessary. You can then take them off again and leave them to dry fully.
Giving your gloves a thorough clean might feel like a big commitment, but it’ll be sure to leave them in the best possible condition in regard to the wear and tear that they’ve been exposed to.
How To Clean Cabretta Leather Golf Gloves
You can use the quick and thorough cleaning methods for both leather and synthetic golf gloves, although there’s one extra consideration to keep in mind with leather gloves.
This is the fact that leather gloves tend to dry out easily when soap is left to dry in them since leather is a natural material.
With this in mind, it’s essential that you thoroughly rinse leather gloves when using soap if you want to avoid the leather drying and cracking.
In terms of machine-washing leather golf gloves, it’s probably best to avoid any risk of wearing down the leather prematurely. Furthermore, it’s not really necessary to use the mechanical force of a machine-wash as you can do just as effective a job with a manual wash.
Extending The Lifespan Of Golf Gloves
As is the case with all sports clothing, it’s only natural for golf gloves to come and go. However, this doesn’t remove your ability to extend the lifespan of your gloves with proper care.
Listed below are five of the best tips to keep in mind when it comes to maximizing the lifespan of your golf gloves.
Avoid over-saturating your gloves with moisture, so remove them before retrieving a ball from a water hazard or using a ball washing station
Be sure to air out your gloves in between rounds
Avoid using cabretta gloves as a towel as perspiration or salt on the surface will cause it to break down
Never dry your gloves with a drying machine, only air dry them
After drying, use leather conditioner to maintain your glove’s flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Clean Smelly Golf Gloves?
For golf gloves to smell, it takes a fair amount of abuse.
Therefore, whether you’ve been leaving your gloves in the bag for too long or haven’t been giving them the opportunity to dry properly, it’s probably best to consider investing in a new glove if the smell is awful.
If, however, you want to attempt to remedy the smell, you can try and clean them with lots of soapy water.
If this doesn’t do the trick, shaving cream is often used to mask the smell of sweaty equipment in other sports such as hockey, so this could be worth a try.
Another potential trick is to place dryer sheets inside your gloves after use. Not only can they absorb the worst of the moisture, they also provide a nice smell which can mask the bad stench.
What’s The Best Way To Dry A Golf Glove?
The most effective way to dry any golf glove is to let it air dry. Just make sure you put it on before it completely dries, so you can stretch it and make it conform to your hand.
The main thing to avoid is putting your golf glove in a drying machine as this can stress the materials and damage the glove.
If you’re looking for a different drying method other than air drying your golf glove, it can sometimes be a good idea to place your glove on a dry cloth in order to quickly absorb some moisture.
Can All Golf Gloves Be Washed Safely?
Yes, but make sure you’re gentle about it. For this reason, it’s recommended that all golf gloves should be hand-washed rather than machine-washed in order to avoid damage.
Some people even try to wash their golf gloves in a dishwasher. Needless to say, this is definitely something to avoid as the sheer amount of heat will cause a significant amount of damage to the glove.
Can You Wash Footjoy Golf Gloves?
Yes, you can safely wash Footjoy golf gloves. To do so, it’s a good idea to follow these simple steps:
Remove the glove from its packagingPlace it inside a mesh laundry bag with warm water
Let the gloves soak for at least 15 minutes
Squeeze out excess water
Rinse the gloves under running water
Dry the gloves thoroughly using a towel
Store the gloves in a dry place until next use
Which Type Of Golf Glove Lasts The Longest?
The best way to determine which type of golf glove lasts the longest is to try lots of different types of gloves.
Leather-based golf gloves last longer than synthetics because they have more natural oils that help protect against moisture. However, leather-based gloves tend to get dirty quickly.
Nylon-based golf gloves are less durable than leather-based golf gloves. Moreover, they’re usually cheaper and lighter, but it’s worth noting that they also wear out faster.
Rubber-based golf gloves are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, making them an excellent choice if you typically play in cold weather climates.
Polyester-based golf gloves are the most common type of golf glove. They are inexpensive and lightweight, making them ideal for casual play.
How Do You Restore An Old Leather Golf Glove?
The most effective method of restoring an old golf glove is to rub some coconut oil into the glove. It’s also useful to apply coconut oil to the outer leather of the glove until it feels as soft as new.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, cleaning your golf gloves shouldn’t be something to put off or worry about. There are plenty of effective methods you can use, whether you’re looking to give your gloves a quick wash or a more thorough clean.
Hopefully, after reading the information in this guide, you’ll be in a much better position to keep your golf gloves in tip-top condition!
My name is David Shelly and golf has been my passion since early childhood. For more than three decades now, I’ve been trying to make sense of this crazy game.
Golf is the greatest game ever played. I want to help more people experience its joys. Let's hit the links!
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