How to Clean Leather Gloves

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If your leather gloves are in need of a wash, there are simple steps you can take to clean them. For a quick spot clean, dampen a cloth and use a mild soap to gently rub the dirt off of the leather glove. For a deeper clean, holding your gloves under running water and rubbing them with soap will help remove all of the dirt. Make sure you let your gloves air dry and put them on occasionally while they're drying so that they form to your hands.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Damp Cloths

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  1. A soft microfiber washcloth works well, but a clean paper towel will also work. Place the cloth or paper towel under clean running water to get it wet and then gently wring it out to remove excess water. [1]
    • The cloth or paper towel should be damp but not dripping.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Leather Gloves
    You can purchase a soap specifically designed for leather, or you can use the mildest soap you have in your home. Put some soap on the cloth and rub it together, creating a lather on the cloth. [2]
    • For example, saddle soap is a good option for your leather gloves as it cleans the leather while also protecting it.
    • You can purchase a soap like this at a big box store or online.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Leather Gloves
    Try to work the soap into the leather using the cloth, rubbing very gently so as not to ruin the exterior. Pay special attention to the dirty areas of each of your gloves. [3]
    • It may be easier if you put on one of your gloves and clean it with the cloth using the other hand.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Leather Gloves
    Dampen another cloth or paper towel just as you did with the first one, wringing it out so that it’s not dripping. Use this to gently remove the dirt and soap from the gloves with repeated rubbing motions. [4]
    • Make sure you get all of the soap off of each of your gloves.
  5. If you notice that there are still some dirt spots on one or both of your gloves, use a sudsy cloth to rub the dirt away gently. Use another clean damp cloth to remove the soap again. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Holding the Gloves under Running Water

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  1. This makes it easier to work the soap into the leather and gives you more control over the washing process. Put both of your gloves on, or just one if you’re only washing a specific one. [6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Leather Gloves
    Turn on a faucet to lukewarm water. With the gloves on your hands, run your hands under the water for just a few seconds. You should get the entire surface of your glove wet, but don’t hold your glove under the water for an extended period of time. [7]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Leather Gloves
    A bar of soap works well for this as you can rub the bar all over your gloves. Once your gloves are sudsy, use your gloved hands to gently rub the soap into the leather. Be careful not to rub too vigorously so you don’t damage the gloves. [8]
    • Soaps with lots of natural fat, like Marseille soap, are perfect for cleaning leather gloves.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Leather Gloves
    Turn on clean running water again and place your hands under the stream. Use one gloved hand to help remove the soap from the other hand, and vice versa. Try to make sure all of the soap has been removed before turning off the water. [9]
    • You can remove your gloves from your hands to help you get the soap out of the leather, if desired.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Drying the Gloves

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Leather Gloves
    Set a clean towel on a flat surface and place a glove on the towel. Fold the towel over on top of the glove to blot the excess water from the leather, pressing down on the towel gently. Do the same thing with the other glove to remove as much water as possible. [10]
    • Avoid twisting the glove to remove water as this can damage the leather.
  2. Once you’ve removed as much water as possible, lay out the gloves on a flat surface to let them dry at room temperature. Make sure all of the fingers are flat and in the right form so that they dry correctly. [11]
    • The gloves will likely take an entire day to dry.
    • Avoid placing them near a fire or radiator.
  3. Putting the gloves on 3-5 times while they’re drying will help them form to your hands again. If the gloves still feel stiff once they’re completely dry, wearing them for a day or two will return them to their stretched-out state. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you clean leather gloves naturally?
    Susan Stocker
    Professional Cleaner
    Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
    Susan Stocker
    Professional Cleaner
    Expert Answer
    You can always just wipe the gloves down with deionized water. This should resolve most problems. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and apply the solution with a microfiber cloth.
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  • Question
    Can you wash leather gloves in the washing machine?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It’s generally not a good idea to put leather in the washing machine. As much as possible, stick to spot-cleaning your gloves, and avoid submerging them in water. If your gloves are really dirty, take them to a cleaner who was experience working with leather.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can I use soap and water to clean leather?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Absolutely! A solution of water and mild, pure soap is a great option for cleaning leather. Dip a soft cloth in the soap and water mix and use it to wipe down your gloves.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ Susan Stocker. Stain Removal Specialist. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      2. ↑ Susan Stocker. Stain Removal Specialist. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      3. ↑ Susan Stocker. Stain Removal Specialist. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      4. ↑ Susan Stocker. Stain Removal Specialist. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a23595/glove-cleaning-tips/
      6. ↑ https://www.miss-thrifty.co.uk/how-to-clean-leather-gloves/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lEGSaI0DxA
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lEGSaI0DxA
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lEGSaI0DxA
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lEGSaI0DxA
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lEGSaI0DxA
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDsOE19AZPk

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean leather gloves, dip a clean, soft cloth or paper towel in water. Squeeze out the excess so the cloth is damp, but not dripping. Put a few drops of mild soap or detergent on the cloth and rub it in to create a lather. Gently rub the surface of the glove with the soapy cloth, focusing on dirty areas in particular. Take a second damp cloth, without any soap on it this time, and use it to carefully wipe away the lather and grime. If you still see dirt on the glove, repeat the process. Pat the gloves dry with a dry towel and let them air dry completely when you’re done. Scroll down for more expert tips, like how to keep the gloves’ shape while they’re drying!

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