Easy steps to clean leather and wool gloves at home

Gloves get dirty due to sweat and contact with various surfaces, and are an indispensable accessory in the face of cold weather. To clean gloves, there are many steps and methods, paying attention to the type of fabric. Here are the ways to clean leather and wool gloves, in the following lines, with the need to apply them step by step, to get the best possible result.

How to clean leather gloves?

Brown leather gloves

In a small bowl, mix equal amounts of warm water and distilled white vinegar, then dampen a microfiber cloth with the mixture and gently wipe the stained areas.

Then, lay the gloves flat on an absorbent towel and use the following solution: In a small bowl, make a foaming solution of warm water and a mild liquid soap, such as: Castile soap or saddle soap. Then, wipe the dirt from the gloves from the wrist to the fingertips, making sure to clean thoroughly between each finger.

Don’t over-soak the skin, but focus on cleaning the surface. Repeat the process on the other side. Turn the gloves inside out and repeat the cleaning steps.

Then, rinse with a towel dampened with water. Place the gloves, on a clean, absorbent towel, to air dry in a shaded, cool area. Check them after an hour, and place each pair on your hands to help shape and stretch the skin, if the inside is exceptionally moist, turn them inside out, wait another hour, and then turn them outside in. Most gloves dry completely in less than eight hours.

Never place leather gloves in direct sunlight or near a heat source to speed up the drying process, as this can cause irreversible shrinkage of the leather.

To keep the leather soft and supple, use a commercial leather moisturizer, specifically on the outside of the gloves, once they are completely dry. Then follow the instructions for use on the label.

Removing stains from leather gloves

To remove stains from a pair of gloves, especially ink and other oily stains, dip a cotton swab in medical alcohol, then start rubbing from one end of the ink stain, gently, with the cotton swab, then discard the cotton swab when it gets dirty, working slowly to prevent the stain from spreading.

If the gloves are stained with mud, allow them to dry before attempting to clean them, using a soft-bristled brush to remove the dirt, and then follow the method described above. In general, most stains on leather gloves are fairly easily removed by rubbing them with a mixture of water and white vinegar.

Leather glove storage

When not in use, leather gloves should be in a breathable cotton bag to protect them from dust, but with sufficient air circulation to prevent mold formation, storage in a plastic container can lead to yellowing of white leather gloves. Note that leather gloves should be completely dry before storing them.

How often to clean leather gloves

Formal leather gloves, which are not used often, should be cleaned at least once a year to keep the leather supple. Gloves that are used, on the other hand, should be cleaned more frequently as they become dirty. However, leather does not like too much exposure to water. Leather work gloves can be wiped down with a solution of vinegar and water after each use, but they should be thoroughly cleaned and moisturized every few months.

To help control odor in fur-lined gloves between cleanings, hang the gloves on a clothes hanger, fingers facing down, and sprinkle the inside of each glove with baking soda. Let the gloves hang for 24 hours. Afterward, turn the gloves inside out and brush off the baking soda before putting the gloves back on.

While the gloves are drying, place them on your hands periodically to stretch the leather and make sure they don’t shrink. Allow wet gloves to dry slowly, which will prevent the skin from hardening and cracking. Never dry wet gloves with a hair dryer.

Gloves are easier to clean if you wear a pair and wipe them with the other hand using a solution of water and saddle soap.

How to wash wool gloves?

Two pairs of wool gloves

1. Place the gloves in a bucket or bowl large enough to hold them, and wash them with a mild soap.
2. Next, pour lukewarm water into a separate bowl, add two tablespoons of baking soda powder, and mix well. Put the wool gloves back on, soak them, and scrub them with an old toothbrush, from top to bottom, in the same direction.
3. Then, wash the gloves under running water to remove dirt and debris.
4. Remove any excess water from the gloves by arranging them flat on a towel, and gently press them until they are no longer damp.
5. To prevent your gloves from losing their shape, it’s not a good idea to hang them out to dry, but rather place them on a cool, ventilated surface and allow them to dry.

Glove Care Tips

• Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as it can damage wool fibers and cause discoloration.
• If your wool gloves have any stains, treat them with a stain remover before washing them.
• Avoid washing or drying wool gloves in the washing machine and tumble dryer, as agitation and heat can cause them to shrink or lose their shape.