As someone who’s spent countless hours on the lacrosse field, I’ve learned a thing or two about the importance of maintaining my gear, especially my gloves. After a hard-fought game, our gloves can become a breeding ground for sweat, dirt, and odor, but fear not! I’m here to share some easy post-game care tips that have been game-changers in keeping my lacrosse gloves in top condition.
Let’s dive into the simple yet effective ways to clean and preserve your gloves so they’re always ready for your next big play on the field.
Cleaning less dirty lacrosse gloves
- If your lacrosse gloves are not very dirty, you can use a sports gear spray to combat the smell.
- Spray the disinfectant inside and out, ensuring that you’re covering every inch.
- Let the lacrosse gloves air-dry. You should ensure that the gloves are thoroughly dried before stashing them back into your gear bag.
- If your lacrosse gloves have leather parts, use a saddle cleaner instead.
- You need a clean piece of cloth to wipe the leather lacrosse gloves with the cleaner.
Note that this method is suitable only for lacrosse gloves used for short practice or drills only. read more here best lacrosse gloves.
Washing lacrosse gloves
If your lacrosse gloves have taken the beating of a whole game, you should wash them. Your sweat will form a bad odor and bacterial buildup on your gloves if you don’t launder them.
The following are the simple steps in washing a pair of lacrosse gloves:
Step 1. Rinse it first
Before applying any cleaner or detergent, you must rinse the lacrosse gloves in running water. This will remove superficial dirt like dust, turf material, etc.
Step 2. Soak it in
The next step is to fill a bucket with clean water. Mix a mild soap or detergent into it before soaking the lacrosse gloves. Let the gloves soak in the soapy water for about 10 minutes so the dirt will be sucked out and the stains will soften up.
Step 3. Scrub a little
You can use an old toothbrush as a scrub for dirt and stains dislodged on the material. Avoid boar bristle brushes, especially if your gloves have prints. Scrub the gloves along the fingers, palms, and the back of the hand. After a few minutes of scrubbing, soak the gloves back to the soapy water, then repeat.
Step 4. Rinsing
Once you’re done cleaning, the next step is to rinse the lacrosse gloves. Refill the bucket with clean water, then soak your gloves into it. Squeeze the gloves gently to draw out the suds. Never wring or twisting the gloves, as it will damage the padding and impact the form of the gear.
Step 5. Drying
- After rinsing, sit the gloves flat with the wrist strap at the bottom.
- Please don’t hang your lacrosse gloves to prevent affecting their form and shape.
- You can press the gloves with a clean towel to drain the extra moisture.
- Never dry your gloves in the dryer because intense heat will melt or degrade their materials.
- Also, avoid direct sunlight because the UV rays will cause irreversible damage.
- The best option is to air-dry your gloves in the shade.
Since lacrosse gloves could be thick due to the padding, it may take 24 to 48 hours to dry them thoroughly. But what if I have a game the next day? This is why you should have spare gloves in your gear bag.
You should never wear half-dried lacrosse gloves. The remaining moisture will let bacteria and odor build up on your hands during the game.
Additional tips for cleaning lacrosse gloves
- Air it out. If your lacrosse gloves are not too dirty, make sure that you air them out after each game. This will prevent odor buildup on your gear bag. This applies to other lacrosse gear as well.
- Deep clean periodically. For the most part, deep cleaning isn’t necessary after every game unless the lacrosse gloves are heavily soiled. If you’re only using a disinfectant spray for practice gloves, deep cleaning occasionally will help remove accumulated dirt.
- No bleach, please. Whatever position you play in lacrosse, you should never use bleach to clean your gloves. It will damage the material, making your gear unusable.
- It takes time. Lacrosse gloves, especially those for goalies, will take time to dry. You must wait for at least 24 hours before wearing it back.
Handle stains gently. If your lacrosse gloves have stains, look for gentler solutions, like a paste made of vinegar and baking soda. You can also try a mixture of ammonia, water, and dish soap.
Conclusion
Cleaning your lacrosse gloves ensures that your gear is always in top shape. It will also increase the lifespan of your gloves. Ditch the washing machine and do some hand washing to prevent damage. Above all, make sure you are using a gentle soap that will not ruin the form and material of your gloves.
