If you’re a cycling enthusiast, you know how crucial a good pair of cycling gloves can be. They provide safety, comfort, and protection from various elements. However, to fully enjoy the benefits of your gloves, it’s important to keep them clean.

This task becomes a bit more complex when dealing with leather cycling gloves, given the sensitive nature of leather. But, worry not, as we will walk you through a comprehensive guide on how to wash leather cycling gloves properly.

Cleaning Leather Cycling Gloves: Overview

While there are numerous methods to clean and maintain your leather cycling gloves, two primary ways stand out:

  1. Hand washing: This is the preferred method because of its gentleness on the material.
  2. Machine washing: A quicker alternative, but requires more caution to avoid damaging the gloves.

Let’s delve into these methods and understand how each can be applied effectively.

Hand Washing Leather Cycling Gloves: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hand washing your leather cycling gloves allows you to clean them delicately, preserving the leather’s quality.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

First, mix a high-quality leather cleaner with water in a bucket to create a soft foam. Leather cleaner is gentle on the material, making it the ideal choice to avoid leaving scars or rough surfaces.

Step 2: Clean the Gloves

Put on the gloves and immerse them fully in the cleaning solution. Gently rub the dirty areas, paying particular attention to the calf, knuckle, and edges. A soft sponge can also be used for easier cleaning. Remember, using a brush may lead to scratches, so avoid it.

Step 3: Rinse the Gloves

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the gloves, rinse them under running water, ensuring that all foam is removed.

Step 4: Drain the Excess Water

Allow the water to drain from the gloves. Avoid squeezing them as this can distort the shape and create wrinkles.

Step 5: Dry the Gloves

Dry the gloves in a location with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct heat sources like fireplaces or dryers as they can harm the leather.

Step 6: Reshape the Gloves

Once the gloves are nearly dry, put them on and stretch them to help regain their original shape. Wipe off any remaining water with a soft cloth, and use a suede brush if necessary for a final touch-up.

Step 7: Condition the Gloves

Apply a leather conditioner to restore the leather’s shine and extend the lifespan of your gloves. Remember to choose a conditioner that matches your type of leather.

Machine Washing Leather Cycling Gloves: Caution is Key

While machine washing leather gloves is not recommended due to potential damage, it’s sometimes the only option if you’re short on time. If you choose to go this route, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Just like hand washing, start by mixing cold water and leather cleaner in your washing machine to create a soft foam.

Step 2: Protect the Gloves

Put the gloves in a mesh laundry bag before placing them in the washing machine. This adds a layer of protection to the gloves, preventing direct contact with the machine’s harsh environment.

Step 3: Drain the Excess Water

After the machine wash, rinse the gloves under plain water to remove any remaining soap, then let the excess water drain out.

Step 4: Dry the Gloves

Dry the gloves in a cool place, avoiding direct sunlight. Once partially dried, they can be placed in the sun for 15-30 minutes.

Step 5: Condition the Gloves

Apply a leather conditioner to restore the softness and shine to your gloves. This also helps to prevent cracks or drying out of the leather material.

Care Tips for Leather Cycling Gloves:

  1. Regular Cleaning: Depending on the frequency of use, clean your leather cycling gloves every few weeks to remove sweat and grime build-up. Sweat can gradually damage the leather, causing it to harden and crack.
  2. Avoid Direct Sunlight: While it may be tempting to dry your gloves quickly in the sun, direct sunlight can damage the leather, causing it to fade or crack.
  3. Use Leather Conditioner Regularly: Leather conditioner will help keep the gloves supple and extend their lifespan.
  4. Avoid Excessive Water Exposure: Leather does not do well with water. Excessive water exposure can cause the leather to shrink, warp, and become brittle.
  5. Store Properly: When not in use, store your gloves in a cool, dry place to help maintain their shape and prevent mildew growth.

Remember, how you clean and maintain your leather cycling gloves can greatly affect their durability and lifespan. The more meticulous you are about care, the longer your gloves will serve you, ensuring you always have a comfortable and safe ride.

You Might Also Want to Read This