Preserving Your Gear: How to Wash Motorcycle Gloves

by Andrew Dummer May 2, 2024

Keeping your gear in top shape is crucial for any outdoor enthusiast or motorcycle lover. And when it comes to gear, motorcycle gloves are a big deal. They don’t just shield your hands from rough weather but also absorb the vibrations from the ride.

Think about it: Picture yourself cruising on a sunny day with gloves that are stiff and cracked when they could've been soft and cozy with a little care. Or imagine those chilly winter rides where your gloves could've kept you warmer if they weren’t clogged with dirt. These situations can turn your adventure into a real hassle.

Like all gear, your motorcycle gloves will last longer and perform better if you clean them regularly and properly. But many riders forget or aren’t sure how to do it right.

In this article, I’ll show you the ins and outs of washing and caring for your motorcycle gloves. Come on, let's dive right in and make sure your gloves stay comfy and reliable for all your rides!

Can Motorcycle Gloves Be Washed?

Absolutely, you can wash your motorcycle gloves! Just like your favorite clothes, they gather grime and sweat over time. But hold up—washing them isn't as straightforward as tossing them in the machine. These gloves are made of tough stuff for protection against the elements, so they need special care.

See, different gloves have different needs. Leather ones, for example, need a gentle touch to stay in top shape. Textile gloves? They have their cleaning quirks. And don't get started on gloves with thermal or waterproof linings—they're a whole other story.

Long story short: Yes, you can wash motorcycle gloves, but it's not a one-size-fits-all deal. Each type needs its TLC to keep on protecting your hands like a champ.

Motorcycle Glove Washing Supplies

Discover the secrets to keeping your motorcycle gloves in top shape! Whether they're leather or synthetic, the key lies in using the right tools for the job. Here's what you'll need:

Clean Basin or Sink: Start with a fresh basin or sink to avoid introducing harmful contaminants.
Leather Gloves: Grab a quality leather cleaner like Bickmore Bick 1 to gently restore and maintain the supple feel of your leather gloves. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage them.

Textile Gloves: Opt for a mild detergent, such as Woolite Delicates, to safely clean your textile gloves without risking color fading or fiber damage.

Soft Cloth or Brush: Use a soft cloth or brush to effectively work the cleaner into the material, lifting dirt and grime without scratching.

Clean, Dry Towels: Finish off by drying your gloves with clean microfiber towels for gentle absorption.

Remember to steer clear of harsh scrubbing brushes, strong soaps, and hot water, as these could harm your gloves, causing them to stiffen or fade. Keep your gear in prime condition for your next ride!

Washing Motorcycle Gloves of Different Materials

Come with me as we explore the world of more gloves!

Meet Leather Gloves

Leather gloves are like the tough guys of the glove world. They're strong, comfy, and built to last through all your motorcycle adventures. Made from cowhide or goatskin, they're tough enough to handle whatever the road throws at them.

Now, say hello to Textile Gloves

These gloves are more like the adaptable sidekicks. They're breathable and ready for any weather condition, thanks to their synthetic materials like nylon or polyester.

Taking Care of Leather Gloves

Gentle Cleanse: Grab a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a bit of baby shampoo. Gently wipe down your gloves, making sure not to soak them too much.

Dry with Care: After cleaning, wipe off the soap with a damp cloth, then let your gloves air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Check the Label: Always peek at the care label to see if your gloves have any special needs.

Spot Clean: If only certain spots need cleaning, a mix of vinegar and water on a soft cloth can do the trick.

Condition: Keep your leather gloves supple by treating them with a natural, oil-based conditioner after cleaning.

Caring for Textile Gloves

Machine Wash: Many textile gloves are machine-friendly for washing. Just use a gentle cycle with cold water.

Gentle Wash: Opt for a mild detergent and skip the fabric softeners, which can mess with the waterproofing.
Handle with Care: No wringing! Just gently squeeze out excess water before letting them air dry.
Regular Checkups: Textile gloves need a bit more TLC. Check them regularly for signs of wear and tear.

Remember, every glove is unique, so always check the label or manufacturer's instructions for the best care routine. Now go ahead, show those gloves some love!

Cleaning the Inside of Motorcycle Gloves

Let's talk about keeping our motorcycle gloves squeaky clean, inside and out! Yep, just like the outside, the insides of our gloves can get pretty grimy too. They soak up sweat, oils, and bacteria from our skin, leading to funky smells and even damage to the material over time. So, it's super important not to forget about cleaning the inside!

Here's what you do:

Get sudsy: Fill up a basin with warm water and a dab of mild soap. Make sure it's nice and bubbly.
Flip them inside out: Turn your gloves inside out to expose the inner lining. If they've got a waterproof layer, leave them as they are.
Gently scrub: Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the inside of your gloves gently. For leather ones, just get them damp; don't soak them.
Rinse and squeeze: Rinse out the soap by softly squeezing your gloves under running water. Don't twist or wring them too hard, though, or you'll mess up their shape.
Battle stubborn odors: If there are still some lingering smells, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and give the insides a gentle wipe-down. This trick works best for textile gloves, not leather ones.

Remember, be gentle and patient. Taking good care of our gear is just as important as riding safely. Let's give our gloves some TLC, and they'll keep us riding happily for longer!

Washing Motorcycle Gloves: Things To Avoid

Discover the secrets to glove care – what not to do can be just as vital as what you should do. Let's unveil the top blunders folks make when cleaning their leather and textile motorcycle gloves.

Leather Glove Don'ts:

Avoid soaking leather gloves; it ruins their shape and strength. Opt for spot cleaning with a damp cloth and gentle cleaner.
Steer clear of harsh detergents or bleach – they parch leather, leading to cracks.
Never toss leather gloves into the washing machine unless you want gloves resembling a lawn-mowed disaster!

Textile Glove Don'ts:

Textile gloves dislike long baths; they compromise the protective materials inside.
Don't be too rough; aggressive rubbing harms the fabric and stitching, making your gloves lose shape and sturdiness.
Dry cleaning textile gloves? It's not a good idea, as it weakens the fibers, making them less durable.

Remember, gloves need special care. Skip the washer roulette; give them the special treatment they deserve to extend their lifespan.

Motorcycle Glove Types and Styles - How Do They Wash?

Taking care of your motorcycle gloves is important, but did you know that the style of your gloves affects how you clean them? Let's break it down.

Glove Style

First, the style of your gloves matters. Fingerless gloves need a delicate wash to prevent fraying at the edges. On the other hand, gauntlet gloves with extended cuffs might need a bit more elbow grease to get clean.

Material

Next, the material matters, too. Leather gloves need different care compared to textile ones. And even within these categories, there are differences. Real leather gloves need more care than synthetic ones.

Now, what about those gloves that mix materials like leather and mesh? They need a gentle touch in cleaning.

Built-In Hardened Protection

And if your gloves have built-in armor, like hardened knuckles or reinforced palms, you've got to be careful not to mess with their positioning when you wash them.

So, while the basics of cleaning remain the same - gentle washing, for example - how you do it depends on the type, style, and construction of your gloves. Knowing your gloves inside and out ensures they'll last longer and keep you safe on your rides.

Maintaining Motorcycle Gloves, Besides Washing

Keeping your motorcycle gloves in tip-top shape goes beyond just giving them a wash. To make sure they stay in great condition and stick around for years, you need to clean them often and store them properly.

Leather Motorcycle Gloves: Cleaning and Maintaining

Discover the secret to keeping your favorite leather gloves soft and durable! Just like any cherished possession, leather gloves need a little TLC to stay in top shape. After a gentle wash, apply a special leather conditioner to keep them supple and prevent cracking. Avoid harsh chemicals and keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their sleek appearance.

Textile gloves may be easier on the wallet, but they still deserve attention. After washing, spray them with a waterproofing spray to revive their ability to repel water. This simple step will extend their lifespan and keep you dry on rainy rides.

Whether you're a leather lover or prefer the practicality of textiles, caring for your gloves ensures they'll keep you protected mile after mile.

Final Words

Cleaning and caring for your motorcycle gloves might sound complicated, but it's simpler than you think! Whether your gloves are leather or textile, this guide has got you covered. Keeping them in top shape ensures they last longer and keep you comfy on rides. Plus, well-maintained gloves not only look good but also provide better protection. Let's get to it and make sure your favorite riding gear stays in tip-top condition!

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