Care

Glove Care

Nothing hurts us more than seeing a good glove get ruined. Here are a few tips and tricks we have picked up over the years to help your glove last longer, hold its shape, and stay in great condition.

After You Play

• Wipe off dirt and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt, dust, and field material from the leather after use. Letting dirt build up can dry out the surface and wear down the leather over time.
• Do not put the glove away wet. If your glove gets wet from rain, sweat, or field conditions, wipe off any excess moisture and let it air dry naturally at room temperature.
• Give it some air. Avoid leaving a damp glove zipped inside a bag for long periods. Moisture trapped inside the glove can lead to unwanted odors and deterioration.

Drying Your Glove

• Always air dry naturally. Place the glove in a dry, well-ventilated area and allow it to dry on its own.
• Avoid direct heat. Do not use dryers, heaters, hair dryers, ovens, microwaves, or leave the glove next to another strong heat source. Excessive heat can dry out the leather, make it brittle, and cause cracking.
• Do not leave it baking in your car. Arizona heat especially can be brutal on leather. Long periods inside a hot vehicle can dry out and damage your glove.

Conditioning

• Condition only when needed. Leather naturally loses moisture over time, but that does not mean your glove needs to be conditioned constantly.
• Use a small amount. A light layer is usually enough. Apply the conditioner evenly and give the leather time to absorb it before adding more.
• Avoid over-oiling. Too much oil or conditioner can make the glove heavy, overly soft, and harder to maintain its shape.
• Use products made for baseball gloves or leather. Avoid experimenting with household oils, creams, or chemicals that were not designed for glove leather.

Storage

• Store your glove somewhere cool and dry. Avoid areas with excessive heat, humidity, or direct sunlight.
• Keep its shape. Placing a baseball in the pocket while the glove is stored can help maintain the pocket and prevent the glove from flattening.
• Do not crush it. Avoid storing heavy equipment on top of your glove or stuffing it tightly into the bottom of a bag for long periods.
• Keep it out of direct sunlight when possible. Extended sun exposure can dry the leather and cause colors to fade.

Things to Avoid

A good glove can last for years when it is treated properly. Some of the fastest ways to shorten its life are:

• Oversoaking the glove in water.
• Using excessive amounts of oil or conditioner.
• Drying the glove with direct heat.
• Leaving a wet glove inside a closed equipment bag.
• Leaving the glove in a hot car for extended periods.
• Using shaving cream, cooking oil, or other household products on the leather.
• Repeatedly bending or folding the glove in ways that fight its natural shape.
• Storing the glove under heavy equipment.