Whether you’re diving for a catch or stopping a touchdown, your football gloves are your secret weapon. But after a few games or practices, they start to smell… bad. Real bad. And let’s face it—nobody wants to shake hands with gloves that smell like a locker room nightmare.
So, what’s the best way to wash football gloves without ruining the grip?
You’re in the right place. In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down exactly how to wash football gloves, extend their life, and keep that game-day performance intact. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guide is your playbook.
📌 Why Cleaning Football Gloves Matters
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about the “why.”
Football gloves aren’t just fabric and padding — they’re high-performance tools designed for traction, flexibility, and impact absorption. Dirt, sweat, and grime not only make them stink but also break down their grip and stitching faster.
Benefits of regularly washing your gloves:
- Maintains tackiness (grip)
- Reduces bacteria & odor
- Prevents material breakdown
- Keeps gloves game-ready longer
- Makes you look (and smell) more professional
🛑 What You Should Never Do
Let’s bust some common glove-washing mistakes first:
❌ Don’t use hot water – It can melt or warp the rubberized grip material.
❌ Don’t toss them in the dryer – High heat destroys the structure and shrinks the gloves.
❌ Don’t use harsh chemicals – Bleach or strong detergents can burn through stitching or fade colors.
❌ Don’t scrub aggressively – You’ll strip away that precious sticky layer.
🧼 Step-by-Step: How to Wash Football Gloves (By Hand)
Washing by hand is the safest method and gives you more control over how gentle you are with the gloves.
🛒 What You’ll Need:
- Cold or lukewarm water
- Mild laundry detergent or baby shampoo
- A soft towel
- A bucket or basin
🧤 Let’s Get Washing:
1. Fill a basin with cold water.
Add a teaspoon of gentle detergent or shampoo.
2. Submerge the gloves.
Let them soak for 10–15 minutes. This helps loosen sweat, dirt, and grime.
3. Gently rub the surface.
Use your fingers to massage the fabric, especially the palm area. Don’t twist or wring.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
Run cold water through the gloves until the water runs clear.
5. Press out the water.
Use a towel to gently press (not twist!) the water out.
6. Air dry flat.
Lay the gloves flat on a clean towel, out of direct sunlight or heat. Avoid hanging, as it may stretch the wrist.
🧺 Can You Wash Football Gloves in the Washing Machine?
Yes, but only if the manufacturer’s tag says it’s okay — and even then, you need to be super careful.
🌀 Quick Washing Machine Tips:
- Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the gloves
- Set the washer on gentle or delicate cycle
- Use cold water only
- Choose a fragrance-free mild detergent
- Skip the spin-dry — let them air dry flat
🕳 How Often Should You Wash Football Gloves?
It depends on how frequently you play and how dirty the gloves get.
| Usage Level | Wash Frequency |
| After every game | Every 1–2 uses |
| Light practice only | After 3–4 uses |
| Wet/muddy conditions | Immediately after use |
If your gloves smell like a dead fish in a gym bag — it’s time.
🔥 Pro Tip: Reactivate Grip Between Washes
Sometimes, gloves feel “worn” but just need a quick grip refresh. Here’s how:
- Wipe palms with a damp towel before a game
- Use grip-enhancing sprays (if allowed by your league)
- Rub a little water on the palms mid-game for extra tackiness
🌬️ How to Get Rid of the Smell (For Good)
Football gloves are sweat magnets — and bacteria love sweat.
Tips to eliminate odor:
- Sprinkle baking soda inside gloves and let sit overnight
- Use antibacterial fabric sprays between uses
- Always dry completely after washing
- Store gloves in a breathable bag, not a sealed plastic pouch
📦 Storage Tips to Keep Gloves Game-Ready
- Store gloves in a cool, dry place
- Avoid folding or creasing the palms
- Never leave them soaking in a wet bag after practice
- Keep a silica gel pack inside your gear bag to reduce moisture
💡 Bonus: How Pro Athletes Maintain Their Gloves
Many professionals have multiple pairs and follow a strict glove-care routine. Here’s what they swear by:
- Rotate gloves between practices and games
- Use glove-specific cleaners (like grip-safe sprays)
- Dry them upside-down on glove trees or over bottles
- Tape around the wristband to prevent stretching
🧤 Ready to Upgrade? Choose Riverwood Football Gloves
No matter how well you care for your gear, gloves eventually wear out. If your grip has faded or padding feels flat — it’s time to level up.
Riverwood Sports offers premium football gloves designed for:
✔ Maximum grip in all weather
✔ Breathable fabrics for reduced sweat buildup
✔ Reinforced stitching for extra durability
✔ Styles that match your team spirit
🏁 Final Whistle: Clean Gloves = Better Game
Your football gloves take a beating every time you step on the field. Show them some love, and they’ll return the favor with killer catches and confident plays. Just remember:
- Hand wash is safest
- Dry flat and never use heat
- Keep them clean, dry, and aired out
- And when it’s time for new ones, you know where to go — Riverwood Sports
Stay fresh, stay fierce — and keep dominating the field.
