Last updated on : January 17th, 2023 at 03:34 pm
Are you here to find out how to clean batting gloves? Then, you have come to the right place, and we will tell you the easiest way to do it, along with some tips.
Take note that taking care of your baseball gear is essential. Regular cleaning will ensure that your gloves are in good condition for the game.
Since you are using your batting gloves when you grip the bat, they can smell after you sweat inside them.
When your sweat mixes with dirt as you slide to the base and play on the field, you must be serious about cleaning your gloves after every game.
On average, a person uses about three hours weekly to clean their gloves. You can do the same or do it more often when needed.But how are you going to do it? Read below!
Steps To Clean Your Batting Gloves
Regular cleaning and proper upkeep, in general, can make your batting gloves last longer. But you also have to do it the right way so that you will not contribute to wearing your gloves. Follow the procedure below on how to clean batting gloves:
Step #1. Remove dirt and debris
The first thing that you have to do is to pick up your gloves and take them outdoors. Then, shake them well so that all the debris will fall out of them.
After that, you can wear a glove in one hand and remove the debris, dirt, and grime using a soft brush with your other hand.
About 70 percent of people use toothbrushes when cleaning their baseball batting gloves. Some persons would use a leather brush.
Scrub the brush all over the gloves, most if not all of the dust on them. Once done with the brushing, you can take off the glove and shake it again.
Repeat the same process with the other glove.
Step #2. Cleaning with water
You can get a microfiber cloth, dampen it with water mixed with mild soap, and use it to clean the gloves.
About 60 percent of softball batting glove users use soap and water solutions when cleaning their gloves.
But you can also use a dishwashing liquid to ensure that the grease and oil will be removed.
When cleaning, ensure to cover your gloves’ interior and exterior.
Step #3. Using commercial cleaner
As an alternative to the previous step, you can use the commercial cleaning items sitting on your cabinet for cleaning the gloves.
Do you know that about 30 percent of the population prefers using commercial cleaners for this purpose? A small population also prefers using bleach.
Mix 2-3 drops of the cleaning solution into a water bowl. Then, grab a sponge and submerge it in the bowl.
Ensure to squeeze out excess water.
You should also check the directions on the packaging and follow them regarding how much you should saturate your gloves.
Step #4. Scrubbing
Wear your gloves again and wipe the sponge gently onto the mesh of the leather gloves, ensuring not to saturate the material with water.
Also, clean the laces and the Velcro strap of the gloves.
Step #5. Rinse
After you have scrubbed the whole surface, you can now proceed with rinsing. To do that, you can rinse your sponge using clean water and squeeze.
Afterward, wipe your neoprene gloves to remove the soap, dishwashing liquid, or commercial cleanser on them.
Step #6. Drying
To complete the procedure, you need to air dry your synthetic gloves. Ensure that it is scorched before your subsequent use.
For drying, clip your cotton gloves onto a hanger or clothesline using clothespins and hang them outdoors to dry.
You can also place them near your window where air can come in, and sunlight cannot directly heat.
Step #7. Conditioning
For added conditioning, you can apply a leather conditioner onto your gloves. The leather conditioner or cleaner helps keep them supple and soft.
Ensure to follow the directions provided on the packaging regarding how to use the best leather conditioner for baseball gloves.
Remember that cleaning your baseball batting gloves after every use can help maintain their good shape.
If you find your spandex gloves dirty, you should consider repeating the entire process.
By following the procedure above, it is guaranteed that your gloves will last all season.
On top of that, you can deliver a superb performance in the game since your gloves do not hinder your movements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now, let us learn more about how to clean a baseball batting glove by answering the most frequently asked questions.
We have encountered these questions a couple of times already, so we assume that you might as well want to know their answers.
#1. What should you do if your batting gloves begin to smell foul?
In instances where you begin to notice the foul smell of your gloves due to sweat and bacteria, you have to do something about it already.
Fortunately, several ways can be done to eliminate the smell. One thing that you can do is clean your gloves regularly. This is the basic rule.
After every use, make it a habit to wipe your gloves using a clean and dry cloth. If they are dirty already, consider using water and mild soap.
Also, rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before the subsequent use.
If you continue to notice a bad smell on subsequent uses, you can try using baking soda to combat that foul odor.
All you have to do is to sprinkle a small amount onto gloves.
#2. Can you clean your batting gloves in a washing machine?
Yes, you can use your washing machine when cleaning your gloves. But you must use cold water and set the washing machine in a gentle cycle setting.
Still, hand washing in the sink is more recommended. You just have to use mild soap, though.
#3. How can you remove stubborn stains on your batting gloves?
Some things can be done to get rid of stubborn stains. Try using water and mild soap solution.
However, if that method does not work, you might need a more robust cleaning solution like bleach and vinegar.
Some other products formulated to get rid of stubborn stains are available on the market.
You can also try to scrub the strains using a stiff brush or toothbrush.
If none work, you can soak the batting gloves in a detergent and vinegar solution and leave it overnight. You can also consider using rubbing alcohol.
#4. Is using bleach safe for your gloves?
The safety of using bleach on batting gloves is subject to debate. Although some think it is safe to use this, others argue that it can damage the gloves.
Not only that, but it can also irritate the skin since it contains ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.
If you opt to use bleach, ensure to follow the precautions. You must mix bleach with water before soaking your gloves in it.
#5. How many times should you clean your batting gloves?
Cleaning the gloves after every use is essential.
About 95 percent of baseball players recommend cleaning the gloves after every use since they feel like they can perform better when their gloves are clean.
After cleaning, ensure to keep your gloves in dry and cool storage. In case they get wet, you need to dry them right away.
It’s A Wrap!
Knowing how to clean batting gloves is important as it can make your baseball equipment last longer.
On average, a person can spend up to 5 dollars per month on cleaning supplies for batting gloves. Why do they do this?
That is because about 80 percent of the population claim they are more satisfied when their gloves are clean.
Of course, most of us would also use a pair of batting gloves. On top of that, cleaning your gloves will ensure that you will not buy new gloves sometime soon.