Break-in is essential for any new leather item, including leather shoes, jackets, baseball gloves, and more. Break-in makes them less stiff, easier, and more comfortable.
There are many ways to soften baseball gloves, and many people think they can get the job done by tossing them in the microwave.
So can you put a baseball glove in the microwave? Let’s read on to see now!
Can You Put a Baseball Glove in the Microwave?
The answer is No. Microwave baseball gloves will do more harm than good.
Some amateur baseball players believe they can soften their baseball gloves in an oven or microwave. Heat can make the leather items more supple.
But hot air tends to be drier, which is true in an oven or microwave. So when microwaving your gloves, the moisture inside them will be pulled out. When the gloves cool down, they will end up drying out (and even brittle).
There are other ways to soften your new baseball gloves instead of putting them in the microwave. Keep reading to see more!
How to Break in Baseball Gloves?
Use Them
The simplest way to soften your baseball gloves is to wear them daily. Over time, they will become softer and better fit your hand.
The only downside to this approach is that it is very time-consuming and can take up to weeks. So if you expect the “break-in” process to be faster, apply the methods below.
Beat Them Up
Beating your baseball gloves is also a time-saving way to soften them.
You can use a hammer (one ball-peen hammer will be good) and start beating your baseball glove outside and inside.
Alternatively, you can also put the baseball in their pocket and tie them up.
Oil Them
You can apply some oils to your baseball gloves. However, it is essential to use the right kind.
We recommend choosing oils recommended by the manufacturer for the best results.
Alternatively, you may also consider the following options:
- Vaseline.
- Baby oil.
- Saddle soap.
- Special glove oils.
You will need to avoid certain oils, such as coconut oil, which will make your gloves more slippery. Some options even damage gloves over time.
Even if you choose the right oil, avoid overdoing it. For example, it is unnecessary to douse gloves in oil for them to get soft and nice.
FAQs
Can You Put a Baseball Glove In The Oven?
No. Like the microwave oven, the hot air inside the oven will dry or even brittle the gloves. Generally, avoid exposing baseball gloves to very hot air.
How Do You Break in a Baseball Glove Overnight?
There is no safe way to break in baseball gloves overnight.
In theory, baseball gloves should soften quickly at high temperatures. But they will become more brittle and less durable if you put them in a microwave oven.
Can You Utilize Shaving Cream to Break in Your Baseball Gloves?
Yes, you can. But remember that some shaving creams are poor glove conditioners, containing substances and chemicals that dry the leather out over time, including triethanolamine, isobutane, sodium lauryl sulfate, and propane.
How Do You Heat a Baseball Glove?
You can heat your baseball gloves by placing them in the oven or the microwave or leaving them in your car. However, we do not recommend doing so because it does more harm than good.
Is It Ok to Put a Baseball Glove in the Oven?
No. It’s not a good idea.
How Do You Break in a Baseball Glove With Heat?
If you want to really heat your baseball glove to soften them, follow these steps.
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Step 2: When your oven reaches this temperature, turn it off.
- Step 3: Put baseball gloves in your oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
How Do You Soften a New Baseball Glove Fast?
You can try to use a small amount of oil applied with a sponge. Remember that you need to choose a glove-friendly oil. Otherwise, it only makes things worse.
The Bottom Line
Can you put a baseball glove in the microwave? The answer is No.
The hot air inside the microwave will pull the moisture out of baseball gloves, causing them to dry out and even become brittle eventually.
There are other more effective ways to break or soften your baseball gloves, such as using them regularly, oiling them, or beating them up.
Thanks for stopping by!