Can You Put Goalkeeper Gloves In The Washing Machine?

You shouldn’t wash your goalkeeper gloves in the washing machine. Long periods in water, along with the tumbling and heat from the cycle, can damage them. 

Originally made from leather, modern versions of goalkeeper gloves often use a mix of latex, polyurethane (PU) leather, and foam. These materials can be damaged by heat and water.

Hand washing them ideally after each match is a better way to keep them clean.

While it’s important to know that goalkeeper gloves shouldn’t go in the washing machine, there’s much more to keeping them in good shape. This article will guide you on the best practices for hand washing, drying, and storing them. Keep reading to learn more.

How Should You Wash Goalkeeper Gloves?

When it comes to washing your goalkeeper gloves, the right method can make all the difference. Hand washing ensures they remain in good shape for your next match. Follow these steps for the best results.

How to hand wash your goalkeeper gloves

• Wash your gloves in warm water (up to 30 degrees Celsius) as soon as you’re done using them
• Use a specially formulated goalkeeper glove cleaner. While it’s not necessary, it does help ensure all dirt is removed and can make the cleaning faster.
• Avoid using any harsh chemicals such as bleach to prevent damaging your gloves
• Gently scrub off any dirt with your thumbs without applying too much pressure, as it can tear the latex
• If you’ve washed them with a glove cleaner, make sure to rinse it all off with fresh warm water, as any product left on the gloves can damage them
• Once your gloves are clean, open up the Velcro so water can get out

Alternatively, a mild and gentle laundry detergent can be used to clean your gloves but might not clean as effectively since it’s not designed for foam or latex. 

How Do You Dry Goalkeeper Gloves Properly?

After washing your goalkeeper gloves, press them gently with a towel to remove extra water, avoiding rubbing them as it might rip the latex. When drying:

• Ensure the palms of your gloves do not touch each other to prevent sticking and tearing.
• Make sure the silicone or rubber on the back of the gloves doesn’t touch the palms, which could cause a reaction. It won’t affect how they work, but it might change how they look. 
• Allow your gloves to air dry, which should take about a day. Hang them up to dry either on a clothesline or in the bathroom but keep them away from direct sunlight and damp places.

However, if you let your latex dry out too much, it will get brittle. This means it won’t last as long and won’t grip as well, which isn’t good.

Important: Do not dry your gloves on a radiator, in front of a fire, in a tumble dryer, using an iron, in an airing cupboard, or by wringing them out, as these methods can strip the natural moisture from the latex, making them dry and brittle.

How Do You Remove Odour From Goalkeeper Gloves?

If your goalkeeper gloves are clean but smell, soak them in warm water with 3 to 4 tablespoons of white vinegar, submerged completely for about 30 minutes. 

Don’t soak them for too long as it might damage the gloves. Rinse them with clean water and let them dry naturally, far from any heat or sunlight.

How Should You Store Goalkeeper Gloves?

You should store your gloves in a cool place away from direct sunlight. If they’re kept in a damp area, mould and bacteria might grow, which can ruin them. 

Always wash your gloves before putting them away.

Should You Wet Goalkeeper Gloves Before Playing?

It’s usually recommended to wet goalkeeper gloves with latex palms before play, as this helps the latex grip better.

Make sure that water doesn’t get inside the gloves, as they could start to smell sooner plus it’s uncomfortable to play with wet hands.

SEE ALSO: Can You Put Hockey Equipment In The Washing Machine?

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