Gardening gloves are essential for protecting your hands while working in the garden. Over time, dirt, debris, and sweat can build up on gardening gloves, making them dirty and smelly. Learning how to clean gardening gloves properly will help extend their lifespan so you get more use out of them. When cleaning gardening gloves, it’s important to consider the material they are made from. Most gardening gloves are made from fabric, leather, or a blend of materials. The cleaning method will vary slightly depending on the gloves’ composition. Following the proper steps to clean each type of gardening glove will help them last longer.
Supplies Needed to Clean Gardening Gloves
- Mild detergent or soap
- Warm water
- Soft-bristle toothbrush or nail brush
- Sponge or soft cloth
- Towel
- Leather cleaner (for leather gardening gloves)
Preparing Gloves for Cleaning
Before washing gardening gloves, take a few minutes to prep them:
- Brush off any loose dirt or debris from the gloves. This prevents the debris from grinding into the material during the washing process.
- Turn the gloves inside out. This exposes the interior surfaces for a more thorough cleaning. The insides of gloves tend to get the dirtiest from hand sweat and oils.
- Check for stains or heavily soiled areas. Pretreat these spots with a stain remover or mix a bit of detergent with water and scrub with a toothbrush. This helps lift stubborn dirt.
- If the gloves have removable foam or cloth liners, remove them before washing. Clean the shell and liners separately.
Now the gloves are ready for a deep cleaning!
How to Wash Fabric Gardening Gloves
For gardening gloves made of cotton, nylon, or other fabrics, washing them in the laundry is typically the easiest method. Here are the steps:
1. Place Gloves in Mesh Wash Bag
Put the gloves into a mesh wash bag and zip it closed. This prevents the gloves from getting lost or damaged during the wash cycle.
2. Wash on Gentle Cycle with Cold Water
Wash the gloves on the washing machine’s gentle cycle using cold water. Hot water can damage some fabrics, while agitation from regular wash cycles may be too harsh.
3. Use Mild Laundry Detergent
Avoid using harsh detergents, which could degrade fabric fibers over time. Instead, opt for mild, high-efficiency laundry detergents. Powder detergents dissolve better than liquid for washing gloves.
4. Air Dry Gloves
Once washed, remove the gloves from the mesh bag. Shape them back into form and lay flat to air dry. Avoid putting gloves in the dryer, which could cause shrinkage.
With this laundry method, fabric gardening gloves come out clean and ready for more yard work! For heavy soiling, repeat the wash process.
Cleaning Leather Gardening Gloves
Leather gardening gloves require special care to prevent the leather from drying out. Here are some tips:
1. Rinse Away Dirt
Rinse leather gloves under lukewarm running water. Use your hands to gently loosen caked-on dirt and mud. Avoid soaking the leather.
2. Make Leather Cleaner Solution
Mix a leather cleaner with warm water according to package directions. Or make your own solution by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of mild soap with 1 cup of warm water.
3. Scrub Gloves with Solution
Use a sponge or soft cloth dipped in the cleaner solution to gently scrub gloves. Make sure to get all surfaces of the gloves.
4. Rinse and Air Dry
Once scrubbed, rinse the gloves well under running water. Squeeze out excess moisture, reshape the gloves and lay flat to air dry.
5. Condition the Leather
Once fully dried, apply a leather conditioner. This helps restore moisture so gloves stay supple.
With frequent conditioning, leather gardening gloves can last for years.
Washing Blend Material Gardening Gloves
Gardening gloves that blend fabrics like cotton and spandex with leather or rubber need a specialized approach. Here are some pointers:
- Check the manufacturer’s care label and follow washing instructions.
- Stick to cold water to prevent damage to leather parts.
- Turn gloves inside out so leather parts face inward during washing.
- Allow to air dry fully before wearing again.
- Condition leather sections after washing.
- Wash blend gloves after each use to prevent heavy soiling.
Sanitizing Gardening Gloves
For an extra level of cleanliness, consider sanitizing gardening gloves occasionally. This helps kill germs and bacteria that can accumulate from working in the soil.
Here are two easy methods:
Bleach Solution
Add 1 teaspoon of bleach to 1 quart of water. Submerge gloves and allow to soak for one minute. Rinse thoroughly in clean water. Allow to fully air dry.
Vinegar Solution
Make a cleaning solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water. Scrub gloves with the solution and let sit for 30 seconds. Rinse and then air dry fully.
Be sure to mix these sanitizing solutions in well-ventilated areas. Never mix bleach and vinegar, as toxic gases can form.
Sanitizing gloves once a month helps kill germs for a cleaner gardening experience.
Gardening Glove Care Tips
Follow these extra care tips to maximize the lifespan of your gardening gloves:
- Inspect frequently – Check for holes, tears or excessive wear. Discard and replace gloves once they can no longer adequately protect your hands.
- Mend small holes/tears – For tiny holes or tears, mend them quickly by sewing or using adhesive patches to prevent further damage.
- Limit moisture – Allow gloves to fully air dry between uses and store in a dry spot. Moisture breeds mildew and speeds up deterioration.
- Use glove liners – Wear thin glove liners underneath gardening gloves to absorb hand sweat and oils. This prevents inner soiling. Swap out the liners regularly.
- Clean after each use – Don’t let dirt or debris build-up. Follow the proper cleaning steps after each use for best results.
- Condition leather often – Apply leather conditioner frequently to prevent cracking and stiffness.
With proper care and frequent cleaning, quality gardening gloves can last for multiple seasons of gardening fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean suede gardening gloves?
Use a suede brush or toothbrush to gently brush off dry dirt. For a deeper clean, mix a mild soap with cold water and scrub suede gloves with the solution. Let air dry fully and use a suede brush to restore the nap.
Can I machine wash cloth gardening gloves?
Yes, you can wash cotton, nylon or other fabric gloves in the washing machine. Turn them inside out first and wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water. Lay flat or line dry only.
How do I get rid of soil stains on leather gloves?
Mix a solution of mild dish soap and cold water. Gently scrub stained areas with a soft cloth and soapy solution. Rinse thoroughly, condition, and let dry. For stubborn stains, try a leather cleaner.
What’s the best way to dry gardening gloves fast?
Lay gloves flat or hang them to air dry. You can speed up drying by placing gloves in front of a fan. Just make sure to reshape the fingers as they dry. Avoid putting wet gloves in the dryer or in direct sunlight.
How often should gardening gloves be cleaned?
Ideally, clean gloves after each use to prevent the buildup of dirt, soil, and sweat. At a minimum, clean cotton and leather gloves every 2-3 uses and synthetic blends after each use.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning gardening gloves is simple and helps extend their lifespan. Make sure to use the proper method for the glove material – cotton, nylon, leather or blends. The ultimate DIY indoor garden system guide not only provides expert insights on cultivating thriving indoor greenery but also emphasizes the importance of meticulous care for your gardening tools, such as allowing gloves to air dry fully before wearing again. With proper care and frequent cleaning, quality gardening gloves can be enjoyed for many seasons of gardening fun, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience as you implement the strategies outlined in the guide for your indoor garden. Following these tips will help you keep gloves fresh, clean and ready for getting your hands dirty.