Glove Care: Tips and Tricks
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We design BRUCE BOLT gloves to be the highest quality, best performing, and most durable gloves in baseball, softball, football and golf. But like any piece of premium sports gear, they perform best when treated with care. Follow these pro tips to extend the life and feel of your gloves:
1. Dry After Every Use
While our glove bag helps keep your gloves flat in your gear bag, it’s essential to remove them after each session to air them out completely. Letting moisture build up inside the bag can lead to odor, bacteria growth, and leather breakdown.
Pro Tip: Hang them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
2. Apply Leather Glove Balm Inside & Out (Only for Batting Gloves & Golf Gloves)
Treating your gloves with leather balm protects the leather from sweat, dirt, clay, and friction:
- Inside: Helps repel sweat and maintain internal structure.
- Outside: Strengthens and conditions the leather against external elements.
How to Apply: Apply balm evenly, wipe off any excess, and allow gloves to dry overnight. This not only protects but also develops a natural tack for improved grip.
Repeat this treatment based on your level of use—weekly for frequent players, monthly for casual use.
3. Avoid Use in the Rain (if possible)
Our batting gloves and golf gloves are made from premium Cabretta leather, which can absorb water and become weakened or misshapen. Saturation leads to breakdowns in grip and durability. If caught in rain, dry them thoroughly and recondition with leather glove balm.
For football gloves, if they get wet, fully air dry naturally after use. Never use dryers or heaters or leaving them sealed in a wet storage bag for an extended period.
4. Remove the Dirt Gently
Wipe off clay, sand, or dirt with a damp cloth and mild soap. Never scrub or soak the gloves and always avoid putting gloves in the washing machine or dryer.
Finish by applying leather glove balm (batting gloves and golf gloves only) to restore the leather’s natural protection barrier.
5. Combat Odors with a Natural Deodorizer
If your gloves start to smell, use a natural spray like "Pow Air" Essential Oil Deodorizer. It targets odors without compromising the leather.
Avoid harsh chemical sprays—they can dry out or stain the glove.
6. Expect Some Flaking—It’s Normal
Noticing some “flaking” after the first few uses? That’s not leather damage—it’s the topical finish we apply for consistent color and sheen. This cosmetic abrasion is expected and doesn’t affect durability or performance.

7. Double Up for Extended Lifespan
- Baseball/Softball: If you're a daily player—pro, college, high school, or select ball—rotate between two pairs of gloves. This dramatically extends their lifespan.
- Golf: We sell our gloves in 2-packs for a reason. Use one for the Front 9, and the other for the Back 9. This helps reduce sweat saturation and prolongs each glove’s life.
FINAL THOUGHT
With proper care, your BRUCE BOLT gloves can go the distance—whether you're swinging for the fences or driving the fairway. Treat them like the elite gear they are, and they'll reward you with performance and longevity.
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I hope this helps!
Good luck this season.
Best, Bear