How to Clean a Baseball Glove (and Why It Matters)

A baseball glove takes a beating: dirt, dust, sweat and the occasional rain delay. Cleaning it regularly isn't only about looks. It's one of the simplest ways to keep the leather soft, keep the glove performing, and make it last for years. Here's why it matters and exactly how to do it.

Why Cleaning Your Glove Matters

• It protects the leather. Dirt, sweat and grime soak into leather and dry it out, leaving it stiff and prone to cracking. Abrasive particles also slowly wear down the surface and stitching.
• It keeps the glove performing. A clean, supple glove closes easily and stays responsive, so you can field and secure the ball with confidence.
• It extends the glove's life. Gloves are an investment. Regular cleaning and conditioning help the leather hold up season after season.
• It's more hygienic. Sweat and bacteria build up inside a glove, causing odors and sometimes skin irritation. Cleaning keeps it fresh and comfortable to wear.
• It looks better. A well-kept glove simply looks sharp on the field.

What You'll Need

• Sarna Baseball Glove Cleaner
• A soft-bristled brush or sponge
• A couple of clean, dry, soft cloths
• A glove conditioner, such as Sarna Baseball Glove Leather Conditioner

The Sarna Glove Maintenance Kit includes the cleaner, conditioner, two brushes and a microfiber cloth in one box.

How to Clean a Baseball Glove, Step by Step

1. Remove loose dirt. Knock out any dirt and debris, then gently brush the surface with a soft-bristled brush or sponge, getting into the seams, laces and webbing.
2. Test first if your glove is dyed. On colored gloves, try the cleaner on a small, hidden spot to make sure the dye is set.
3. Apply the cleaner. Shake the bottle well. Put a small amount of cleaner on a clean, dry cloth (not directly on the glove) and rub it into the leather in small circles, focusing on stains and grimy areas.
4. Clean the inside. Use the same method on the interior and finger stalls to lift sweat and dirt buildup, using only a small amount of product.
5. Wipe it down. Use a fresh dry cloth to wipe away any remaining cleaner and lifted dirt.
6. Let it air dry. Leave the glove to dry naturally at room temperature. Never use a hairdryer, heater or direct sun to speed it up; heat damages leather.
7. Condition it. Once the glove is completely dry, apply a thin layer of conditioner to replace moisture and keep the leather supple. Wipe off any excess.

How Often Should You Clean Your Glove?

• After every use: shake out debris and wipe the outside with a soft, dry cloth.
• Every few weeks during the season: do the full clean-and-condition routine above.
• Any time it's soaked, muddy or very sweaty: clean it once it's dry, then condition.

Tips to Keep It Clean Longer

• Avoid harsh chemicals. Household soaps, detergents and all-purpose cleaners strip leather's natural oils. Stick to products made for glove leather.
• Dry it properly. If your glove gets wet, blot it and let it air dry away from heat before cleaning or conditioning.
• Store it well. Keep it in a cool, dry place with a ball in the pocket, not crushed under other gear.
• Inspect as you clean. Cleaning is a good time to spot loose laces or stitching before they become bigger problems.

For the rest of your glove routine, see our essential glove care tips. Cleaning a softball glove? Use our Softball Glove Cleaner the same way.

The Bottom Line

A few minutes of cleaning keeps your glove softer, fresher and on the field longer. Wipe it after every use, give it a full clean and condition every few weeks, and it'll be ready for every play.