Shifting temperatures. Changing weather conditions. Mud, dirt, and more. Goalkeeper gloves are exposed to a lot in the average game. Not to mention all the knocks, bumps, and impacts they receive as goalies catch, parry, and pounce about.
It’s no wonder that shiny new pairs of gloves quickly look muddy and worn-down, even after a single game. That’s why you have to keep them clean if you hope to make them last. This guide shows how it’s done.
The Importance of Looking After Your Goalkeeper Gloves
Before we dig into the “How?” of maintaining goalie gloves, it’s important to understand the “Why?”
Why does this matter so much?
Well, there are a couple of answers to that question. The first is simple: cleaning your gloves helps them last much, much longer. That means you get more value from every pair, and you won’t have to worry about replacing them so soon. Given that gloves are quite pricey, this should also help you save money.
The second reason is related to performance. When they’re dirty, muddy, and crusty, gloves simply are not as effective on the pitch. However, if you keep your gloves clean you shouldn’t have to worry. Your gloves will perform at peak capacity, helping you have the best experiences in your matches.
5 Big Do’s and Don’ts
Now we know why maintenance matters, let’s explore those do’s and don’ts.
Do: Pre-Wash Before Usage
First, pre-washing. This is the process of washing your goalkeeper gloves right after you buy them, before ever wearing them for training or a game. It’s something that many people, especially younger and less experienced goalies, tend to skip. But that’s a mistake.
Pre-washing matters. When goalie gloves are made and shipped out by manufacturers, they often have a little layer of soapy residue on the surface. It’s a result of the manufacturing process. By pre-washing, you remove that soapy layer and any other chemicals, getting your gloves ready for action.
Don’t: Use Harsh Chemicals to Clean
Cleaning your goalkeeper gloves is a critical part of maintenance. But you have to be careful how you go about it. You can’t just wash your gloves the same way you’d wash an old T-shirt or some other item of clothing, with chemical detergents and cleaners.
Goalkeeper gloves are tough, but not tough enough to withstand those kinds of chemicals and solvents, which can ruin their grip and make them far less effective in-game. So, instead of chemical cleaners, try to use warm water and your own two hands to soak and rub away dirt and grime from each glove.
Do: Clean Your Gloves Between Games
Washing your gloves isn’t something you should do every now and then or whenever you get around to it. It should be an integral part of your post-game routine. Even if you had a relatively simple game or low-intensity training session, it’s still worth cleaning your gloves afterwards.
They may not always need a deep clean between games, but they can always benefit from a quick rinse with warm water to remove any surface dirt and mud. Again, remember to use your fingers or a gentle cloth for best results and minimal risk of damaging the gloves’ latex.
Don’t: Throw Them in the Washer (or the Dryer)
Detergents and chemicals aren’t the only things to avoid when looking after your goalkeeper gloves. You should also steer clear of throwing them into any machines, like your washer or dryer, as they’re just not gentle enough.
The intense heat inside those machines can crack and wear down latex layers of goalie gloves. That makes them much less effective on the pitch for catching and gripping the ball.
Do: Let Your Gloves Dry Naturally
We’ve seen that you shouldn’t use the dryer for your gloves. So, you might be wondering how to dry them off after a wash or soak. It’s simple: just let them air dry. Put them somewhere reasonably warm and safe, and give them the time they need to dry.
Once they’re dry, it’s best to stuff them in a glove bag or box, away from heat and light. Again, this’ll help them last that much longer.
Take Care of Your Goalkeeper Gloves
With goalkeeper gloves, the more you put into them, the more you’ll get out. By following these do’s and don’ts and looking after your gloves properly, you’ll be able to use them much longer and get far more value from them, too.
