If you’re a gardener, you know that getting your hands dirty is part of the job. But what do you do when your leather gloves get muddy and need a wash? Can you throw them in the washing machine?
Read on to find out!
To summarily answer the question, yes, you can wash leather garden gloves. However, there are a few rules to follow so that your gloves remain in good condition after being washed.
The most important rule is to never put your leather gloves in a washing machine or dryer. The heat and water can damage the material, making it less supple and more prone to cracking.
How To Clean Leather Garden Gloves
1. How To Clean Leather Garden Gloves Using Dish Soap
Using dish soap is a great way to clean leather garden gloves. While this is a good way to clean your leather garden gloves, you want to make sure you do not use any harsh soap or detergents.
If you want a quick DIY method, using soap is a great option. Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to clean your leather garden gloves:
Thing Needed:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Leather Cleaner
- Clean cloth
- Soft brush
Procedure:
Steps 1:
- Fill a container with warm water and add mild dish soap to it.
- Swish until the soap and water are mixed together.
Step 2:
- Dip a clean cloth or brush in the soapy water, wring it out and then gently rub down your gloves.
- Be sure to pay extra attention to any areas that have dirt or mud on them.
Step 3:
- Once you’ve rubbed down the gloves, rinse them in fresh warm water.
Step 4:
- Once your gloves are rinsed, pat them down with a dry clean cloth or paper towel.
Step 5:
- Once the gloves are dry, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to them.
- This will help keep your gloves looking and feeling good for years to come.
2. How To Clean Leather Garden Gloves Using Saddle Soap
You can also use saddle soap to clean your leather garden gloves. Saddle soap is specifically designed for leather products, so it’s a great choice for cleaning your gardening gloves.
The best thing about saddle soap is that you can use it to clean any tough stains, such as mud and grass.
Another key benefit of using saddle soap is that it helps to condition and protect the leather gloves all in one quick step.
Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to clean your leather garden gloves using saddle soap:
Things Needed:
- Warm water
- Saddle Soap
- Clean cloth
- Soft brush
Procedure:
Steps 1:
- Dampen your soft clean brush with warm water and rub it over the saddle soap.
- This will cause the brush to lather up.
Step 2:
- Gently rub down your leather garden gloves with the lather from the brush.
- Make sure to pay extra attention to areas that are dirty or stained.
Step 3:
- Once you’ve rubbed down the leather gloves well enough, wipe it down using a clean dry cloth.
- You do not want to rinse the leather gloves. Saddle soap contains waxes and oils that will help condition the leather.
Step 4:
- Allow your gloves to dry in a cool, dry place, and viola! Your gloves are now clean, conditioned, and ready to go.
3. How To Clean Leather Garden Gloves Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great natural cleanser and disinfectant. It’s also effective for cleaning leather garden gloves.
This is particularly useful if you have colored stains on your garden leather gloves from mud or grass. White vinegar can help remove these stains and restore the color of your gloves.
Here is a quick guide on how to clean your leather garden gloves using white vinegar:
Things Needed:
- White Vinegar
- Clean cloth
- Water
- Leather Conditioner
Procedure:
Step 1:
- To use white vinegar to clean your leather garden gloves, you need to mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio.
- You can do this mixture in a spray bottle or a bowl.
- For tougher stains, you can increase the amount of white vinegar used in the mixture.
Step 2:
- Spray or dip a clean cloth into the vinegar and water mixture, wring it out and wipe down your leather garden gloves.
- Apply a bit more elbow grease if necessary to get rid of tougher stains.
Step 3:
- Once you’ve wiped down the gloves with the vinegar and water mixture, rinse them off with a damp cloth to remove all vinegar residue.
- Follow up by using a dry cloth or paper towel to pat down the gloves to remove any excess moisture.
Step 4:
- Finally, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to your gloves once they are completely dry.
Do’s And Don’ts of Cleaning Leather Garden Gloves
Do’s:
- Use a soft brush or cloth to clean your leather garden gloves.
- Always apply a thin layer of leather conditioner after cleaning your gloves.
- If necessary, you can use saddle soap or white vinegar to remove tough stains.
- Clean your leather gloves every few weeks.
- Give your garden gloves ample time to air dry before wearing them.
- Always stuff your leather garden gloves when drying to prevent them from losing their shape.
Don’ts:
- Do not submerge the gloves in water.
- Do not use harsh chemicals such as detergents or bleach to clean your gloves.
- Do not dry your gloves using direct heat sources.
- Do not store your leather garden gloves in a warm, humid place.
- Do not leave your gloves in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
- Do not neglect to clean your leather gloves regularly.
- Do not put your leather garden gloves in a washing machine or dryer.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Cleaning your leather garden gloves is a very easy and straightforward process.
Using saddle soap or white vinegar can help you remove tough stains and get your gloves looking as good as new.
Remember to always apply a thin layer of leather conditioner after cleaning your gloves, and give them ample time to air dry before wearing them.
Following these tips and tricks should help keep your leather garden gloves looking great for many years to come.
Happy gardening!
Good luck!