A clean golf glove is key to a good grip and better play on the golf course. When your glove gets dirty from sweat and dirt, your grip on the golf club can slip at the worst moment.

The Short Answer: To clean golf gloves, first remove loose dirt with a soft brush, then hand wash with mild soap and cool water, gently pat with a clean towel, and air dry away from direct sunlight.

Disclaimer: The exact cleaning steps depend on whether you have leather golf gloves or gloves made from synthetic material. Leather needs gentle care, while synthetic gloves can handle a bit more rough cleaning.

Types of Golf Glove Materials

Golf gloves come in several materials, each requiring specific cleaning methods:

Leather Gloves: These are popular for their soft feel and control. This natural material molds to your hand over time, creating a custom fit that many golfers prefer. Leather breathes well but is more sensitive to water and dirt than other materials.

Synthetic Gloves: Made from man-made materials that resist water better than leather. They typically last longer in wet conditions and can handle more aggressive cleaning. Many players appreciate their durability and often lower price points.

Hybrid Gloves: These combine leather in the palm with synthetic material on the back for a balance of feel and flexibility. These popular gloves need careful cleaning that respects both materials.

Specialty All-Weather Gloves: Often use treated materials designed for specific conditions. Some have extra grip features for rain, while others have cooling properties for hot days.

When Your Gloves Need Cleaning

Your golf glove needs attention when you notice these signs:

  1. Dirt collects in the palm, affecting your grip

  2. Sweat dries, making the glove stiff

  3. The material looks shiny or slick

  4. Your grip feels less secure on the golf club

For leather gloves, watch for hardening or cracking of the material. With synthetic gloves, pay attention to slick areas where the grip might be compromised.

Clean gloves not only feel better but also last longer. A good clean golf glove helps you maintain consistent grip pressure, which can help lead to more consistent shots and lower scores.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide for Leather Golf Gloves

Gathering Your Supplies

For leather golf gloves, you'll need:

  • A soft brush or clean cloth

  • Mild soap (dish soap works well)

  • Cold water

  • A clean towel for drying

  • Leather conditioner (optional)

Premium leather requires extra gentle care. The natural material can be damaged by harsh chemicals or rough handling, so use the mildest soap you can find.

The Cleaning Process

Start by removing surface dirt from your glove with a soft brush. Gentle strokes work better than scrubbing, which can damage the leather fibers.

For hand-washing leather gloves:

  1. Put the glove on your hand first to maintain shape

  2. Wet a cloth with cold water and add a tiny drop of mild soap

  3. Gently wipe the leather with a soft cloth, focusing on grimy areas

  4. Rinse the cloth and wipe again with clean water

  5. Pat dry with a clean towel

Never use hot water on leather golf gloves as it causes shrinking and cracking. The washing machine is also off-limits for leather gloves.

For stubborn dirt spots, use a slightly damp cloth and work in small circles. Don't soak the leather or use too much soap, as both can damage the material.

Proper Drying and Conditioning

After cleaning, pat (don't rub) the glove with a clean towel. Remove as much water as possible without twisting or wringing.

Take the glove off and reshape it gently. Lay it flat or hang it to air dry at room temperature. Direct sunlight breaks down leather fibers, so always dry in shade.

Once completely dry, a small amount of leather conditioner can restore softness. Apply sparingly to avoid a greasy feel that might affect your grip.

For perforated leather sections, take extra care to keep water from soaking through the holes. These areas need gentle cleaning with minimal moisture.

Cleaning Synthetic and Hybrid Golf Gloves

Hand Washing Method

Synthetic golf gloves can handle more thorough cleaning. Fill a small bowl with cold water and add a few drops of mild detergent. Submerge the glove and gently work the soap through the material with your fingers.

Pay extra attention to reinforced areas and stitching where dirt collects. For hybrid gloves, clean the leather palm as described in the leather section, while the synthetic back can be cleaned more thoroughly.

After soaking for 10-15 minutes, rinse the glove with cold water until all soap is gone. Proper rinsing prevents soap residue that can irritate your skin later.

Machine Washing Option

Unlike leather, synthetic gloves can go in the washing machine if they're very dirty. Here's how to machine wash safely:

  1. Place the glove in a mesh pocket or pillowcase to protect it

  2. Use a gentle cycle with cold water

  3. Add a small amount of mild detergent (avoid bleach)

  4. Air dry completely after washing

For hybrid gloves with leather parts, machine washing isn't recommended. The agitation can damage the leather sections even if the synthetic parts would be fine.

Drying Different Glove Types

Synthetic gloves dry faster than leather but still need proper care. Reshape the glove while damp and lay flat to air dry. Like leather, keep synthetic gloves out of direct sunlight, which can weaken the material.

Never use a clothes dryer or hairdryer on any golf glove. The heat damages both leather and synthetic materials.

Hybrid gloves should be dried like leather gloves, with extra care to reshape the glove properly. Make sure all sections dry completely before storing in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew.

Everyday Care and Maintenance Tips

On-Course Glove Care

On course glove care

Keep your gloves in top condition during play with these simple habits:

  1. Use a golf towel to wipe off dirt and sweat regularly (for leather keep dry)

  2. For synthetic gloves, use a slightly damp towel for quick cleaning

  3. Take your glove off between shots to let it air out

  4. Rotate between two gloves for practice and actual play

These quick maintenance steps prevent buildup that's harder to clean later and significantly extend the life of your golf gloves.

Proper Storage

Always store golf gloves in a dry place with good airflow. The side pocket of your golf bag works better than the bottom, where gloves can get crushed.

Leather gloves benefit from being laid flat or placed on a glove form. Synthetic gloves are less picky but still should not be crumpled up when stored.

After a round, let your glove dry completely before putting it away. This prevents mildew and bad odors that can develop in damp gloves.

Some players use a plastic bag with small holes to store gloves, allowing some air circulation while keeping the glove clean in the golf bag.

Weather Considerations

Different weather conditions require different glove care approaches:

In hot weather:

  • Clean gloves more often to remove sweat buildup

  • Change gloves during the round on very hot days

  • Let gloves dry completely before storing

In cold weather:

  • Warm leather gloves in your pocket between shots

  • Avoid storing gloves in cold car trunks

  • Handle cold leather gently to prevent cracking

In wet conditions:

  • Have a synthetic glove as backup (they hold grip better when wet)

  • Dry leather gloves slowly and completely after getting wet

  • Avoid playing with soaked leather gloves to prevent damage

Players who golf in varied climates should have different gloves for different conditions. The right glove for the weather improves your grip and protects your equipment.

Clean Gloves, Better Grip with BRUCE BOLT

Every great golf swing starts with your hands. Your grip is everything. It's how you connect to the golf club, control the clubface, and shape every shot from tee to green. That connection has to feel stable, secure, and consistent.

BRUCE BOLT premium golf gloves are built to deliver the grip and feel you need through every part of your game. Whether you're launching a driver or dialing in a wedge, our gloves help you stay locked in. No slipping. No hesitation.

Better golf doesn't come from overcomplicating your equipment. It comes from taking care of the basics. A clean glove. Proper grip. Steady feel. With gloves that move with you, not against you. When your gloves stay clean and well-maintained, they perform at their peak longer.

Ready to experience the grip that makes the difference? Start with BRUCE BOLT.

 



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