We often write about how to care for goalkeeper gloves, but how do you actually clean and look after these valuable pieces of equipment?
AVOID THE WASHING MACHINE AND TUMBLE DRYER
The most important thing to remember is to avoid washing your gloves in the washing machine at all costs, a mistake that many goalkeepers have made. This unfortunate choice can damage both the foam and the glove itself, due to the aggressive drum and the chemicals present in detergents. What’s more, placing them in a tumble dryer is just as bad, as the heat and movement of the drum can cause your gloves to become stiff and gradually deteriorate. Although this method may seem practical and quick, it can considerably alter the condition of your gloves.
PREFER HAND WASHING
Although it may seem like a tedious task, hand washing with lukewarm water is recommended for goalkeeper gloves.
Here’s how it works: after judging the temperature of the water, immerse a glove and let the water soak in. Then gently rub the latex palm with your free hand. Repeat this gesture several times, taking care to clench your fist between each step to eliminate the water accumulated in the foam.
If you wish, you can use products specially designed for cleaning gloves, such as those offered by well-known brands like Uhlsport, Reusch or GloveGlu. These products are highly effective for cleaning while preserving the grip. However, when using this type of product, make sure you rinse the latex thoroughly after use. Then wring out the glove by clenching your fist and let it air dry.
WHEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR GLOVES?
Inevitably, as soon as you receive your parcel, the urge to put on your gloves and rush off to training or even a match overwhelms you. However, it’s advisable to wash them at least once before use, to clean the latex from the foam and remove any traces of residual products. After that, it’s advisable to clean your gloves after every training session or match.
It’s better to wash them immediately after use than to leave them in your bag and clean them two days later. Initially, a simple rinse in lukewarm water to remove the main dirt may suffice, provided you clean them more thoroughly in the days that follow.
ADEQUATE DRYING TIME
As mentioned above, avoid using a tumble dryer. Instead, air-dry your gloves by hanging them on a traditional dryer, out of direct sunlight. Avoid placing them in front of a fireplace or over a radiator. Allow at least 24 hours for optimal drying, and possibly more depending on the characteristics of your gloves. Then put your gloves away in the pouch supplied when you bought them, and choose a suitable place to store them. Once again, avoid environments with significant temperature variations.
Taking meticulous care of your gloves is essential to ensure that they last a long time and retain all their grip characteristics over time.
