Tips for Keeping Your Baseball Glove Clean at Home
Keeping Your Baseball Glove in Tip-Top Shape
Every baseball player knows that a high quality, well-maintained glove is essential for success on the field. As the season drags on, your trusty mitt can get beaten up by constant use. Learning how to clean your baseball glove at home helps ensure peak performance and extends its usable life.
Why Proper Cleaning is Crucial
Accumulated dirt, sweat, and moisture damage the leather over time. Letting it fester leads to cracking, hardening, and loss of shape. While it might seem easier to just purchase a shiny new glove every year, getting into a regular cleaning routine allows you to save money and form an even tighter bond with your leather companion.
Supplies You'll Need
Cleaning and conditioning your glove properly doesn't require much equipment. Chances are you already have most of the necessary supplies.
- Glove cleaner or mild soap
- Old toothbrush or washcloth
- Leather conditioner
- Soft cloth
- Ball
Specialized glove cleaners contain ingredients specifically designed to break down built-up dirt and oil without damaging leather. However, mild soap and water works perfectly fine in most cases.
Cleaning Step-By-Step
Here is a simple, straightforward process for keeping your beloved baseball glove fresh and ready for the field:
- Remove any excess dirt or debris with a dry washcloth or brush. Be gentle.
- In a bucket or sink filled with lukewarm water, mix a small amount of glove cleaner or mild soap like Woolite until bubbly and foamy.
- Submerge the glove into the water and scrub gently with a toothbrush or washcloth. Focus on heavily soiled areas.
- Rinse thoroughly under cool running water.
- Stuff glove lightly with a ball to retain shape as it dries.
- Allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.
- Once completely dry, apply leather conditioner.
It's important not to skip the conditioning step, as this hydrates and restores suppleness. Skipping this leads to gloves becoming dried out and brittle over time.
Extra Stubborn Stains
For tough dirt and grass stains that soap alone can't tackle, try this handy trick:
- Create a paste from 1 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp water.
- Gently rub paste into affected areas using a toothbrush or cloth.
- Let set for 5 minutes.
- Rinse clean.
The mild abrasive properties of baking soda help lift discoloration without risk of damage.
Off-Season Storage
The winter months give your glove a chance to rest and recover. To keep it in excellent shape between seasons:
- Clean thoroughly at end of season play
- Apply leather conditioner
- Stuff loosely with a ball
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sun exposure or humidity
Be sure to check periodically and re-treat any areas that appear dried out. A little TLC ensures you start the new season with a glove that’s game ready.
Handmade Glove Care
For players lucky enough to own a high quality handmade glove from a premium brand, extra care helps maintain the expensive investment...
FAQs
Can I use laundry detergent to clean my glove?
It's best to avoid regular laundry detergents as they can be harsh and damage the leather over time. A mild soap like Woolite or a specialty leather cleaner formulated for gloves is a safer choice.
How often should I clean my baseball glove?
During season play when using your glove frequently, give it a quick cleaning at least once a month. For off-season storage, a thorough cleaning before putting it away ensures it stays fresh and supple.
What temperature water should I use?
Always use cool or lukewarm water under 100 F when cleaning leather gloves. Hot water risks drying out the material.
Can I use a washing machine or dishwasher?
Never place a leather glove in the washing machine or dishwasher! The intense water pressure and heat can lead to irreparable damage. Always hand wash gently instead.
Advertisement 1

Advertisement 2

More from Sports
Feel Like Batman with This Killer Back Workout from the Tren Twins
A detailed guide to the intense back workout made famous by the Tren Twins on TikTok. Includes exercise explanations, sets/reps, variations, form tips, and advice on nutrition and recovery for maximum back gains.
Benefits of Supine and Pronated Barbell Rows
This article analyzes the differences between supine and pronated barbell rows and which one may be better for building back thickness and strength based on tips from a popular TikTok trainer.
The Secret Behind Kai Havertz's Messy Fringe Hairstyle
Learn how to achieve Kai Havertz's signature messy fringe hairstyle with tips from TikTok hair expert Jimmy the Hairdresser. Discover the exact cuts and techniques to get Havertz's cool soccer star look.
Michael Jordan Collection: A Deep Dive Into His Iconic Chicago Bulls Inspired Style
The late great Michael Jordan is considered by many as the greatest basketball player of all time. Beyond his incredible accomplishments on the court which include 6 NBA championships, 5 MVP awards, and many other accolades, Jordan also left an indelible mark on basketball style and culture.
Bryce Harper's MLB debut:Bryce Harper's Impressive MLB Debut Showcased His Five-Tool Talent
A breakdown of Bryce Harper's MLB debut for the Washington Nationals in 2012, where he showcased his power, speed, arm strength, and all-around baseball skills that made him a star.