Cleaning your work gloves extends their life and maintains their protection, but doing it wrong can damage them permanently. Different materials require specific care. This definitive guide provides safe cleaning and drying methods for three common glove types: dipped, leather, and knitted, ensuring your investment in safety lasts longer.
General Rule: Always check the manufacturer’s care label first. When in doubt, err on the side of gentler methods.
1. Dipped Gloves (Nitrile, Latex, PU Coated)
These are the most delicate when it comes to cleaning.
- Cleaning: Use a mild detergent or soap and lukewarm water. Gently rub the surface by hand. Never use harsh chemicals, solvents, bleach, or abrasive scrubs, as they will degrade and crack the polymer coating.
- Rinsing & Drying: Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Pat excess water with a towel and air dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not tumble dry, as high heat will cause the coating to become brittle and crack.
2. Leather Gloves
Leather is durable but can stiffen or shrink if treated improperly.
- Cleaning: Remove surface dirt with a soft brush. For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with a specialized leather cleaner or a very mild saddle soap. Test on a small area first. Wipe gently and never soak the leather.
- Conditioning & Drying: After cleaning and while slightly damp, apply a leather conditioner to replenish natural oils and maintain flexibility. Air dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat. Stuffing them with newspaper can help retain shape and absorb moisture.
3. Knitted & Fabric Gloves (Cotton, Polyester, HPPE, Kevlar®)
These are often the most washable, but with precautions.
- Pre-treatment: For heavy stains, pre-treat with a mild stain remover.
- Washing: Turn gloves inside out if possible. Wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle using a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can clog fibers and reduce breathability and flame-resistant (FR) properties.
- Drying: Air drying is always safest. If using a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or air-dry cycle. High heat can shrink fabrics and damage technical fibers like aramids.
What NOT to Do (The “Glove Killers”):
- Never boil or use very hot water.
- Avoid strong solvents, acids, or bleach.
- Do not wring or twist gloves aggressively.
- Never dry on direct radiators or in an oven.
Conclusion:
Proper cleaning is a simple but vital part of safety equipment maintenance. By following these material-specific steps—gentle hand wash for dipped gloves, specialized care for leather, and gentle machine cycles for knitted gloves—you preserve their protective qualities, ensure comfort, and get the maximum value from every pair.
