Learning how to clean golf gloves may have a greater impact on your game than you realize.
Using the same crumpled and water-stained glove over and over affects more than just your appearance on the green. More importantly, an unclean glove impairs your grip. Even if you have perfected your form at the driving range and have clubs designed to help you keep the ball on the course, learning how to clean and Washing your golf gloves will help you keep a better grip.
One of the most understated aspects of a straight shot is your grip. When you have a tight grip, your entire body tenses up, disrupting the natural flow of your swing. If the club is too loose, it will wiggle just as you make contact with the ball, sending it diagonally into the rough.
Worse, on a particularly hot and sweaty day, a too-loose grip can literally cause your club to fly from your hands on the follow-through.
GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR GOLF GAME
Every golfer strives for a relaxed yet firm grip. It’s why almost every PGA Tour pro wears at least one golf glove on the course.
Golf gloves, whether premium cabretta or synthetic, are likely among the least expensive items in your arsenal. In comparison to a set of clubs, a nice golf bag, or even your shoes. Although you may own inexpensive golf gloves, they are one of the most useful tools for hitting a straight ball.
Many golfers of all skill levels prefer to replace their golf gloves every few weeks. This is because most golfers are unaware of how simple it is to clean golf gloves.Golf gloves do not have to be expensive, but with proper care, they can last for months.
Bionic golf gloves are already designed to last 2-3 times as long as a standard golf glove. You can get the most out of your leather golf gloves by following a few simple care instructions.
ON THE COURSE GOLF GLOVE CARE
If you want your golf gloves to last, you should start caring for them on the green. Many golfers are unaware that certain habits cause golf gloves to degrade over time.
The material of your golf gloves is everything. To put it simply, the best golf gloves are made of leather. Many companies produce synthetic gloves, but any serious golfer knows that leather outperforms synthetic gloves by a wide margin.
Why?
Leather is animal skin, and it, like yours or mine, is porous, allowing air and moisture to pass through. A golf glove’s function on the green is to reduce perspiration from your hands, allowing for a firmer grip. The porousness of leather gloves allows your hands to breathe, keeping them cool on hot days on the course.
As with any other leather product – whether it’s leather boots, bags, or jackets – there’s a fine line to walk between keeping your leather moisturized and over-saturating the leather with liquid.
A leather glove deteriorates when exposed to excessive moisture.
Salt is the only thing worse than too much moisture for any leather product. Perspiration salt dehydrates the leather, causing it to deteriorate at an alarming rate. The same reason why your leather boots may begin to peel after being exposed to ice treated with road salt.
As a result, you should never use your glove to wipe sweat from your forehead, face, or arms.If you want your glove to last, keep a microfiber towel in your bag to wipe away sweat between rounds. Because they are not intended to be soaked in sweat, your gloves will last longer.
But aren’t golf gloves supposed to be used to keep your hands dry?
Absolutely! However, there is a significant difference between actively wiping sweat from the surface of your gloves and producing sweat from the inside of your gloves. The mini-towel technology designed to absorb excess moisture is one of the reasons Bionic Gloves tend to last so long.
Even with moisture-absorbing technology found in top-tier golf gloves such as the Bionic StableGrip, it’s best to let your golf glove air out between holes. When walking to the next tee, keep the glove in your back pocket or hang it from your golf bag. Many golfers find it more convenient to bring an extra glove and switch between the two from front to back nine. This way, you’ll always have a dry, sweat-free glove on hand.
Saltwater
Although saltwater is possibly the worst type of moisture for a golf glove, you should probably avoid soaking your golf glove in water entirely. Remove your glove first and perform the action with your bare hand, whether you’re at a ball washing station or saving a ball from a water trap. Then, dry your hand with a towel before continuing your game with a dry hand in a dry glove. Abrasion wears down both your hand and the glove when you play in a wet glove. Moisture softens both leather and the skin on your hands, which can result in a sloppy fit and painful blisters.
Don’t just scrunch up your glove and toss it in a pocket of your bag at the end of the game. As you would air out your glove between rounds, carefully hang your glove on the outside of your bag or hold your gloves while they dry. Tossing leather gloves into a ball is the same as throwing a bathroom towel on the floor – it takes forever to dry. Leather golf gloves, on the other hand, are damaged when sweaty and crumpled up, unlike cotton towels.
CLEANING CABRETTA LEATHER GOLF GLOVES AT HOME
Because perspiration and grit degrade golf gloves over time, you’ll want to remove that buildup when you get home from your game.
The gloves should be washed as soon as possible. When you follow these simple guidelines, you can easily clean and maintain a tough pair of cabretta leather golf gloves:
WASHING
Wash your gloves gently to remove dirt, perspiration, and other debris.It should be noted that most leather golf gloves cannot be washed.However, all of Bionic’s golf gloves are machine washable. This is due to the fact that Bionic golf gloves are specially treated to withstand washing. Cabretta leather is extremely delicate. Only wash golf gloves when they are visibly soiled, as frequent washing can wear out the leather.
If hand-washing, use a mild detergent and gently wash the glove until all surface dirt and perspiration are removed. Choose the gentle cycle on the washing machine. Before throwing a glove in the washer, secure any velcro. When washing a leather glove, never use bleach.
DRYING
Always let your clothes air dry. If you expose leather to extreme heat, it will most likely crack and/or shrink. Allow your leather glove to air dry for a while. However, drying your glove in a hot and dry climate may cause the leather to dry out.
If you notice the leather drying out after a long day on the greens or after washing, use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple. When conditioning, pay close attention to creases because this is where your hands and fingers must be the most flexible. There are numerous leather conditioners on the market, ranging from creams to sprays.
WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE IT?
Even if you take excellent care of your leather golf gloves, you will need to replace them from time to time.
However, the better you care for your gloves, the less frequently you’ll need to replace them. A golf glove’s purpose is to absorb perspiration and provide an ideal grip on your club, so it’s only natural that the glove will wear out with repeated use.
If your gloves have dirt that simply cannot be removed, it’s probably time to replace them. The same is true for holes in the glove’s surface. These types of damages are irreversible, so it’s best to buy a new glove before your next trip to the golf course.
Also, if your gloves have shrunk or cracked as a result of heat exposure, it’s probably time to replace them. Gloves that become too stiff or uncomfortable should also be discarded. A good golf glove should be comfortable and aid in the improvement of your game, rather than being a nuisance.
How to Clean a Leather Golf Glove
Introduction A clean, well-maintained leather glove is essential for proper grip and performance on the golf course. Regular cleaning preserves the suppleness of the leather and removes dirt, sweat, and grime that builds up over time. Follow these simple steps to keep your glove looking and feeling like new.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Mild soap or leather cleaner
- Warm water
- Soft bristle brush or washcloth
- Towel
Preparation
Before cleaning, rinse the glove under warm running water to loosen any ingrained dirt and debris. Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents which can dry out the leather material.
Cleaning the Glove
Apply a small amount of mild soap or leather cleaner to a soft bristle brush or washcloth. Gently scrub the entire glove surface, getting into all of the fingers, seams, and Velcro closure. Pay special attention to any areas that are visibly soiled.
Rinsing
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire glove, rinse it thoroughly under warm water to remove all traces of soap. Avoid twisting or wringing the leather which can cause stretching.
Drying the Glove
Use a clean towel to blot away excess water. Be careful not to twist or stretch the glove. Stuff the glove with a towel and allow it to fully air dry. Do not use direct heat like a radiator or hair dryer.
Conditioning and Repeat Cleaning
Once fully dried, apply a leather conditioner. This prevents the glove from drying out. Repeat the cleaning process regularly, at least once per season, for optimal glove performance.
How to Clean a Dirty Golf Glove at Home
Golf gloves get dirty over time from sweat, oil, grass stains, dirt, and regular wear and tear. A dirty glove not only looks bad, but it can also hinder your grip and swing. Regularly cleaning your glove at home extends its lifespan and ensures optimal tackiness and performance on the course. With the right supplies and techniques, you can easily wash a golf glove in your own home.
Assessing Glove Condition
Inspecting Your Glove Before cleaning, inspect the condition of your glove. Check for excessive drying, cracking, or tears which indicate it may be time to replace it. Cleaning can prolong the life of a glove that is still in decent condition.
Determining Frequency of Cleansings How often you clean your glove depends on how frequently you golf. For occasional play, a few times per season is sufficient. If you golf daily or weekly, clean your glove every 4-6 weeks. Heavily used tournament gloves may need a cleaning after just 2-3 rounds.
Cleaning Supplies
Mild Cleaning Solutions Use a mild soap or leather cleaner. Options like saddle soap, Lexol, or Murphy’s Oil Soap work well. Avoid harsh detergents.
Water Warm water helps lift dirt. Avoid hot water that can damage leather.
Soft-Bristled Brush/Washcloth Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub. Stiff bristles may be too abrasive.
Towels Have clean towels for blotting away excess moisture.
Leather Conditioner Conditioner prevents drying and restores suppleness. Apply after cleaning.
Glove Cleaning Step-by-Step
Preparing the Glove Rinse your glove under a stream of warm water. This removes any loose dirt and debris before scrubbing.
Mixing Cleaner Add a small amount of mild soap or leather cleaner to warm water. Use minimal cleaner to avoid over-saturating.
Scrubbing the Glove Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the entire glove surface, inside and out. Focus on visibly dirty spots.
Rinsing Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat rinses until all suds and cleaner residue are gone.
Drying Blot gently with a towel. Air dry fully stuffed with towels. Never wring, twist, or heat dry.
Conditioning Once completely dry, apply leather conditioner. Rub it in well.
Storing Between Uses Keep gloves in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight when storing.
Conclusion
With this simple at-home cleaning process, you can keep your gloves fresh and tacky for many seasons of play. Proper glove maintenance improves grip, feel, and swing control. Thegolfhype helps you How to Clean Your Golf Gloves in every condition. We are happy to help you to wash your dirty gloves. Remember to assess your condition frequently and toss gloves at the first sign of excessive wear. Your local golf pro shop can also offer glove cleaning and replacement services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my glove has grass stains?
For stubborn grass stains, try rubbing the area with baking soda and warm water before cleaning as usual.
Can I machine wash my glove?
Hand washing is best. If machine washing, use a mesh bag on a gentle cycle. Line dry only.
How often should you wash your golf gloves?
You should consider washing your golf gloves regularly, especially if you play golf frequently. A general recommendation is to wash them after every few rounds of golf or when they become visibly dirty.
Can you clean golf gloves made of leather?
Absolutely! Leather golf gloves can be cleaned to remove dirt and stains. You can use a mild soap or leather cleaner and a damp cloth to gently clean the glove’s surface. Avoid using excessive water or submerging the glove.
How can I make my leather golf gloves last longer?
To make your leather golf gloves last longer, you can follow some care tips. Avoid machine washing them as it can damage the leather. Instead, hand wash them using a mild soap or leather cleaner. Additionally, apply a leather conditioner periodically to keep the leather soft and prevent it from drying out.
Can synthetic gloves be washed in a washing machine?
Most synthetic gloves can be washed in a washing machine. However, it’s important to check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions for specific washing recommendations. Use a gentle cycle and cold water, and ensure the gloves are secured in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them during the wash.
How should I dry my golf gloves after washing them?
After washing, it’s best to air dry your golf gloves. Avoid using the dryer as the heat may cause damage or shrinkage. Gently squeeze out excess water from the gloves and reshape them before laying them flat to dry. Ensure they are kept away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Can I wear my glove while playing golf even if it’s slightly damp?
It’s not advisable to wear a damp glove while playing golf. A damp glove can affect your grip on the club and may cause discomfort. Always make sure your glove is completely dry before putting it on.
To prevent your golf gloves from getting dirty quickly, there
How do I clean leather conditioner buildup?
Use a slightly stronger soap solution. Rinse thoroughly. Reduce conditioning frequency.
How do I whiten a yellowed glove?
Try an oxygen bleach solution. Mix powdered oxygen bleach and warm water and soak glove 30 mins.
Should I replace my glove if it’s too dirty?
Yes, deep-set stains or hardened/cracked leather means it’s time for a new glove.
Contitnue Your Golf Journey
