Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
- Football gloves
- Laundry detergent (avoid using bleach or fabric softener)
- Toothbrush or other soft-bristle scrub brush
- Bucket or sink basin
- Clean towel
Make sure to have all your supplies ready before starting to wash the gloves. This will streamline the process.
Fill With Cool Water
Fill your bucket or sink basin with cool water. Avoid using hot water as this can damage the gloves. Add a small amount of laundry detergent and swirl the water to create suds.
Scrub the Gloves
Dunk the gloves fully in the soapy water. Use the toothbrush or soft scrub brush to gently scrub all surfaces of the gloves. Pay close attention to visibly dirty areas and the palms where built-up grime collects. Take care not to scrub too aggressively at the glove palms as this can damage the grip.
Scrubbing with a brush helps lift dirt and bacteria from the material. Take time to thoroughly clean each finger, back of hand, and wrist closure.
Rinse Well
Once scrubbed, rinse the gloves thoroughly under cool running water. Rinse away all suds and keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This removes all detergent residue that could irritate skin.
Air Dry Properly
After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess moisture but do not twist or wring the gloves. This can damage the shape and materials.
Lay the gloves flat or hang them to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight. Make sure the gloves retain their natural shape as they dry.
Once fully dry, the gloves are ready to wear for your next big game!
Extra Tips
- Turn the gloves inside out before scrubbing to focus on interior bacteria and odors
- Use gloves designed for machine washing if desired
- Wash gloves after each use to prevent buildup
- Avoid soaking gloves for long periods to prevent damage
- Check for rips, tears or excessive wear after washing
- Sanitize gloves periodically by adding bleach to wash water
- Wash wrist closures and straps separately if heavily soiled
Properly washing your gloves helps eliminate odors, germs, and grime. By following these easy steps, you can keep gloves fresh and ready for the field. Maintaining clean gloves ensures you perform your best during games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my football gloves?
It’s recommended to wash your gloves after every use. Sweat and grime build up quickly and can lead to odor issues if gloves aren’t regularly washed. Washing after each practice or game keeps them fresh.
Can I wash football gloves in the washing machine?
Some football gloves are machine washable if labeled as such by the manufacturer. Check care instructions. Use the gentle/delicate cycle and air dry. Machine washing may shorten lifespan. For best results, hand washing is recommended for most gloves.
What temperature water should be used?
Always use cool water when washing football gloves, around room temperature or slightly warm. Hot water can damage gloves and cause the material to warp or shrink.
Can I use detergent pods or powder?
Liquid laundry detergent is preferred as it dilutes and suds up well in water for washing gloves. Detergent pods or powder may not dissolve fully. Go with a small amount of liquid detergent.
How do I sanitize football gloves?
Add 1 teaspoon of bleach per 1 quart of cool water when washing gloves to help sanitize them. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after sanitizing to remove bleach residue. Sanitizing every few washes helps kill bacteria.
Conclusion
Washing dirty football gloves after each use is simple with some basic supplies and a few easy steps. Scrubbing gently in soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and air drying properly helps restore gloves to like-new condition. Well-maintained gloves support safe, comfortable play. Implementing a regular washing routine keeps gloves fresh, sanitary and ready for action on the field.