Mineral oil was among the most common oils used for baseball gloves during the 19th century. Interestingly, it is still in use today.
Mineral oil serves as a waterproof protective coating for leather items. Some players love mineral oil, such as mink oil and neatsfoot oil.
It can protect baseball glove from drying out and cracking when you do not use them.
So, you may wonder: “Can you use neatsfoot oil on a baseball glove?”
Can You Use Neatsfoot Oil on a Baseball Glove?
The answer is Yes. But you need to choose the right neatsfoot oil.
Neatsfoot oil comes in two kinds, which you can buy in the market, including:
- Prime neatsfoot oil.
- Pure neatsfoot oil.
Pure neatsfoot oil is considered one of the glove-friendly options and can soften your glove without ruining the leather.
On the other hand, prime neatsfoot oil is made with petroleum-based chemicals that could be highly harmful to baseball gloves. In the long term, this oil is prone to oxidizing, causing leather to deteriorate and crack.
As a result, avoid using neatsfoot oil on leather items you have invested heavily in and plan on keeping for many years, such as leather jackets, wallets, and baseball gloves.
Even if pure neatsfoot oil is glove-friendly, it can still damage your baseball gloves if misused. Here are some consequences for that:
- It could darken your gloves.
- It could make your glove slippery.
- It could ruin the efficiency of your glove.
- The lacing of your glove might get loose.
How To Add Neatsfoot Oil Into A New Baseball Glove?
Step 1: We recommend choosing an oil that is recommended or made by the manufacturer, such as neatsfoot oil.
Step 2: Put a small amount of oil into a soft cloth. Then rub it into the glove.
Step 3: Place the gloves in a dry place and leave them overnight to allow the oil to absorb into the leather fully. The following day, use a clean, dry towel to wipe them to remove any remaining oil.
Step 4: Finally, you should play catch for a few minutes each day for a few weeks. That way, it will make your gloves form better to your hand, giving you the comfort you want when playing.
How To Clean Your Gloves and Keep Them Clean?
Step 1: After using your baseball gloves, you need to wipe them down using a clean rag. Remove any debris and dirt on it before storing it in a cool, dry place every day.
Step 2: If you want to deep-clean your gloves, you can put a bit of cleaner on a damp sponge or cloth. Then, ensure to wipe the whole gloves with the cleaner, including the pocket, laces, and webbing.
Make sure to pick the right leather cleaner. It is best to use cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer. You should do a deep cleaning of your baseball gloves at least once a year to help them last longer.
Step 3: Now is the time to dry your gloves. This step refers to using a damp sponge to remove any remaining oil. Then, put your gloves in a cool, dry place.
Some Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some mistakes people make when taking care of their baseball gloves.
- Using too much oil is something to avoid, as it will cause more harm than good. It’s the opposite of what you’d expect.
- Avoiding products that are not approved for leather. Utilizing unsuitable oils, will damage the material and make your gloves deteriorate faster.
FAQs
What Kind of Oil Can I Use on a Baseball Glove?
Ideally, use oil made or recommended by the manufacturer to handle its baseball glove. If you do not have that option, consider:
- Mink Oil
- Olive Oil
What Can You Use Neatsfoot Oil For?
Pure neatsfoot oil can be used to condition, soften, and preserve various leather products, including baseball gloves, horse tack, harnesses, and saddles. It is also utilized in metalworking industries as a cutting fluid for aluminum.
Should You Oil a Baseball Glove?
It is a good habit as it will help baseball gloves last longer, as long as you don’t abuse oil.
Wrapping It Up
Can you use neatsfoot oil on the baseball glove? Yes, as long as you use pure neatsfoot oil and apply it properly on your gloves. But we always recommend using original baseball oils on your gloves for the best results.
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