Just like any other ski clothing, your ski gloves will also need cleaning every now and then. After days on the slopes, or at the end of your ski trip, your ski gloves might start feeling a bit filthy and sweaty. Thus, giving them some tender care when you get home will freshen them up and will ensure that they are ready for your next ski trip.
Ski gloves are designed and built to withstand washing and cleaning, but some are made with materials that are a little bit sensitive and are prone to damages when washed. Below, we explain how to properly wash and care for your ski gloves. However, you always have to check for a label that will give you any particular washing instructions to avoid damaging your ski gloves.
To properly wash ski gloves, it’s recommended to check the label and follow the instructions carefully. Avoid using harsh chemicals and detergents that may not be suitable for the material. Do not twist or wring them. Instead, just air dry them without exposing them to direct heat or sunlight.
For further details on how to wash your ski gloves, read our tips below.
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Preparation
Understanding the materials of your ski gloves is important to know how to properly take care of the gloves. The materials, or fabric construction, are listed on the glove’s care label.
Most ski gloves are usually made of synthetic fabrics and leather. If your gloves have any leather in them, it’s better to avoid submerging them in water.
The glove’s insulation is typically synthetic fill, but some gloves and mittens are down-filled and can lose the insulating properties if the cleaning process is to rough.
Removable shells and liners should be washed separately and ski gloves with a fully waterproof membrane or a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating need specific washing products to avoid stripping off the coating.
How to wash down insulated ski gloves?
Machine-wash
For down-insulated ski gloves, use specific cleaning products, like a downwash. Do not turn the gloves inside out and use a mesh washing bag. Down fill needs tumble drying after getting wet, to be able to regain its lofting properties. If your down-filled gloves or mittens have leather components, it is best to follow the washing or cleaning guide for leather gloves.
Hand-wash
For hand washing, it is best to use warm water and a downwash. Spot-clean or submerge the gloves for removing tough stains. You also have to note and follow the instructions on the care label.
Drying and/or reproofing
Be careful not to twist or wring the gloves. Drain the water used for washing, take the gloves out, put them on a bath towel, and roll up the towel so that it can absorb excess water. Finally, place them on a dry rack or air dry them away from direct heat and sunlight.
Aside from wearing a quality pair of ski gloves, there are other additional ways for you to keep your hands warm as you enjoy a day in the snow. We shared in this article our tips and tricks on how to keep your hands warm while skiing.
How to wash synthetic ski gloves?
Machine-wash
To avoid damaging gloves with straps and leashes, it is best to use a mesh washing bag. Note that you do not have to turn the gloves inside out for washing in the machine, as doing so can damage the stitching. Run a gentle cycle and follow the temperature recommendations on the care label.
Hand-wash
For hand washing, use warm water and tech wash that is appropriate for waterproof garments. You can opt to submerge the glove for removing tough stains or spot-clean it using a cloth or a soft sponge. You can also wear the glove while cleaning the outside so that you can rub the dirt off easily.
Drying and reproofing
Squeeze your gloves gently to drain most of the water but do not twist or wring them out. It is best to air dry the ski gloves but keep them away from direct heat. You can also tumble dry if the care label allows it. Reproofing waterproof gloves is best to restore the DWR treatment; there are spray-on products that are easier to use, and if your gloves are machine washable, you can opt for wash-in products.
How to wash full/part leather ski gloves?
Use cleaning products that are appropriate for leather, and spot-clean or gently rub the dirt out with a clean cloth. You can also wear the glove while doing so for a more effective cleaning technique.
For gloves that partially contain leather, you have to avoid smearing the rest of the glove with leather cleaners and follow our synthetic hand-wash guide above for areas with no leather. You can also choose to use a cleaner that is suitable for any materials.
After you wash the glove, use a leather conditioner or wax that is designed specifically for gloves to prevent the leather parts from cracking.
Leather gloves are made of durable material and have stood the test of time. They are warmer than other gloves and may be the most cost-effective material for ski gloves. Give them a try. Who knows, they may even be your new favorite.
How to wash ski glove liners?
Glove liners are usually machine-washed, but you have to check their washing instructions to make sure.
Machine-wash
Use a mild detergent to protect the delicate fabric of the liner. It is best to use cold water and a cool cycle to avoid shrinkage. You also have to avoid washing them together with rough fabrics that have buttons and zippers, as this might cause snags.
Final thoughts
Washing your ski gloves will not only keep them clean, fresh and conditioned, but will also prevent bacteria from building up, which is the cause of bad smell.
Regular washing is not really necessary or recommended for gloves and mittens that have modern materials and construction. Instead, washing them when they are dirty or spot-cleaning them at the end of the season is better.
Wet gloves that are not really dirty will do just fine with air-drying overnight, without you need to wash them.
For smelly gloves that aren’t dirty, you can just sprinkle baking soda inside each glove, shake them well, and empty them into the sink or trashcan. Indeed, baking soda can freshen up the glove by absorbing the bad smell. To clean the inside of the glove, only turn out the palm, and not the entire glove.
Always remember to check the care label and take note of the materials used and the correct washing instructions. But, no matter what material your ski gloves are made of, you have to avoid the use of harsh chemicals and bleaches, fabric softeners, and dry cleaning.
Before you opt for washing your gloves or mittens, consider spot-cleaning the dirty areas with a clean damp cloth, as this might be a better short-term option than washing them entirely. Furthermore, do not forget to clean or wash your gloves before packing them away at the end of the season, so that they will not accumulate any bacteria nor bad smell when you unpack your gear on your next skiing trip.
