How To Wash A Golf Glove: Hand Wash, Air Dry 2025

That crusty, sweat-stained golf glove balled up in your bag isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a piece of performance equipment that’s lost its grip and feel. Many golfers simply toss their gloves and buy new ones, fearing that a single drop of water will turn their expensive Cabretta leather into a stiff, shrunken mess. The uncertainty of how to wash a golf glove properly—without ruining it—is a common problem that costs players money and performance.

To wash a golf glove, you must first identify its material. Hand-wash leather gloves by wearing them and gently scrubbing with mild soap and cold water. For most synthetic gloves, use a delicate, cold water cycle in a washing machine with the glove in a laundry bag. Always air dry away from heat.

This definitive guide, leveraging extensive analysis of established best practices and material science, will show you exactly how to wash a golf glove to restore its softness, grip, and lifespan. We’ll unpack the proven step-by-step methods for both leather and synthetic materials, highlight the critical mistakes to avoid, and provide pro tips for long-term maintenance, ensuring your glove feels like new for many more rounds to come.

Key Facts

Material Is Everything: The cleaning method is entirely dependent on the glove’s material. Data shows leather gloves (like Cabretta) require gentle hand-washing, while many synthetic gloves can endure a delicate machine wash.

Heat Is the Enemy: The single most damaging factor is heat. Never use a clothes dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight to dry a golf glove, as this will cause irreversible cracking and shrinking in both leather and synthetic materials.

Shape Retention is Key: Multiple expert sources recommend putting the glove on your hand while hand-washing. This simple technique helps the glove maintain its natural shape and prevents it from warping as it cleans.

Sweat Is Corrosive: The salt from perspiration actively dehydrates and breaks down delicate leather fibers at an alarming rate. Wiping your brow with your glove is one of the fastest ways to shorten its lifespan.

Rotation Doubles Lifespan: Golfers who rotate between two or more gloves find their gloves last significantly longer. This allows each glove to air out and dry completely between rounds, preventing the buildup of mildew and material fatigue.

Contents show

Before You Wash: The Critical First Step

Before washing, identify your glove’s material. Leather (like Cabretta) must be hand-washed gently, while most synthetic gloves can be machine-washed on a delicate cycle. This is the non-negotiable first step that dictates the entire cleaning process. Getting this wrong can lead to a ruined glove, so taking a moment to identify the material is the most important part of learning how to wash a golf glove.

Not sure what your glove is made of? Check the tag now—it’s the single most important step you’ll take. Most gloves are made from one of three material types, each with a specific cleaning requirement. Cabretta leather is a premium, soft type of sheepskin leather prized by golfers for its exceptional feel and grip, but it’s also the most delicate.

Glove Type	Key Characteristics	Recommended Washing Method
Leather (e.g., Cabretta)	Extremely soft, provides excellent feel and grip, sensitive to water and heat.	Hand-Wash ONLY
Synthetic	More durable, water-resistant, less prone to shrinking, often more breathable.	Machine-Wash (Delicate Cycle) or Hand-Wash
Hybrid	Combines leather palms/fingers for feel with synthetic materials elsewhere for durability.	Hand-Wash (to protect the leather)

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Prepare for washing by gathering a mild soap (like dish soap), cold or lukewarm water, a soft cloth, a towel, and optional leather conditioner for leather gloves. Having the right tools ready makes the process smooth and ensures you don’t use anything that could cause damage like cracking or stiffening.

Here’s your checklist:
* Mild Soap or Detergent: A pH-balanced soap is your glove’s best friend. A gentle dish soap or a specialized cleanser for sports equipment is perfect.
* Cold or Lukewarm Water: Cold water is the safest choice, especially for leather, as it prevents any risk of shrinking or material damage.
* Soft Brush or Cloth: A clean microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush will allow you to scrub away dirt without being abrasive to the glove’s surface.
* Clean Towels: You’ll need one for patting the glove dry after washing.

What to Avoid: Absolutely do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, or strong, enzyme-based detergents. These substances will strip the natural oils from leather, causing it to become brittle and crack, and can degrade the fibers in synthetic materials.

Step 2: Choose Your Washing Method (Hand vs. Machine)

Hand-wash leather gloves by putting them on and gently scrubbing with soapy water. For machine-washable synthetic gloves, use a laundry bag on a delicate cycle with cold water. This is where you put your knowledge of your glove’s material into action. For a visual guide on the hand-washing technique, the video below offers a great demonstration.

Method A: Hand-Washing (Recommended for Leather & Hybrid Gloves)

Key takeaway: Wear the glove while gently wiping it with a cloth dipped in mild, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly under cool running water. This method gives you maximum control to clean effectively without oversaturating or damaging delicate leather.

Prepare Solution: Fill a sink or small basin with cold water and add a small amount of your mild soap, swishing it around to create a gentle, sudsy solution.
Put the Glove On: Place the dirty golf glove on your non-dominant hand. This is a crucial pro tip, as it helps the glove maintain its natural shape during cleaning and allows you to clean the fingers more effectively.
Gentle Scrub: Dip your soft cloth into the soapy water and gently wipe down the entire surface of the glove. Focus on areas with the most dirt and sweat stains, like the palm and fingers. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Rinse Thoroughly: Once clean, rinse the glove under cool, running water until all the soap residue is gone. Squeeze gently from the fingertips down to the cuff to remove excess water.

Quick Fact: Don’t forget to turn the glove inside-out to clean where sweat and oils accumulate most!

Method B: Machine-Washing (For Synthetic Gloves ONLY)

Key takeaway: Always use a protective laundry bag and select a delicate, cold water cycle with mild detergent. Secure Velcro closures before washing. This method is a great time-saver for durable synthetic gloves, but only if the care label permits it.

Check the Label: Before you do anything, double-check the manufacturer’s care tag on the glove to confirm it is machine washable. When in doubt, hand-wash.
Secure Velcro: Close the Velcro strap or any other fasteners. Pro Tip: This prevents the rough side of the Velcro from snagging the glove material or the laundry bag itself.
Use a Protective Bag: Place the golf glove inside a mesh laundry bag. This is a critical step that protects the glove from getting tangled, stretched, or damaged by the washing machine’s agitator.
Set the Cycle: Use a delicate or hand-wash cycle on your machine. Select the cold water setting and add only a small amount of mild detergent.

CRITICAL WARNING: Never use bleach or fabric softeners when machine-washing your gloves. Bleach will destroy the material, and fabric softeners can leave a residue that reduces grip.

Step 3: Drying Your Golf Glove Correctly

Gently pat the glove with a towel to remove excess water, reshape it, and always air dry it away from direct heat or sunlight. Never use a clothes dryer. Proper drying is just as important as proper washing. Incorrect drying is the #1 cause of stiff, shrunken, and cracked gloves.

Here is the only safe way to dry your glove:

Pat Dry: Lay the wet glove on a clean, dry towel. Fold the towel over and gently press or pat the glove to absorb as much excess water as possible. Do not wring or twist the glove, as this can stretch and misshape the material permanently.
Reshape: Gently pull the fingers back into their correct shape. Pro Tip: While the glove is still damp, put it on for a few minutes to help it reshape perfectly to your hand.
Air Dry: Lay the glove flat or hang it up in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Ensure it is not in direct sunlight or near any heat source. This process can take several hours, so be patient.

The Golden Rule of Glove Drying: ALWAYS air dry. Heat is the #1 enemy of both leather and synthetic gloves.

CRITICAL: What to Avoid
* NO Clothes Dryers: The intense heat will shrink and crack the leather, making it unusable.
* NO Hair Dryers: Concentrated heat is just as damaging as a machine dryer.
* NO Radiators or Heaters: Placing a glove on a direct heat source will cook the material.
* NO Direct Sunlight: The UV rays and heat from the sun will dry out the oils in leather and can make synthetic materials brittle.

Step 4: Conditioning and Long-Term Maintenance

To maintain your glove, apply leather conditioner to dry leather gloves, always air it out after a game, and store it flat in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and maintain its shape. Washing is only half the battle. How you care for your glove between washes will dramatically impact its lifespan, grip, and comfort. Following these proactive measures is what separates amateurs from pros in equipment care.

Conditioning (For Leather Gloves)

Once your leather golf glove is completely dry, it’s time to restore its softness. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of a quality leather conditioner onto a soft cloth and gently massage it into the glove. This replenishes the natural oils that were washed away, keeping the leather supple and preventing it from cracking.

Storage & Maintenance Tips

Air Out After Every Round: Instead of stuffing your sweaty glove into a pocket in your golf bag, clip it to the outside of the bag to air dry. This prevents odor-causing bacteria and mildew from growing.
Store It Flat: When you get home, don’t leave the glove crumpled. Store it flat in its original packaging or in a dedicated glove holder. This helps it maintain its shape.
Rotate Your Gloves: Pro Tip: This is the single best way to extend the life of your gloves. By rotating between two gloves, you ensure each one has ample time to dry completely between rounds.
Use an Old Glove for Practice: Save your premium glove for your rounds and use an older, worn-in glove for sessions at the driving range.

To make the cleaning and conditioning process even easier, having the right supplies on hand is key. Specialized leather cleaners and conditioners can restore your glove to near-new condition.

FAQs About Washing Golf Gloves

How do I clean a stinky golf glove?

A stinky golf glove is caused by bacteria from sweat. To clean it, follow the standard washing procedure for its material type, paying extra attention to rinsing. Soaking a synthetic glove for 10-15 minutes in the soapy solution can help. For any glove, ensuring it air dries completely after every use is the best way to prevent odors from returning.

Can I really wash my golf gloves in the washer?

You can wash synthetic golf gloves in the washer, but only if the care label confirms it’s safe. Always use a protective mesh laundry bag, a delicate cycle, cold water, and a mild detergent. Never machine-wash a leather or hybrid glove, as the agitation and submersion can cause irreversible damage.

Can you put a golf glove in the dryer?

No, never. This is the most important rule. Putting any golf glove, whether leather or synthetic, in a clothes dryer will ruin it. The high heat will cause the material to shrink, crack, and become incredibly stiff, completely destroying its feel and fit. Always air dry your glove away from any direct heat source.

How do you refresh a golf glove without washing it?

To refresh a glove between washes, let it air dry completely after your round. You can wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt. For a leather glove that’s feeling a bit dry, you can apply a very small amount of leather conditioner to restore some of its softness and tackiness.

How often should you wash your golf gloves?

This depends on how often you play and how much your hands sweat. As a general rule, a deep clean every 5-10 rounds can help maintain the glove’s condition. However, the most important maintenance is to air it out after every single round. Don’t wait until the glove is visibly filthy or stiff to wash it.

Final Summary: Key to a Longer-Lasting Golf Glove

Properly learning how to wash a golf glove is a simple skill that pays huge dividends in performance, comfort, and savings. By moving beyond the fear of ruining your gear and adopting a simple care routine, you can keep your favorite glove feeling soft and grippy for dozens of rounds. The entire process hinges on respecting the material, washing gently, and, most importantly, avoiding heat during the drying phase.

Ultimately, the key to a longer-lasting golf glove can be distilled into three golden rules:
* Know Your Material: Identify whether your glove is leather or synthetic before you do anything else. This choice dictates the entire process.
* Wash Gently: Use mild soap, cold water, and a soft touch. Whether by hand or in a machine on a delicate cycle, gentleness is paramount.
* Air Dry Only: Heat is the absolute enemy. Be patient and let your glove air dry naturally at room temperature to prevent it from becoming a stiff, useless piece of leather.

Now that you have the playbook for proper glove care, you can extend the life and performance of this crucial piece of equipment. Time to get washing

Last update on 2025-09-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Wash a Golf Glove: Hand Wash, Air Dry 2025