How To Wash Gardening Gloves

How To Wash Gardening Gloves: An Enlightening Guide

Gardening gloves are essential tools that keep our hands protected when pruning, pulling weeds, or any other task in the garden. After a hard day of labor in the garden, most gardeners opt to remove their gloves and wash them. So, how exactly do you wash gardening gloves properly?

Knowing What Materials the Gloves Feature

The first step in washing your gardening gloves is to identify the materials used in their manufacturing. Different materials require different approaches when it comes to washing. Leather gloves, for example, must be hand washed. Likewise, synthetic gloves like those crafted from neoprene-based materials will need to be machine-washed. Knowing the materials used to make your gardening gloves will give you the information necessary to keep your gloves clean without damaging them.

Washing by Hand

Leather Gloves

Leather-based gardening gloves should be hand-washed with a mild soap and warm water. This will help to remove the dirt and debris that have accumulated throughout the day without damaging the leather. Once the gloves have been rinsed off with the warm water, buff the leather with a cloth to finish the cleaning process.

Synthetic Gloves

Synthetic gardening gloves are easier to clean than leather gloves. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove persistent dirt and grime. It is also possible to launder synthetic gloves. Place them in a mesh laundering bag and launder on a gentle cycle with cold water.

Washing with a Machine

Machine washing is an excellent way to clean heavily soiled gardening gloves without risking damage. Be sure to put your gloves in a mesh laundering bag to avoid snagging. Also, double check the manufacturer's instructions and laundry settings to ensure you are machine washing at the appropriate temperature.

Drying Gloves

Drying your gloves is just as important as the washing process. For leather-based gloves, sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder on them before laying them flat on a towel in a sunny spot to dry. Keep the gloves out of direct sunlight and make sure they dry flat so they don't lose their shape.

Synthetic gloves should also be placed on a towel in a sunny spot to dry. Make sure the gloves are not exposed to direct sunlight to avoid damage. You can also place your synthetic gloves in the dryer on a low heat.

Brief Recap

To ensure your garden gloves remain clean and in top condition, a thorough cleaning is necessary. Knowing the materials of your gloves is the first step in the cleaning process. Hand washing with a mild soap or machine washing in a mesh laundering bag will help to remove pesky dirt and debris without risking damage. After washing, let your gloves air dry. Place leather gloves on a towel with a light coat of talcum powder and synthetic gloves either in a sunny spot or the dryer. With the right combination of materials and techniques, you can keep your gardening gloves in great condition to protect your hands as you tackle the garden.

References:

Meeks, U. A. (2018). How to Clean and Care for Gardening Gloves Gardener's Path. [online] Gardener's Path. Available at: https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/clothing-and-footwear/how-to-clean-gardening-gloves/ [Accessed 6 Apr. 2021].

Houzz. (2020). Properly Clean and Care for Gardening Gloves. [online] Available at: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/properly-clean-and-care-for-gardening-gloves-stsetivw-vs17966168 [Accessed 6 Apr. 2021].