It is wise to clean the outside of baseball gloves after each use, which is very easy and requires little effort from you.
But cleaning the inside of it is much more difficult. Many people have chosen to toss their gloves into their washing machines to do the job.
Is it really safe for these gloves? Can you put baseball gloves in the washing machine? Let’s read on to get the correct answer!
Can You Put Baseball Gloves in the Washing Machine?
The answer is No. Putting baseball gloves in the washing machine can cause irreparable damage.
Baseball gloves include leather and other fabric that will lose their structure when waterlogged.
Placing these gloves in your washing machine means you are soaking them in water. As a result, they may lose their shape, and form cracks when dry.
Generally, your gloves will be clean when put in a washing machine. However, it also causes permanent damage.
How to Clean the Inside of a Baseball Glove?
Prepare the Necessary Things
Before getting started, you need to gather the following to get the job done:
- Soap
- Cleaner
- Toothbrush
- Warm Water
- Conditioner
- Soft cloth (cotton towels are ideal)
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Pour water into a bucket and put about two drops of soap. It is okay to use laundry detergent, but avoid using too much since it might khiến the lining in the glove to get damaged.
Step 2: Insert one hand inside your glove, dip the thumb into the cleaning mixture, and scrub the dirt off the glove.
Step 3: Use a sponge or cloth to remove the water and cleaner. Then, you must put it flat against something and ensure the air can reach any part of its surface.
Step 4: Once you have cleaned one part (such as the right thumb), it is time to rinse it out and squeeze the water to avoid getting too wet.
Step 5: Wipe off excess soap from inside your glove using a rinse cloth. Avoid rubbing your glove too hard, as it may damage the lining.
Step 6: You can use a leather conditioner to make the baseball glove look new.
Store Your Baseball Gloves
Once you’ve cleaned the gloves, you’ll need to store them properly.
You must prepare a specific place to keep them instead of throwing them in the wardrobe or lockers. That way, you will have baseball gloves ready to use whenever a game is scheduled or the season resumes.
After the game is over, you should leave your gloves in a place with natural air or dry them. While they are not in use, keep them in a cool and dry place.
FAQs
How Do You Wash a Baseball Glove?
You can apply the above method to wash your baseball glove.
Alternatively, you can also replace the mild soap with an alcohol-based cleaning solution and use a cotton cloth to wipe your gloves.
Is a Baseball Glove Ruined if It Gets Wet?
When water comes into contact with leather, it can remove the protective oil that improves the overall durability of your glove. Also, it causes the laces to weaken and may lead to cracking.
How Do You Clean a Smelly Baseball Glove?
You can deep clean your baseball gloves, as we mentioned above, and expect the unpleasant smell to disappear from your baseball gloves.
Can You Wash Your Gloves in the Washing Machine?
No. Do not wash your baseball gloves with a washing machine or put them in your dryer after cleaning. Otherwise, it will ruin the texture of these gloves.
Can You Put a Baseball Glove in the Dishwasher?
It is not recommended because this can damage your gloves’ structure and ruin the adhesive which keeps their parts.
How Do You Get Mold Out of a Baseball Glove?
Mold, stubborn stains, and hard-to-remove dirt will come off quickly when using sudsy water in your cleaning routine.
Where Do I Keep My Baseball Gloves?
You should keep your glove somewhere with adequate airflow and low humidity.
How Often Should I Clean My Baseball Gloves?
You should clean them after each use. It will help dry up the sweat and remove any dirt on the surface. Besides, you should deep clean your gloves every year or more often, depending on how much you use them.
The Bottom Line
Can you put baseball gloves in the washing machine? No, it will cause irreparable damage, and you’ll send them to the trash in the end.
Proper care of baseball gloves requires effort and time, but it is worth it. It will allow your gloves to last a long time and serve you at their best.