How to Maintain Leather Work Gloves in the Right Way

Leather work gloves protect your hands during tough duties but if you don't properly maintain them, they easily become hard and cracked. Even the strongest gloves can become worn down over time by being in dirt, moisture and harsh work environments. It may increase the risk of hand injury and make work more difficult to complete.

It is not hard to maintain your leather work gloves. Gloves may be maintained as comfortable and protective by using them in the right way such as correct cleaning methods, conditioning procedures and storage arrangements. Your gloves will remain flexible, soft and prepared for any work if you follow these easy instructions.

I will cover all you need to know about how to maintain leather work gloves in this article. You will learn how to maintain leather work gloves in top condition for long usage from cleaning suggestions to common blunders to avoid.

What is leather work Gloves

Before moving towards how to maintain leather work gloves, first understand what is leather work gloves are used for.  Leather work gloves are protective gloves. They are made from different kinds of leather. They are designed to be used in outdoor, industrial, and construction applications where hand protection is required for certain duties. These gloves are perfect for hard work where hands need to be protected from wounds, scratches, heat and cold. Therefore, the leather used in these gloves offers durability, flexibility and resistance to wear and tear.  

In places like construction, welding, farming and car repair where hand protection is important for comfort and safety, leather work gloves are frequently used. There are some specific types of leather used for these types of working. 

• Cowhide is the most common and durable type that provides excellent heat resistance and protection.
• Goatskin is best known for its flexibility and softness, it is often used in gloves for more precise tasks.
• Pigskin is water-resistant and breathable which makes it ideal for outdoor tasks.
• Deerskin is soft and flexible provides comfort but less durability than other types.

Why Leather Work Gloves Need Maintenance 

It is important to know why leather work gloves need maintenance before understanding how to maintain leather work gloves. Leather work gloves need maintenance to keep them durable, comfortable and protective. Over time, dirt, moisture, and harsh conditions can cause the leather to crack or lose its flexibility. if you don't care for them properly, the gloves become less effective at protecting your hands and their lifespan shortens. Proper cleaning, conditioning, and storage help to prevent damage and ensure the gloves stay in good condition for longer use.

How to Maintain Leather Work Gloves

Your gloves will take care of you if you take care of them. By using the following methods, you can improve their lifespan.

Avoid spending a lot of time in harsh conditions 

Leather work gloves are made for hard jobs like industrial and construction applications. It is advisable to keep the extremes to a minimum if you want your gloves to last a long time. The natural oil in leather helps to shield the fibers and make it strong to deal with harsh jobs but if your leather work gloves contain less oil, they become dry out which is likely to result in cracking in leather.

Although there are several causes for leather gloves to dry out. The primary causes are intense heat or cold, UV rays and plenty of water. The odorless fish oil is used in making leather which makes them durable and water-resistant. Therefore, they are ideal for carrying and cutting wood among other outdoor tasks.

However, you must keep them away from direct flames and heat as they can get quite hot. You must avoid spending a lot of time in harsh conditions, take breaks and use two pairs of leather work gloves if you want to make their life span better.  

Keep them Clean

You must keep your leather work gloves clean. You must clean them properly after using them. Because it performs a harsh and hard job, chemicals and dust particles can stay over them. So it is necessary to keep them clean every day or after every use.  So, it is important to understand how to wash or clean them in the right way.

How to Wash Leather Work Gloves

The durable and strong layout of the leather work gloves guarantees their longevity. Leather glove maintenance may improve their lifespan. But you must avoid putting them in the washing machine.  If you want your leather work gloves to look new, follow these washing instructions.

• After using the gloves, wipe them off with a fresh, dry cloth.
• Pour cold water and saddle soap or a light detergent into a basin or bucket.
• Wipe the leather with a fresh cloth dipped in cold and soapy water.
• Be sure to remove all of the soap by repeating the process with fresh water and a cloth.
• Gloves should be placed flat to dry in the shade but never keep it under the sun.
• When they mostly dry, place your hands into the gloves to keep them in the proper shape.
• Keep them cool and shaded area to let air dry fully.
• Apply oil or wax to the leather.

Unwashable leather work gloves

Leather gloves that cannot be washed need extra attention. Avoid using water to clean them.

• You should first brush them down with a gentle brush and then dab the leather with a cotton ball dipped in a solution of white vinegar and makeup remover.
• Gently massage the areas covered by the folds. To prevent wrinkles and stretch the leather, it is recommended to wear them while cleaning.

Inside Drying of leather work gloves

Hard work causes sweaty palms but moisture can cause glove rot. therefore, be sure to give your gloves enough time to completely dry when they become wet from sweat or rain. A nice approach for allowing the air to flow inside is to hang them outside using the clip. To speed up the process if it is wet, turn them inside out and use a hairdryer on the lowest setting.

Repair your gloves regularly

You must continue to repair them regularly. It depends on how often they are used, I advise repairing your gloves every few months. You can repair your gloves using a variety of materials such as odorless fish oil, vegetable/coconut wax or leather wax. Using a clean cloth, apply a small amount of the selected choice and gently massage it into the glove in circular motions. After you're done, wipe the gloves with a fresh cloth to restore their shine.

Store them Properly

You must store them in the right place. They must be kept in cool and dry places and always keep them away from the direct sunlight. Consequently, your leather work gloves cannot deteriorate due to any of the environmental factors. Your leather work gloves become durable and reliable with a little maintenance and attention.

Dos and Don’ts of Leather Work Glove Maintenance

After understanding how to maintain leather work gloves, you must learn about the dos and don’ts of leather work gloves maintenance.  

When to Replace Leather Work Gloves 

After understanding how to maintain leather work gloves, you must learn when tp replace leather work gloves. When leather work gloves are badly worn out and can't be fixed, it is time to get a new pair. Some of the most important signs are:

• Deep cracks
• Leather that is too stiff to soften with treatment
• Tears that make the protection less effective

It's time to get new gloves if the old ones stop being flexible and are painful to wear. Leather work gloves' life span depends on the intensity and frequency of use. If you properly care for them, they last for several months to over a year.

Conclusion

Leather work gloves are easy to take care but you need to do it regularly to keep them soft and durable. You can make them last much longer by cleaning and storing them in the right way. You will enjoy well-protected hands if you avoid common mistakes such as machine washing or exposure to heat. You must buy a new one if the damage to your gloves is too tough to fix. If you follow these tips, your gloves will stay in great shape and be ready for any tough task. 

FAQs

How often should I clean my leather work gloves? 

If your gloves have come into contact with dirt or chemicals, clean them after each usage. A deep clean once a month should be adequate for most normal tasks. 

Can I clean leather work gloves in the washing machine?

No, machine cleaning may harm the leather. Instead, hand wash them with mild soap and water.

How do you dry leather work gloves?

Air-dry them naturally, away from direct sunshine and heat sources. If the inside is wet, turn them inside out and gently dry. 

How can you soften stiff leather work gloves?

Use a leather conditioner or natural oil such as coconut or fish oil and massage it in a circular motion to soften them.  

How long will leather work gloves last?

Leather work gloves can last from several months to more than a year with proper maintenance.