How to Clean Leather Gardening Gloves

Types Of Leather

Leather can be classified into three main groups full grain, top grain, and split grain leather. Full grain leather is considered to be the strongest as it is made from the thickest and toughest hide. Top grain leather is softer and more flexible, but less durable. Split grain leather is the weakest form of leather and is made up of layers of hide bonded together. All leather gloves should be treated differently, depending on their type, so it's important to check the label first in order to ensure you are using the correct treatment.

Cleaning Products

When it comes to cleaning leather gloves, you need to choose the right product for the type of leather. For full grain leather, choose a specialized leather cleaning product with conditioning agents. For top and split grain leather, use a mild soap or detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach as these can cause the leather to dry out and degrade.

Cleaning Techniques

It's best to give your leather gloves a gentle cleaning every time you use them in order to keep them in the best condition possible. Use a damp cloth to wipe the gloves down, or a soft-bristled brush for tougher, caked-on dirt. Do not scrub the gloves, as this can damage the leather. When drying the gloves, avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this could cause them to crack. Instead, stuff them with newspaper and allow them to air-dry.

Protection and Storage

In order to extend the life of leather gloves, it's important to protect them from water and moisture. Before using them, coat the gloves lightly in a waterproofing product. Doing this will ensure that your gloves will be better able to repel moisture and dirt, as well as provide some additional cushioning for comfort. When not in use, store the gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

General Care

In addition to cleaning, protection, and storage, your leather gloves will also need to be conditioned and polished on a regular basis. Choose a conditioning product that is specifically meant for leather and use it to add a layer of protection to the material while keeping it soft and supple. Additionally, use a leather polish in order to keep your gloves looking their best.

Final Word

Leather gardening gloves require a bit of extra care and attention in order to keep them in good condition. Choose the cleaning products and techniques for your type of leather and make sure to clean, waterproof, condition, and polish regularly. With a little bit of TLC, your leather gloves should stay in good shape for many years.