Dirt gets everywhere. Try as you might to keep your leather gloves pristine, it’s all too easy for them to pick up unwanted stains. And unlike your everyday clothing which can often be thrown into the washing machine with casual ease, washing leather gloves can initially feel more complicated and confusing. What’s the best way to clean leather gloves, and how to dry them when they are wet?
That’s where our how to guide can help. We know a thing or two about keeping leather gloves looking good and so have pulled together our top recommendations on the best way to clean and dry leather gloves.
How soiled are the leather gloves?
As a general rule, we always advise getting your leather gloves professionally dry cleaned by a reputable specialist leather dry cleaner. But we understand that for light soiling this might not be possible or necessary. So, firstly determine how dirty your leather gloves are. Is the soiling light and not dried in or are they seriously stained and in need of some proper help? By reviewing the extent of the soiling, you can choose the most suitable treatment for your gloves.
How to clean lightly-soiled leather gloves
If your leather gloves are only very lightly soiled and this dirt is not dried in, it is possible to clean some leather gloves yourself at home. We recommend the following steps.
- Dampen a cloth or soft sponge. Ensure the cloth isn’t too wet or dripping as you don’t want to saturate the leather.
- Spot test a small inconspicuous patch of the glove by gently wiping the outside of the leather with the damp cloth/sponge. This spot check is done to prevent causing damage to the glove.
- If the leather is fine, continue to clean the gloves taking care not to pull or drag the leather too roughly. Don’t rub too hard as the colour of the leather could fade.
- If the gloves are now clean, jump to the section How to dry leather gloves.
- If the stain is greasy or not shifted by using water alone, you can consider using detergent or soap to clean the leather gloves. If opting for detergent or soap, choose a mild one or use soap flakes which are known for being kinder to delicate fabrics. Do not use a liquid soap.
- Run some lukewarm water and add the detergent/ soap (flakes). Only use a very small drop of detergent.
- Dampen the cloth or a sponge in the soapy solution and again, spot test carefully.
- If the spot test is successful, gently wipe the rest of the gloves as needed.
- Dab off any excess moisture with a clean dry cloth.
+ TOP TIP: It can help to put your glove on your hand to clean it. That way you can better access any dirt in the seams.
How to clean heavily-soiled leather gloves
For gloves that are heavily soiled, we recommend getting them professional dry cleaned by an experienced specialist leather dry cleaner.
Specialist leather cleaners are also available and can be used on some leather gloves. If used, always read the instructions with care and only use if suitable for your leather gloves.
If none of these cleaning options are suitable or your gloves are still dirty after cleaning, why not treat yourself to a brand-new pair of luxury leather gloves? Explore our ranges of premium leather gloves for men and women in all sizes, colours, lengths and styles to find a new pair to cherish.
How to dry leather gloves
Once happy that your leather gloves are clean, it’s time to dry them. Similarly, if your leather gloves have become damp or rain spotted when out and about, the following steps will dry out your leather gloves – the right way.
- Lay your gloves on a clean towel (or similar) on a flat surface and leave to dry naturally at room temperature. Do not dry on a radiator, use a heater or tumble dryer or lie in direct sunlight as this may cause discolouration, dehydration and hardening of the leather which can cause cracks and shrinkage. Keep away from air conditioning.
- Put the gloves on a few times as they dry out. Massage them on your hands so that they will stretch out and help them retain their shape. They will likely take a few hours to fully dry out.
+ TOP TIP: Keep your gloves beautifully soft by gently rubbing in a small dab of leather conditioner. Always check the instructions before applying.
Mistakes to avoid when cleaning and drying leather gloves
We love how robust and tough leather gloves can feel when worn, but high-quality leather as used in our Dents gloves can be delicate and all-too-easily damaged. Keep them looking good for as long as possible by avoiding the below mistakes.
- Do NOT wash leather gloves – especially in a washing machine. Washing machines are ideal for all sorts of clothing items, but leather gloves aren’t one of them. Some leather gloves can be lightly cleaned, but never wash them. Leather should be exposed to water as little as possible.
- Do NOT clean leather gloves with very hot water. This might work for some fabrics, but a delicate material like leather isn’t meant to be subjected to intense heat as it strips away the natural oils.
- Do NOT wring damp leather gloves. This will cause them to lose their shape.
- Do NOT clean leather gloves regularly. While some accessories might benefit from routine cleaning, that’s certainly not the case with leather gloves. Clean too frequently and the leather could get damaged, so only apply water to leather gloves when absolutely necessary.
- Do NOT dry out damp leather gloves on other garments. Any dye in the leather could stain other items.
Follow this advice and enjoy your Dents leather gloves for years.
