How to clean the inside of a baseball glove is a process that is as important as cleaning the outside of a baseball glove. Anyone who calls themselves a real baseball player needs to know this whole process by heart.
A baseball glove is an essential piece of baseball equipment, and it needs to be taken care of very well. Both the baseball glove and softball glove go through a lot. Long games, hot weather, and sweaty hands damage the glove, and it needs to be cleaned to keep it in good shape.
In fact, without proper and regular cleaning, a baseball glove and softball glove will have a shorter lifespan and damaged leather. In general, cleaning the inside of a baseball glove is not the same as cleaning the outside of a baseball glove.
However, we have come up with a set of five simple steps that will answer your question of How to clean the inside of a baseball glove:
- Begin by removing any loose dirt or debris from the inside of the glove using the cloth.
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bowl.
- Dip the cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the inside of the glove, paying extra attention to any areas that are particularly dirty.
- Rinse the glove thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap residue.
- Stuff the glove with a towel or newspaper and shape it to its original form; this will help it to dry and maintain its shape.
- Allow the glove to dry completely before using it again.
- Apply some glove oil to help it retain its supple feel.
How to Clean the Inside of a Baseball Glove?
Moreover, we have ensured that all five of our steps are applicable for all types of durable organic leather gloves. Including Kip leather, premium steerhide, basic cowhide leather, and softball gloves as well.
Of course, follow each of the steps mentioned below as closely as possible to have a longer-lasting glove. For baseball players to have an easier time later, it is advisable to teach them these steps from the beginning of their training.
Surprisingly or not, there are many misconceptions about cleaning the inside and outside of baseball gloves. I hope I will be able to answer some of those misconceptions with these steps.
In general, cleaning the inside of a baseball glove is very much different from cleaning the outside. Since the dirt inside the glove isn’t visible, it is harder to clean that soil can cause hand skin damage. Overall follow our steps for a cleaner glove and intact hand skin.
What you’ll need to clean baseball glove inside
To clean the inside of a baseball glove, you will need a few items. Don’t freak out since any of the items required is rare. Most of them are everyday household items. If you are a proper baseball player, you will have the rest anyways.
We will provide you with the information on items specific for baseball cleaning for your benefit in sections where they are mentioned. The things you will need are:
- Dry cloths
- Warm and cool water
- Mild soap
- Glove conditioner and Glove oil
Now that you have collected these items and have them prepped, it is time to get started on cleaning the inside of a baseball glove.
Step 1: Wipe with a dry cloth
For the first step, you will need a dry cloth of some kind, preferably a clean, dry cloth. Use the clean, dry cloth to remove any moisture, dirt, and grime that might have accumulated inside the glove.
To remove all the grime and dirt, you will need to shake the glove very well. Next, use a narrow stick of some kind and push the dry fabric inside each finger. Spend some time at this step since it’s the first, so it is kind of important.
After the cleaning process, makes sure to place the glove in a dry and cool place for 10-15 mins.
Step 2: Clean with gentle soap
Before starting the second step, get some warm water. You will need some gentle and mild soap for this step. In general, you’ll need something that’s without any scent and any anti-bacterial properties.
Those properties aren’t necessary for this process and, in some cases, will damage the glove instead. Now mix a few drops of the soap into the warm water and mix it properly. Get another clean, dry rag; you will need quite a few. Soak the fabric in the soap mixture and wring it tightly.
Next, use the wrung cloth to clean the inner leather palms of the glove. As the first step, use a narrow stick to push the fabric in each finger and clean the inner leather parts of the finger. Make sure not to damage the leather of the glove in this step.
Step 3: Rinse with cool water
In the third step, we will need just water, and that water will need to be cool water. Just dip a clean, dry fabric in the cool water and wring it. Use the wholly wrung material to wipe the glove off.
Be mindful that the cloth is just damp and not soaking. Since water makes leather shrink. Suppose you are unsure how to all soap residue from the glove, follow the instruction of the first step.
Step 4: Dry it completely
Actually, the fourth step is the vital part so pay attention. In this step, we will dry the glove. Drying the glove may seem unimportant, but it is. In fact, any kind of excess moisture is terrible for gloves, baseball gloves, or softball gloves.
Firstly get another clean, dry cloth and use it to pat the glove as dry as possible. Pay attention to the hard-to-reach areas and use a narrow stick for the fingers. After making sure that the glove is dry, leave it in a cool, dry place.
You will need to leave the glove there for about a week. If you want to accelerate the process a bit, you can use a fan. However, whatever you do, DON’T uses a microwave ever. All that will accomplish is damage the glove badly.
Step 5: Apply Glove Conditioner Oil
For the fifth and final step, you will require a baseball glove maintenance product, the glove conditioner, or glove oil. In general, the conditioner or oil will help in keeping the glove both supple and soft. You might also need a soft clean cloth.
Once the leather dries after cleaning, it can shrink or crack; we can prevent any damage using a leather cleaner. Therefore oil and conditioner like Wilson Pro Stock are essential as the final step.
As a result of its importance, there are many options for baseball or softball glove oil and leather conditioner, so check out our article for the best options available in the market in 2021. For application in the interior areas, a spray bottle is advisable. Also, glove butter or petroleum jelly is an excellent alternative.
How to Clean the Inside of a Baseball Glove in a Washing Machine?
From the beginning, I will say that take this as a word of warning. Since cleaning gloves in a washing machine is a misconception. Overall the glove will be clean because a washing machine is meant to clean stuff, but the damage done to the glove due to it will be beyond repair.
As I mentioned earlier, gloves aren’t supposed to be soaked in liquids for extended periods, such as sweat and water. Once the leather stays wet for long periods, it tends to shrink and discolor. Also, leather doesn’t dry out that quickly; as such, it cracks.
Thus, I urge my readers not to use the washing machine to clean baseball glove’s inside.
How many times to Clean the Inside of Baseball Gloves?
By all means, baseball player should wipe their glove clean after every use. Every time, the first step is to remove the loose dirt inside and outside the glove and then wipe the sweat.
For the most part, depending on usage, players should do a deep clean of the glove once or more a year. Due to the grit and stains in the glove, a deep clean is necessary. Also, keep in mind that the drying process takes a long time. Therefore start the cleaning process with at least a week in hand.
Properly store your glove
After you are done cleaning the baseball glove, you need to store your glove somewhere. That somewhere needs to be specific; you can’t just throw it in the lockers or closet. Players of all levels need to know how to store a baseball glove properly during the season and the offseason.
In doing so, you will have a glove that is ready to be used when the season starts back up or when a game comes up. To properly store your glove, please follow the instructions we created for you below:
- During off season: Store it in a cool or room temperature place.
- Keep the glove dry: After games, use a towel or something to wipe it and let it dry naturally.
- Clean and maintain: Use a leather cleaner and soft cloth or clean cloth when necessary.
- Store with a ball: It May sound weird, but it will help keep the pocket ball-shaped in the off season.
Let’s watch the video to learn more
How to use baseball glove conditioner?
- Apply the oil or conditioner: Take a small amount of baseball glove oil or conditioner on a clean, soft cloth or sponge. Gently rub the oil or conditioner onto the glove, covering all areas including the palm, fingers, and webbing. Make sure to apply a thin, even layer.
- Work the oil or conditioner into the leather: Use your hands to massage and work the oil or conditioner into the leather. Pay attention to any dry or stiff areas, ensuring that the oil or conditioner penetrates deeply.
- Let it soak: After applying the oil or conditioner, let the glove sit for some time to allow the leather to absorb the moisture and nutrients. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the recommended soaking time, as it can vary based on the product.
- Wipe off excess and shape the glove: After the soaking period, use a clean cloth to gently wipe off any excess oil or conditioner from the glove. Then, reshape the glove by bending and flexing it as you would during regular use. This helps maintain the glove’s shape and break-in process.
Conclusion
When it comes to cleaning gloves, both professionals and beginners should be able to do it. Specifically, it prevents gloves from being damaged too much too quickly.
As baseball is a summer sport, it is guaranteed to create sweaty palms, which leads to damaged and discolored leather. Since a baseball glove is such an essential piece of equipment, it needs to be tended to. Thus follow the steps we have outlined above, and you’ll be golden.
