Cleaning is the best way to eliminate bad smells, extend the life of your Thinsulate gloves, and reduce bacteria spread. But do you know how to do it properly?
Washing winter gloves incorrectly will cause discolorations, bleach stains, and even loss of the glove’s insulation features. Here’s how to wash Thinsulate gloves without a catastrophe.
Table of Contents
Steps to Wash Thinsulate Gloves
What to prepare
- Mild soap (think baby shampoo or gentle facial cleanser)
- A clean towel to absorb excess water
- A brush or cloth
Step 1. Wash the gloves in soapy water
Firstly, prepare a soapy water mixture in a bucket or sink. Then, soak your Thinsulate insulation gloves in the mixture for about 10-15 minutes. After that, scrub off any dirt or grime with a brush.
Step 2. Rinse the gloves
Remove all soapy water and refill your sink with clean water. Gently rub the gloves and repeat until all the soap comes off.
Step 3. Dry
Finally, gently squeeze the gloves to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist leather Thinsulate gloves as you might damage the delicate fabric.
You should also wrap them in a towel to absorb any remaining water before hanging them on a rack to dry naturally. Remember to avoid direct sunlight.
Steps to Wash Thinsulate Gloves in a Washing Machine
If you don’t have time to hand wash winter gloves, you can use the washing machine. However, check the product’s care label before proceeding.
Some Thinsulate gloves can be machine-washed and even tumble-dried, such as 3M Thinsulate work gloves Type G.
In case you have lost the manual, try searching for the gloves’ care instructions online. 100% polyester gloves are often machine-washable. If allowed, follow this procedure to wash ski gloves and Thinsulate gloves in the machine.
What to prepare
- Chlorine-free bleach
- Mild washing detergent
- Garment bag
Step 1. Remove stains
You should dilute a small amount of bleach in plenty of water. Then, dip a clean white cloth in the solution and blot the stains to remove them. If you are dealing with large smudges, you can soak your gloves in the solution for up to one hour.
Because of the different chemicals used, non-chlorine bleach works slower than regular bleach. So, don’t rush and add more products to speed up the process. It will ruin your gloves.
Note: Always use color-safe and non-chlorinated oxygen bleach to remove stains on Thinsulate gloves.
Step 2. Place the gloves in the washing machine
Put your gloves in a garment bag and place them in the washer. Heed to wash only products of the same color together. Next, pour a mild detergent into the machine and choose a delicate washing cycle.
Step 3. Dry
If the manufacturer allows you to tumble dry your gloves, go ahead and place them in the tumble dryer. You can dry 3M Thinsulate gloves Type G at up to 93˚C (200˚F).
Otherwise, hang the gloves on a line or place them on a flat surface to dry. While they are drying, gently pull the fingers to restore their shape.
When the outside of the gloves is dry, turn them inside out. If the weather does not cooperate, you can hang the gloves near the heater.
Helpful Tips
1. Don’t wash Thinsulate gloves too often
Can you wash insulated gloves? Yes, but don’t overdo it, as washing reduces their loft and insulation.
To make your winter gloves smell better, you can use cornstarch, baking soda, or white vinegar. They will help absorb any oil and moisture and deodorize your gloves.
In addition, you can disinfect Thinsulate gloves with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. But remember to only spray a moderate amount.
2. Waterproof Thinsulate gloves after washing
If you are cleaning Thinsulate waterproof gloves, apply a waterproof wax or spray after washing. It will keep the gloves free from moisture and protect the waterproof fabric.
- Spray or apply a generous amount of product to the gloves
- Use a cloth to spread the product evenly
- Allow the wax to soak in for 5 minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.
3. Use a glove dryer
Snow gloves are thick and bulky. They also come with a waterproof layer, making them difficult to dry thoroughly. When your gloves stay damped for over a day, they become the house for bacteria.
So, if you own many pairs and wash snow gloves regularly, consider investing in a glove dryer.
Conclusion
We hope our instructions and tips on how to wash Thinsulate gloves help you care better for your handwear. It is important to prevent harmful bacteria and maintain your Thinsulate gloves’ durability.
Don’t hesitate to leave us a comment if you have any further questions. We are glad to assist. See you then!
Veronica is our content editor. She is a talent in delivery. Her main work is editing and writing articles that are both informative and simple to follow. She is in charge of synthesizing our understanding of what personal protection equipment (PPE) is needed in each job, how to best apply it, and how to visualize that equipment.