Golf gloves… one accessory we all need but hate spending money on. This is why you need to learn how to clean leather golf gloves so you can save money and buy more golf balls instead. Because let’s face it, no one wants to spend $15-$20 (or more) on a golf glove only to last a few rounds.
But there are some methods to clean golf gloves and some best practices to avoid. Otherwise, you might damage your glove and make it nearly impossible to grip the club consistently.
If you want to learn more about synthetic golf gloves and Cabretta leather golf gloves we got you covered. Today we’ll give you the step-by-step guide to clean your gloves with ease.
How to Clean a Golf Glove
Golf gloves make this hard sport a little easier. The overwhelming majority of golfers use gloves on full shots but take them off for shots around the green and putting. This makes it easier to grip the club and maintain consistent grip pressure. Plus, gloves help avoid blisters in golf which can wreak havoc on your game.
Key Takeaways on How to Wash Golf Gloves
- Most leather gloves are not washable.
- Buy gloves in bulk so you can use multiple ones during the round.
- Never dry your gloves in the dryer or with a hairdryer as they might shrink.
- It’s best to rotate your gloves throughout the round so they don’t get wet and affect your golf grip or swing.
Keep reading to learn more about cleaning golf gloves so you can save money on your golf gear.
Wash By Hand
The easiest way to wash your golf glove is after the round before the surface dirt settles into the material. Simply pour cold water over the glove (with the glove on your hand) and then grab a fresh, clean golf towel. Rub the towel to wipe away any sweat or other debris that might have accumulated on it.
Once you’ve cleaned it, allow it to air dry. It’s important to not throw it in the dryer with golf towels or clothes as it might shrink and no longer fit. Avoid using a hair dryer as well.
You can wash synthetic golf gloves but suggest against leather golf gloves.
Add Soap For a Deep Clean
If the previous method doesn’t work or your gloves are very dirty, it’s best to wash them at home. Grab a bucket of cool water (not warm water as it can shrink them) and put in a few drops of soap.
Let your glove(s) soak for about 20 minutes in the soapy water and then drain it. Use a clean towel to gently rub away any remaining dirt or debris on a synthetic or leather glove. It’s recommended to not use a standard golf club cleaner brush (even a soft brush) as it might damage the material.
Machine Wash
If you’re like a lot of golfers, I’m sure you’ve wondered if you can simply add to your next load of laundry instead of handwashing? It’s a good question because let’s get real, who really wants to hand scrub dirty golf gloves?
Unfortunately, this isn’t usually a good idea even if you wash them with cold water. If you have a higher end, leather golf gloves we definitely don’t recommend it.
With synthetic gloves you might get away with machine washing but we suggest turning them inside out for maximum protection. This way the Velcro should stay strong and still be a good golf glove to use.
If they do turn out fine after a wash, make sure to not throw them in the dryer. This will almost always shrink your gloves and make them too small for your hands.
Avoid the Dishwasher
While the washing machine might work (depending on the type of glove) avoid the dishwasher entirely. This might work for cleaning your golf hats, it’s a terrible idea for your golf gloves. Not to mention your significant other probably won’t be thrilled with a dirty glove next to your plates and cups.
How to Make Your Golf Gloves Last Longer
While the cleaning tips from above will help your gloves last longer, don’t forget these other best practices too.
Don’t Wipe Sweat With Your Gloves
First, make sure you don’t ever wipe sweat off your hands or forehead with your gloves. Wiping perspiration off will immediately affect your ability to grip the club and can interfere with your grip pressure.
Instead, always use a towel to keep your gloves lasting longer. Click here to check out the best golf towels now.
Don’t Clean Your Clubs With Your Glove Hand
Anytime you take a divot and have some extra dirt on your grooves it’s natural to want to wipe away. But it’s best to use a towel or non-glove hand instead as it can get your glove wet to avoid excess moisture or dirt.
Rotate Gloves During the Round
Another way to make your gloves last longer is to rotate them during the round. Instead of using one the entire 18 holes, try to use 2-3 instead. Rotate every six holes or so to keep the fresh and not affect your grip or swing.
Air Out Your Gloves
When you rotate your gloves, make sure to put them somewhere to air dry instead of crumpled up in a ball in your bag. You can attach them to the outside of your bag, around the steering wheel of your cart, or on your push cart if you’re walking.
Store Your Gloves Correctly
One of the worst things you can do with your gloves is stuff them in your apparel pockets after the round. They will usually scrunch up and get almost crusty if they’re wet after a full round of golf. Always let them dry before putting them back in your bag.
It’s not a bad idea to invest in a golf glove holder either. These attach to your golf bag and help your gloves dry faster.
Check out the EGG Pro Golf Glove Holder now.
Replace Regularly (new glove time?)
If you’re like a lot of golfers I’m sure you’ve asked, “How often should I replace my golf gloves?” It’s a good question because if you play them too long, it can hinder your golf game.
If you have any holes in your glove, especially on the palm, it’s time to part ways. Or, if you feel like it’s hard to grip the club consistently or your hands can barely stay on the grip, it’s time to replace them.
But there are no best practices as it depends on your grips, how often you play/practice, type of glove, and typical weather conditions.
Buy Gloves in Bulk
Another expert hack with your gloves is to buy them in bulk if possible. If you have a Costco card, we suggest buying the 4-pack of gloves as it’s one of the best deals in golf.
You can get four gloves at a very reasonable price. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes but unfortunately don’t have cadet sizes at the moment.
If you don’t have a Costco membership you can buy them online too (but they are more expensive).
Click here to find the right size and buy one.
FAQs About Cleaning Golf Gear
Do you have more questions about cleaning golf equipment? If so, keep reading to learn the most frequently asked questions and answers below.
How do you clean sweaty golf gloves?
You can clean gloves by adding water and scrubbing with a clean towel. Or, you can do a deep clean by soaking them in a bucket of cold water too. Avoid using harsh bristle brushes as they may damage the material.
Can you throw golf gloves in the washing machine?
Depending on the material (non-leather) you might be able to use them in the washing machine. Before adding all of them into the washing machine, we suggest testing out with one first. Throw them in with your golf towels and not your golf clothes or normal laundry.
Run the washing machine with cold water and turn the glove inside out to protect the Velcro. After they’re done washing, let them air dry and do not throw them in the dryer. You can also use a golf glove dryer to help them maintain their shape as well.
How do you clean FootJoy golf gloves? Can you wash Footjoy golf gloves?
FootJoy makes some of the best, longest lasting gloves in golf. Not to mention they have gloves for rain and cold weather rounds too.
The best way to clean them is using the methods mentioned above.
How do you clean golf grips?
Your golf grips are another good item to clean because they aren’t cheap! A grip can cost anywhere from $5 to $10 and if you’re replacing your entire set, it can add up quickly.
The good news is that you can clean them so you don’t need to replace them as often. Plus, it’s a good idea to do as a lot of dirt, sweat, and other debris can make it harder to grip the club consistently. Not to mention a clean grip will also make your gloves last longer as well.
We recommend cleaning your grips about once a month. You can use grip wipes or hand wash/dry to keep them lasting longer.
Click here to read our full guide on how to clean golf grips.
How do you clean golf clubs?
While clean grips and gloves are super helpful when it comes to gripping the club, don’t forget about the face either. A dirty golf club means the grooves are caked with mud, grass, and other debris. Not only does it look bad it directly impacts your ability to hit the golf ball consistently.
Since golf is already hard enough, don’t make it more complicated by swinging with dirty clubs. Dirt filled grooves lead to less distance, less accuracy, and inconsistent spin rates. After every shot, we recommend using a golf club brush to clean your grooves.
Plus, adding a bi-weekly or monthly deep cleaning (depending on how often you play golf and practice) as well. Some of the best methods include club wipes, soap/water, and more.
How do you clean golf hats?
The final piece of golf gear to clean regularly are your golf hats. Like grips, these aren’t cheap (usually $30 or more) and I hate to wear a hat a few rounds in the summer only to see sweat stains. Luckily, there are a few easy tricks to keep your hats (especially the white ones) looking for a long time.
First, if you play a lot in warm weather temperatures, you should invest in “No Sweat” hat liners. These are inserted into your hat to capture sweat and prevent stains and odors. They reduce sweat stains and keep sweat out of your eyes which is crucial when you’re putting or hitting full shots.
The second thing to do is as soon as you’re home, wash your hat with cold water only. Do not use soap or any other cleaning products. The cold water will naturally remove a lot of sweat and make your hat look good.
To keep its form, we suggest putting it on a hat drying rack as well. By the time you wake up it’ll be as good as new. For deep stains, you can always buy a dishwasher hat rack cleaner as well.
Hopefully these tips will help your lids stay fresh year round!
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Golf Gloves Properly
Cleaning your golf gloves is a good way to save money and it doesn’t take much time either. Since golf gloves aren’t cheap, it’s a good idea to keep them clean and dry.
Make sure to:
- Wash with cold water.
- Rotate gloves during the round.
- Invest in a golf glove container or bag.
- Never use a soft bristle brush when cleaning.
- Use a damp cloth and mild detergent or liquid soap on older gloves.
- Don’t scrunch them up and throw them in your bag after the round.
- Let them air dry and never use heat like a dryer or hair dryer as they will shrink.
While cleaning your gloves is a good idea, don’t forget to regularly clean your grips too. Cleaner grips will help make your gloves last longer. Plus, make sure to clean your grooves with a brush to improve your ball striking on the golf course as well.
Don’t forget to check out the best golf gloves here.
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