How to Clean Football Gloves — Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing

How to Hand Wash Your Football Gloves

Hand washing is the safest method to clean a pair of gloves, especially if you're worried about preserving their tacky grip and synthetic material.

1. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent or liquid soap. Make sure the water isn’t too hot. Hot water can damage elastics on the dirty gloves.
2. Soak the gloves. Submerge them in the soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. This proper cleaning will help loosen the dirt, sweat, and grime that has built up.
3. Gently scrub the tacky gloves. Using a soft cloth or, quite simply, your hands, gently massage and scrub the gloves to remove grass stains and other tough stains. Pay special attention to the sticky palm area, where a film of dirt and wear tends to accumulate, and between the fingers which tend to collect unpleasant odors.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Once you’ve scrubbed away all the loose dirt, rinse the material under cool running water until all the soap residue is gone. It’s important to remove all detergent that could affect the gloves’ grip.
5. Air dry the football gloves. Never put lineman gloves in the dryer or on a heater. Direct heat sources can damage the elastics and grip surfaces and decrease their lifespan. Instead, lay the gloves flat or hang them on a drying rack. You can pat them with a towel to remove excess water but avoid wringing or twisting them during the drying process.

Machine Washing Football Gloves: Is It Safe?

Although hand washing is preferred, some football gloves are machine washable. Always check the care label before tossing them in the machine. If you're safe to machine wash them, still consider these tips:

1. Use a mesh laundry bag. Placing your gloves inside a mesh laundry bag can protect them from getting caught or damaged during the regular washing cycle.
2. Set the machine to a gentle wash cycle. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Using hot water can break down the materials and affect the fit of the gloves.
3. Use mild detergent. A few drops of detergent are all you need. Avoid using fabric softeners, harsh detergents, or bleach because they can ruin the gloves' performance and texture.
4. Let the gloves air dry. Never use the dryer for football gloves. Let them air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Remember that bright light and heat can cause the colors to fade or the material to stiffen.

How often should I clean my football gloves?

Ideally, clean your football gloves after every game or practice session. Regular cleaning helps maintain their grip and prevents bacteria buildup from sweat. We like having a rotation of three pairs (at least!) so we can bulk wash and simplify the chore.

Can I use my football gloves while they're wet?

You shouldn't. Wet gloves may lose their grip, but more importantly, wearing them while they're wet can cause them to stretch out of shape.