How to Clean Baseball Glove

What You'll Need

• Leather cleaner or mild soap
• Soft cloths
• Leather conditioner or glove oil
• Warm water
• Old toothbrush

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Brush off dirt and debris

   Use a dry soft brush or cloth to remove dried mud, dirt, and dust from the entire glove, including the lacing and web.

2. 2

   Clean with mild soap

   Dampen a cloth with warm water and a tiny amount of mild soap. Wipe down the glove, focusing on the palm, fingers, and pocket.

3. 3

   Scrub the lacing

   Use an old toothbrush with soapy water to clean between the lacing and stitching where dirt accumulates.

4. 4

   Condition the leather

   Apply a thin layer of glove oil or leather conditioner. Work it in with your fingers, especially in the pocket and hinge areas.

5. 5

   Shape and dry

   Place a ball in the pocket, fold the glove around it, and secure with a rubber band. Let it dry at room temperature overnight.

Pro Tips

• TIPCondition your glove 2-3 times during the season to keep the leather soft and maintain the pocket shape.
• TIPAfter playing in rain, dry the glove slowly at room temperature -- never use a hair dryer or heater.
• TIPStore with a ball in the pocket during the off-season to maintain the shape you've worked to break in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XOver-oiling the glove, which makes it heavy, floppy, and slippery -- a thin coat is all you need.
• XPutting a wet glove in a bag or closed space, which causes mold and mildew to form in the leather.
• XUsing petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as a conditioner, which clogs leather pores and makes it soft but weakens structure.

Frequently Asked Questions