Maintaining clean gloves isn't just about looking good on the field, it's about elevating your game. While it may seem cool to show your battle scars on your gear, it may not be the best thing for your performance.
Here's a cold hard fact: dirty gloves can lose their grip, making catching the ball feel impossible in bad weather conditions. But, a good cleaning and some glove gel? That can revive your gloves, knock down the stench, and help you get every bit of performance out of your gear. And don't worry, keeping your gloves in top form doesn't have to feel like a chore.
The Short Answer: The simplest way to wash football gloves? Rinse them, give them a gentle washing, rinse again, and let them air dry. For those gloves that need a little extra care, tossing in a non-bleach detergent can do the trick.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Football Gloves
Performance Impact
Playing with dirty football gloves is like trying to hit the field with your shoelaces untied. It isn’t practical and isn’t smart. The grime and dirt from previous games can wear down the grip of your gloves. This means you could fumble the ball or miss a critical catch, especially in poor weather conditions.
Lifespan of Gloves
Regular cleaning not only keeps them fresh but also extends their lifespan. Remember, your gloves aren't just another piece of gear. They’re your go-to partner in the clutch, the ones that give you a hand during every pass, catch, or block. Treat them right and they'll have your back, game after game.
Consistency
In football, consistency is the name of the game. A clean pair of gloves provides consistency you can rely on from game to game. Regular cleaning ensures your gloves maintain their tackiness and fit, so you can focus on the plays without distraction.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Football Gloves
There is no set frequency when it comes to cleaning your glove, but we would recommend it at least once a month during the season. If we are being real, clean them as often as you need to depending on how much you play and the conditions you play in. Don't wait for obvious stench or visual wear before giving them a good clean.
Here's a step-by-step approach to make sure your football gloves remain in top condition:
1. Deal with Surface Dirt
Before we dive into the cleaning process, you need to knock off the surface-level dirt. This is the visible grime that's clinging to the outside of your gloves. Grab a damp cloth and gently wipe down each glove. Pay special attention to the area around the grip and stitching where grime likes to hide.
2. Set Up For A Gentle Wash
Fill up a sink or basin with cold water and mix in a non-bleach detergent. Once the soap has dispersed evenly, immerse your gloves fully. The combination of cold water and mild detergent works to break down the stubborn sweat and dirt without causing harm to your gloves’ overall structure and material.
3. Hand Washing
After soaking, it's time for hand washing. Be careful while doing so, being too rough can damage the gloves’ material. Using a soft bristle brush or a toothbrush, gently scrub off the loosened dirt. Pay attention to the palms as that is the area under the most stress when playing.
4. Rinsing Off
The scrubbing is done, and next, it's time to rinse. Cold water's your best bet here — it's gentle on the gloves yet effective in washing away the soapy water. Make sure you rinse thoroughly until all soap is removed because leftover soap can make the gloves stiff and uncomfortable.
5. Air-Drying the Gloves
Once rinsed, gently squeeze out the excess water but do not twist - it may ruin the glove's shape. Let the gloves air dry, but not under direct sunlight which can cause material to warp or shrink. Gloves should be left in a properly ventilated area and allowed to dry naturally.
6. The Extra Step: Using Grip Boost Glove Gel
Cleaning the gloves isn't where it ends. There's another champion in this game – Grip Boost Football Glove Gel. Apply a dime-size drop of this advanced grip gel and spread it evenly across the surface of each glove. Let it air dry for approximately 15-20 seconds. You'll notice the grip returning, resulting in maximum stickiness, play after play.
Consider Glove Materials
Giving your receiver gloves a proper cleaning also involves understanding the material they’re made of, as leather and synthetic gloves require different cleaning approaches.
Cleaning Leather Gloves
Leather football gloves demand gentle care to maintain their texture and durability:
- Spot Clean Only: Avoid submerging leather gloves in water. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe dirt and stains.
- Condition Regularly: Apply a leather conditioner after cleaning to keep them supple and prevent cracking.
- Dry Properly: Never wring out or expose leather gloves to direct heat. Instead, air-dry them in a well-ventilated area.
Cleaning Synthetic Gloves
Synthetic materials are generally more durable and easier to clean:
- Machine Wash (if allowed): Check the label first. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
- Hand Wash Option: For a safer option, soak in warm, soapy water, then gently scrub with a soft brush.
- Drying Tip: Air-dry synthetic gloves, avoiding dryers, which can warp the material and weaken its grip.
Tips & Tricks to Keep Football Gloves in Top Condition
Getting Grass Stains Out
Grass stains can be stubborn, but they don’t have to be permanent. Pre-treat with mild detergent, gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse with warm water. For leather, stick to spot cleaning. Always air-dry to finish.
Proper Glove Storage
Air-drying doesn't end when the gloves are dry; it also applies to storage. Avoid enclosed spaces which could breed moisture and bacteria, leading to an unpleasant odor or even mold. Find a ventilated spot to store them.
Sweat Management
Outside of keeping the gloves clean, you should be mindful of your hands as well. Dripping in sweat during an August game or summer 7v7s? Consider moisture-wicking wristbands to keep the inside of your football gloves drier and cleaner. Also, make sure you buy gear that is breathable and allows the sweat to evaporate.
In-Game Care
Sometimes a quick rub from a damp towel can help remove any build-up occurring during a game without waiting for a full wash. Applying glove gel will also help maintain grip throughout the game.
Know When to Replace
Even with the best care, football gloves experience natural wear and tear. Monitor them for sagging material, lingering odors despite cleaning, or a reduction in grip, even after grip boost gel application. Don't wait for a rampant tear or a failed catch before investing in a new pair. Remember maintaining your gloves responds not just to their lifespan but your game quality as well.
How Grip Boost Can Help
Unlike most gloves out there that rapidly lose their tackiness due to intense friction contact, Grip Boost gloves are made tougher. They're engineered to retain their grip, keeping you in control no matter how heated the game gets.
Our Boost+ football gloves were built for those who refuse to settle for less. Equipped with an advanced grip formula, these gloves offer unmatched control. The result? You can catch, throw, and handle the ball under any condition with precision. With Boost+ Grip, you get an adhesive-like grip, ensuring flexibility while giving you the confidence to execute those game-changing plays.
The science behind Grip Boost Glove Gel involves the utilization of a strategically modified chitosan, a natural biopolymer derived from crab shells. The non-toxic chitosan adheres superbly to the gloves, enhancing grip without compromising flexibility.
Know your gear, keep it clean, and level up your game with Grip Boost youth and adult football gloves.