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How to Wash Leather Gloves in Washing Machine? Dos & Don’ts

Fact checked by Andrew Carnegie

how to wash leather gloves in washing machine

Can’t find time to wash your leather gloves? No worries! The washing machine can do the job for you. When you apply the right procedure, it won’t ruin the gloves’ form and delicate fabric.

In this article, we will show you how to wash leather gloves in washing machine, along with mistakes you should avoid while doing this. Washing leather gloves doesn’t have to be daunting and time-consuming, find the complete tutorial below!

What to Prepare

To machine-wash leather gloves, you should prepare:

  • White vinegar
  • Mild washing detergent
  • Leather conditioner or beeswax
  • Garment bag

Steps to Machine-Wash Leather Gloves

can-you-wash-leather-in-washing-machine

Step 1. Remove stains and sanitize the interior (optional)

Before you put the gloves in the machine, we recommend removing stains and sanitizing them. A mild detergent won’t get rid of accumulated dirt, bacteria, mold, smell, and other contaminants in the gloves.

You should:

  • Make a solution of equal amounts of water and white vinegar
  • Drip a brush in the solution
  • Use it to brush off any dirt or grime

Then, turn the gloves inside out and repeat the steps. To treat stubborn stains, apply the solution and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing.

If the gloves are too grimy, you can soak them in soapy water. But don’t leave them for more than one hour. After that, scrub off the grime with a brush.

Step 2. Place the gloves in the washing machine

cleaning-leather-gloves

Can you wash leather in washing machine? Yes, but not all types of leather. You must read the product’s care label beforehand. If the manufacturer doesn’t recommend this, check out our article on how to clean leather gloves.

Otherwise, put your gloves in a garment bag and place them in the washing machine. Remember to use a mild detergent and choose a delicate cycle. Avoid hot water and fabric softener as they can shrink the leather and damage its texture.

Note that the machine can weaken and loosen leather’s fiber. If you use the washing machine too often, you might shorten the gloves’ lifespan.

Step 3. Dry

washing-leather-gloves

When you take the gloves out of the garment bag, don’t wring them. Since damp leather is vulnerable, you might ruin the gloves’ original shape.

Instead, place them on a flat surface and gently pull the fingers. Then, you can hang them on a line to dry. While they are drying, put them on several times and massage the leather to prevent shrinkage.

When the outside is dry, flip the gloves inside out. To speed up the process, you can put them near your home’s heat vent. But you should never place them in the tumble dryer or under direct sunlight.

Step 4. Restore and preserve the leathern

When the gloves are dry, you might notice that they are stiffer than usual. It happens when leather is soaked in water for a prolonged period. So, always apply conditioner after cleaning leather gloves. It only takes a few minutes.

This extra step will help restore the leather’s natural oil and prevent creases. You should:

  • Put on the gloves
  • Take a generous amount of leather conditioner or beeswax
  • Work the product into the leather by scrubbing your hands together
  • Leave the gloves overnight
  • Wipe off any excess with a cloth

This video will show you the whole procedure:

The next time you need them, your leather gloves will be clean, shiny, and ready to tackle your tasks.

Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Leather Gloves

accidentally-washed-leather-gloves

#1: Overwash

Always choose a delicate and short cycle when you wash leather gloves in the washing machine. When leather is soaked in water for too long, it becomes brittle, starts to peel, and develops creases.

Excessive exposure to water can also damage the dye, causing an inconsistent look on the leather surface.

#2: Use external heat

You should leave the gloves in a cool and ventilated area to dry. To speed up the process, you can use your home’s heat vent, a fan, or a blow dryer on low setting.

But never place the gloves under direct sunlight or throw them in the tumble dryer. The excessive heat will warp and shrink them.

#3: Wash cashmere lining in the washing machine

Leather gloves that have a cashmere lining should never be put in the washing machine. The lining will deteriorate, and your gloves will be unusable. Instead, use this procedure:

  • Step 1. Turn the gloves inside out to expose the cashmere lining.
  • Step 2. Make some soapy water and lather up a cloth.
  • Step 3. Use the cloth to gently scrub the lining.
  • Step 4. Rinse the cloth, twist to remove excess water, and wipe the soap on the lining.
  • Step 5. Lay the gloves flat to dry.

#4: Use unsuitable cleaning solutions

Do not use bleach, harsh detergent, alcohol, or acetone to clean your leather gloves. Such chemicals dry out and crack the leather. They also strip away waterproof wax and conditioner layers.

In the past, I accidentally washed leather gloves with a small amount of Clorox bleach. I tried several touch-up leather dye products, but its beautiful color was never restored.

You should routinely dust off your gloves after each use. That way, you will never have to use potent detergent. If you need to clean stubborn stains, make sure to use white vinegar or a leather stain remover.

Conclusion

Leather is undoubtedly the best material for motorcycle, gardening, and work gloves. But unlike cotton and polyester, leather requires frequent maintenance.

We hope this guide on how to wash leather gloves in washing machine helps you save some time and energy. Also, do you have any idea about restoring my gloves’ color? Let me know in the comment section. Thank you!

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