Do your golf gloves smell bad? Does the dirt and sweat build up over time, making them less effective at keeping your hands dry? If this is happening to you, then you might want to know how to wash your golf gloves.
It’s important to keep your golf gloves clean and sanitary. Washing them regularly keeps them smelling fresh and ensures that they last longer. Golf gloves are an essential part of the game and can be expensive. You should wash them regularly, especially after playing a course with lots of trees or bushes that might leave debris on your glove.
Whether you have a set of leather or synthetic gloves, there are some easy steps that will take care of any odor-causing bacteria. Keep reading to know more!
Get a good grip on your golf game
Golfers want a relaxed and secure grip. And golf gloves undoubtedly are the best way to achieve these goals.
It doesn’t matter if they are synthetic or premium Cabretta golf gloves, they are undeniably the least expensive piece of your arsenal. While golf gloves are relatively inexpensive, they remain the most essential tool for hitting the ball straight into the hole.
There were a number of golfers (both experts and beginners) who purchased new gloves every week.
It is primarily due to the fact that people are unaware of how easy it is to clean golf gloves. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on golf gloves, and if you take good care of them, they will last you for a month.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you clean them regularly in order to save money without sacrificing the quality of your game!
What causes golf gloves to be ruined
Before knowing the steps on how to clean your golf gloves, you must first know what causes them to be ruined.
1. Bacteria and Fungi
Most people don’t think about it, but bacteria and fungi are present on our hands and can cause a lot of damage when not washed off before playing golf. Bacteria are found in dirt or mud that might get onto your gloves while you’re walking the course, which will lead to an unpleasant smell after a while.
2. Friction caused by gripping the club
Since gloves are used to help you have a good grip, it is commonly exposed to friction with the club. This would cause bacteria to accumulate in your gloves, which can lead to an unpleasant smell after just a few rounds of golf thus ruining the material used in your gloves.
3. Golfer’s hands sweating
A golf glove that’s exposed to too much moisture can lead to a slippery grip on the club. And the least you want to happen, to have your game affected due to a slippery grip.
4. Ultraviolet light exposure and age
Golf gloves that are exposed to too much heat will make the material deteriorate. So it is expected that will not last long.
5. Chemicals used in washing them
Harsh chemicals are not allowed to be used in washing your gloves. There are only specific chemicals that are allowed to be used in washing your gloves.
The reason why it is important to follow these steps is because of how often golfers use and need their best equipment for playing the game, as well as the comfortability they want while doing so.
How to wash your golf gloves
It is critical to keep your leather golf gloves in good working order since they protect your hands as you swing your club.
Cleaning your gloves after every game will prevent dirt and stains from building on them. Cleaning golf gloves is a lot easier than you think when it is done correctly by following these steps
1. Clean your golf gloves with a damp cloth
This is applicable if the stain hasn’t stayed for long and is an easy way of removing dirt in between games. Use a damp cloth to remove as much dirt and grime from the gloves before scrubbing with soap. Dirt will usually come off easily on its own if you give it some time.
2.Fill the sink with warm water and add dish soap
If the stains aren’t removed with wiping a damp cloth, then dip it in soapy warm water with two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. This will help the dirt come off more easily. Allow them to soak for about an hour then rinse off using cool water.
Cleaning your golf gloves after every game prevents stains from setting into the fabric. Be careful not to harsh chemicals such as bleach when cleaning because this could damage their material and cause cracking over time. If you are using soap, make sure it is mild; washing your glove too hard can wear away its leather surface
3. Put on the glove and use an old toothbrush to scrub it gently
Take an old toothbrush and scrub out any remaining debris that’s stuck in between all those little crevices on your gloves. Make sure that you do this gently and then rinse them off with cool water. This will help loosen up any dirt that’s built up on the outer surface of your glove.
4. Air dry the golf gloves
Gloves that are made of leather shrink and crack when exposed to extreme heat. Allow your leather gloves to air-dry and circulate for a while. However, in warm and arid climates, the gloves can dry out due to increased moisture content.
5. Apply a leather conditioner to the glove for long-lasting protection
When the cleaning process is done, it’s time to apply a leather conditioner. This will help provide long-lasting protection to your gloves and keep them from cracking and drying out over time
How to make your golf gloves last longer
- Store them in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Beware of abrasive surfaces that could damage the glove’s surface and cause tearing.
- Wash them every few months by hand or machine with warm water and mild detergent.
If you have an old worn-out golf glove that has lost its elasticity, try soaking it in water for 10-15 minutes first before trying to stretch it back into shape.
It may be time for new gloves if your current ones are very well used, or they feel stiff and inflexible when you put them on.
How to wash golf gloves – Conclusion
If you’ve been buying a new golf glove every round or two, it may be time to stop. Golf gloves are made of materials that can withstand the wear and tear of an entire season if taken care of properly. Follow these steps for washing your golf glove so you don’t have to purchase them weekly!