How to Wash Golf Gloves

Golf gloves are one of the most important accessories for golf players. They increase your grip, improve your control, and reduce friction causing blisters while swinging your clubs. But fail to maintain your gloves, and they can wear out quickly, reek, and even cost you on the field. One of the main things you can do when looking after golf gloves is knowing how to wash golf gloves correctly. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about cleaning them safely and effectively. 

Why Washing Golf Gloves Matters

Golf gloves come into contact with sweat, grime, and the oils on your hands. Eventually, this can cause them to become sticky, stinky and not as resilient. Regular cleaning can:

• Prolong the Life of Your Golf Gloves
• Keep them soft and flexible
• Improved grip and performance
• Reduces odor and bacteria buildup

Failure to get it cared for can result in a stiff and uncomfortable glove that can make it difficult to play your best game.

Also Read: Do Golfers Need to Be Physically Fit Like Other Outdoor Sports?

How Often Should You Wash Golf Gloves?

How often you wash depends on how much you play, and how sweaty your hands get. A good rule of thumb is:

• Casual golfers: Wash after 5–10 rounds
• Golfers who play often: Wash after every 2-3 rounds
• In Hot Weather: Wash after every round if your hands get sweaty

You should avoid overwashing too — in particular when it comes to leather gloves, which will dry out and become less flexible.

The Ultimate Golf Glove Cleaning Guide: How to Clean Golf Gloves

• Check the Material

Golf gloves are typically made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of the two. The cleaning process varies depending on what the material is:

• Leather gloves: These types of gloves need to be spot cleaned carefully or they will be ruined.
• Synthetic gloves: Can withstand a more thorough scrubbing

As always, read the manufacturer’s instructions when possible.

Also Read: Is It Legal To Hit Golf Balls Into The Ocean?

Hand Washing is Best

Hand washing is the safest option, particularly with leather gloves.

What you need:

• Mild soap or detergent
• Lukewarm water
• A clean towel

Steps:

• Place lukewarm water in a bowl along with a few drops of a mild soap.
• Submerge your glove in soapy water and lightly scrub the palm and fingers to remove dirt.
• Do not leave leather gloves immersed for too long, 2–3 minutes is enough.
• Hold the glove under warm running water to rinse away all the soap.

Drying Your Gloves

• Correct drying is important in keeping the shape and fit of your gloves.
• Carefully press gently to remove excess water — do not wring or twist.
• Gently lay the glove flat on a clean towel and pat dry.
• Stuff the glove with a thin towel or some paper to hold the shape.
• Air dry at room temperature. SUNSHINE OR HEAT Do not place in direct sunlight or near a heat source, such as a radiator.

Pro tip: If your glove becomes a bit smaller, carefully stretch it out again into shape while it’s still damp.

Optional: Conditioning Leather Gloves

Leather Hand gloves may avoid leather conditioning time by doing this. This is what keeps them soft and supple.

• Lightly cover the glove with the leather conditioner when it’s dry.
• Massage it between your fingers and allow it to absorb.

This is an optional step, but hand washing is recommended to extend the life of your leather gloves.

Washing Synthetic Gloves

Artificial gloves are much more durable and can even endure machine washing in some instances. But washing by hand is recommended to keep it in good shape.

• Wash in cold water, gentle cycle.
• Put the glove in a mesh bag to help shield it.
• Air dry as explained above.

How to Keep Gloves Clean Between Washes

• Wipe gloves with a moist cloth after every round.
• Don’t put sweaty gloves in the golf bag and neglect them.
• Alternately use a number of gloves to minimize wear and tear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Employing hot water: Leather gloves may shrink.
• Applying chemicals or bleach: Damages the fabric.
• Machine drying: Will destroy the shape and structure of gloves.
• Overwashing: Reduces glove lifespan.

Also Read: What Are the Downsides of Playing Golf?

Maintaining your golf gloves is easy, yet crucial for every serious golfer. By cleaning them thoroughly, drying them gently, and conditioning leather gloves, you will maintain soft, no-odor gloves that will last for seasons. Clean gloves lead to a better grip, a better swing, and better control on the course.