How To Clean Leather Gardening Gloves

Gardening is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable activity, but it requires taking special care of your tools and gloves. And since leather gardening gloves can be quite expensive, it's essential that you know how to clean them properly.

Sweep Away the Debris

Start with the basicstake your leather gloves and give them a good physical once-over; using a soft-bristled brush, sweep away any dirt and debris on the surface. This first step will help clear away any loose dirt or dust particles, so your gloves don't become overly soiled down the line.

Spot Treat

Once you've whisked away the debris, inspect your leather gloves and take note of any spots or stains you might find. You can then use a damp cloth to spot-treat the affected areas with an appropriate cleaning solutionyou can buy specific products that are designed for cleaning leather, or you can make your own with lukewarm water and mild soap.

Wash Thoroughly

Once you've spot-treated the gloves, wash them thoroughly with a mild soap and lukewarm water solution. Gently massage the cleaning solution into the gloves using your fingers, and avoid using any abrasive brushes that may cause scratches or damages.

Shape and Dry

Once you've washed your gloves, shape them by lightly stretching and smoothing the material over your hands. This helps maintain the leather's form and prevents any wrinkling that could happen as you dry them. Then, squeeze out any extra water, hang them up, and let them dry thoroughly.

Oil and Protect

Lastly, to help keep your gloves in good condition, apply a leather conditioning oil to them a few times a year. This helps keep the leather soft and pliable, as well as protect them from any inclement weather conditions.

Brief Recap

To summarize, cleaning your leather gardening gloves requires thorough spot-treating and then washing with a mild soap and lukewarm water solution. After, shape and dry your gloves and then apply an occasional conditioning oil to keep them soft and protected. With the right care, your leather gloves will last you for many seasons of gardening.

References:

1. "How to Clean Leather Gardening Gloves." Gardener's Supply Company, https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/how-to-clean-leather-gardening-gloves/7248.html

2. "How To Clean Leather Gardening Gloves." The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-leather-garden-gloves-311488