Every golfer has been there—you tee off with a clean, fresh glove, but by the time you’re finishing your round, it looks worn down, sweaty, and maybe even smells a little off. While we take great care in cleaning our clubs, polishing our shoes, and even wiping down golf balls, gloves are usually ignored. Most of us just shove them back into the bag until the next game. The result? A glove that loses its grip, wears out too quickly, and doesn’t perform the way it should.
If you’ve ever asked yourself how to clean golf gloves, how to wash a golf glove, or even can you wash golf gloves?, this guide is for you. I’ll share everything I’ve learned over the years about keeping golf gloves fresh—from cleaning leather and synthetic gloves to drying, storing, and knowing when it’s time to replace them. I’ll also touch on when to wear a golf glove, since using it properly is just as important as cleaning it.
Why Cleaning Golf Gloves Matters
A golf glove is more than just a piece of gear—it’s part of your connection to the club. Every swing means sweat, dirt, and natural oils from your hands seep into the fabric. Over time, this build-up kills the tackiness that helps you keep a firm hold. Once a glove becomes slippery or stiff, your grip suffers, and so does your swing.
Knowing how to clean a golf glove doesn’t just make it look better—it keeps your grip consistent and your glove lasting longer. Plus, it saves money in the long run since you won’t be replacing gloves as often.
Can You Wash Golf Gloves?
This is a question I hear all the time: “Can you wash golf gloves?” The answer is yes—but the method depends on the type of glove.
- Leather gloves are known for their comfort and feel, but they’re also delicate. Too much water or rough scrubbing can ruin them.
- Synthetic gloves are tougher and more forgiving, which makes them easier to wash.
So if you’ve wondered can you clean golf gloves? or can you wash a golf glove?, the key is using the right cleaning approach for the material.
How to Clean Golf Gloves Properly
Cleaning Leather Golf Gloves
Leather gloves are my go-to for feel, but they need extra care. Here’s how I handle them:
- Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water.
- Dip a clean cloth into the water and gently wipe down the glove.
- For tougher stains, use a little mild soap and lightly rub the spot.
- Never soak the glove—too much water will harden the leather.
- Pat it dry with a towel and reshape it while it’s still damp.
This gentle method keeps the glove soft while removing dirt and sweat.
Cleaning Synthetic Golf Gloves
Synthetic gloves are easier to maintain. If you’re wondering how to wash golf gloves made from synthetic material, here’s what to do:
- Hand-wash in cold water with mild soap.
- Gently scrub dirt using your fingers or a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly, then press out excess water—don’t twist it.
- Lay it flat on a towel and let it air-dry.
These steps work for most situations where you ask yourself how do you clean a golf glove without ruining it?
Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to shorten the life of your glove without realizing it. Here are a few mistakes I see golfers make:
- Tossing gloves into the washing machine (too rough).
- Drying with heat, like in a dryer or under direct sunlight (causes shrinking and stiffness).
- Wringing out the glove (stretches it out of shape).
Avoiding these errors ensures cleaning a golf glove makes it last longer instead of wearing it out faster.
Drying and Storing Your Golf Gloves
Cleaning is only part of the equation. Drying and storing your gloves the right way is just as important. Always air-dry them—lay them flat on a towel or place them somewhere with good airflow. Never toss them into your bag damp, or they’ll stiffen and start to smell.
Here’s a little trick I’ve used for years: carry two or three gloves during a round and rotate them. Not only does this keep your hands comfortable, but it also prevents one glove from getting too sweaty or worn down. Plus, you won’t need to worry about washing golf gloves as often.
When to Replace a Golf Glove
Even the best care routine can’t keep a glove alive forever. If your glove feels stretched, has holes, or has completely lost its grip, it’s time for a replacement. Learning how to clean golf gloves will give you more life out of each one, but every glove eventually needs to be retired.
When to Wear a Golf Glove
Since many golfers also ask when to wear a golf glove, let’s clear it up. Most players wear a glove on their lead hand—the left for right-handed golfers and the right for left-handed. You’ll usually want it for full swings and drives, but some golfers take it off for putting or chipping to get a better feel.
A glove helps with grip, prevents blisters, and adds consistency to your game. The key is to wear it when it gives you an advantage, and to make sure you’re taking care of it so it performs when you need it most.
Conclusion
Golf gloves may not seem as important as your clubs, but they’re a vital piece of equipment. They directly affect your grip, which means they directly affect your swing. By learning how to wash golf gloves and how to clean a golf glove the right way—whether leather or synthetic—you’ll extend their life and keep your game sharp.
So the next time you find yourself asking how do you clean golf gloves? or can you wash golf gloves?, think back to this guide. Take care of your gloves like the essential gear they are, and they’ll take care of you on the course. And when you know both how to clean golf gloves and when to wear a golf glove, you’ll notice the difference in every shot you take.
