Proper maintenance and cleaning of goalkeeper gloves is essential for any keeper who wants their gloves to last and perform at their best. Regular cleaning keeps gloves free of dirt, bacteria, and odours that can degrade the glove materials and affect grip. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively clean goalie gloves without damaging them.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Before cleaning your gloves, gather the necessary supplies:
| Supplies | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mild laundry detergent or glove wash | Gently cleans gloves without damaging latex |
| Soft-bristled toothbrush | Scrubs gloves gently without abrasion |
| Large bowl for water | Holds gloves during soaking and washing |
| Towels | Blots excess water after washing |
Having these supplies ready will make the cleaning process quick and efficient. Glove wash designed specifically for goalie gloves is ideal, as it gently cleans gloves without damaging the latex palm. If glove wash isn’t available, a small amount of mild, fragrance-free laundry detergent will also work.
The soft-bristled toothbrush is key for scrubbing the gloves gently without causing any rips, tears or abrasions to the glove materials. Have clean towels on hand to gently blot gloves dry after washing.
Mix Cleaning Solution
Fill the large bowl with warm water, then add a small squirt of glove wash or small amount of detergent, about 1-2 tbsp for a medium bowl. The solution should produce a light lather when agitated, but should not be overly soapy.
Too much detergent or soap can be harsh on glove materials and strip essential oils from the latex palm. A mildly bubbly solution is ideal for cleaning goalie gloves. The warm water helps the cleaning agents penetrate into the glove fibres and latex palm.
Soak the Gloves
Fully submerge the gloves in the warm, soapy water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes, gently moving them around to allow the solution to penetrate into the glove materials.
This soaking action helps loosen built-up dirt, sweat, oils and microbes trapped on the surface and inside the glove liner without damaging glove materials. Soaking gives the detergent time to lift contaminants from the deepest layers of the glove palm and fabric.
Scrub Entire Glove Surface
Use the soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub every surface of the soaked gloves – including the palms, fingers, wraparound straps and inside liner.
Scrub lightly but thoroughly, paying close attention to visibly dirty areas. The bristles will lift away solid debris and stuck-on grime that standard soaking doesn’t remove.
Take care not to brush so hard that it causes pilling or tears on glove fabric. Gentle, thorough scrubbing is the goal. Scrubbing dislodges any contaminants loosened by the soaking process.
Rinse Away All Residue
Once scrubbing is complete, thoroughly rinse both gloves under cool, running water. Agitate them to remove all traces of soap residue which can degrade materials if left on.
Rinsing away all detergent prevents glove materials from drying out or becoming prone to cracking. Thorough rinsing also removes any loosened dirt and grime from glove surfaces. Cool water prevents any leftover detergent from setting into the fibres.
Air Dry Properly
After washing, use a towel to gently blot excess moisture from the gloves’ surface. Then allow the gloves to fully air dry naturally – inside out is preferred.
Do not wring, twist or aggressively blot gloves to speed drying, as this can damage materials. Also avoid direct heat from radiators or hairdryers, as excess heat can degrade glove latex and liners.
Air drying gloves inside out prevents the inner liner from developing odours or mildew growth while drying. Plus, it helps the latex palm dry smooth and tacky. Proper air drying returns gloves to like-new performance. It allows all moisture to evaporate slowly without heat damage.
To conclude, regular, proper cleaning keeps goalie gloves in top playing condition for longer. While it only takes 15-20 minutes, the small time investment pays off by maintaining grip, protection and hygiene – helping any goalie boost confidence in their equipment.
With the right mild detergent, soft brush and careful air drying, gloves can be cleaned safely without risk of damage. Following these simple steps keeps any keeper’s gloves fresh, responsive and ready for action in the next big game.
