Batting gloves are one of the most crucial equipment for baseball players. However, due to heat and other elements, they can become stiff. Instead of preventing you from getting blisters and helping with gripping the bat, dry and stiff batting gloves will make these activities difficult.
That’s why players must take good care of their gloves to ensure good performance and comfort.
Therefore, you must know how to keep batting gloves from drying out. Here are several methods to help you with this.
Table of Contents
Steps to Prevent Batting Gloves From Becoming Stiff and Dry
Step 1: Remove Dirt After Use
The first step involves removing the loose dirt that is on the glove. You can do this by clapping and rubbing the glove slightly. You can do this after every game before putting gloves in your bag.
Doing this after use will prevent dirt from accumulating. It also prevents the glove from getting stiff with caked dirt.
Step 2: Clean With Soapy Water
What you need:
- Water
- Mild soap
- Soft brush/ piece of cloth
- Towel
Add the mild soap to the water and dip the soft brush or the piece of cloth in the mixture. Gently brush the gloves with the brush until you remove the dirt.
If you use a cloth, scrub the gloves until they are clean. Then, use the towel to dry the gloves.
It is also vital that you put them in a cool place so that they can air dry. Do not use a machine or iron to dry the gloves.
Note: Do not soak your glove, as excess water is not good for the leather that makes your batting glove.
Step 3: Condition the Batting Gloves
After you have cleaned them and let them air dry, the next step is to condition them. For this, you will need the following:
- Leather conditioner/vaseline/olive oil
- Soft cloth
Use a soft cloth to apply the batting glove conditioner on the gloves. Ensure you apply a thin layer only.
Using the same cloth, gently run in the conditioner, ensuring you get the whole surface coated. This ensures that cracks do not develop where the conditioner does not reach.
If you do not have a leather conditioner, use olive oil or Vaseline to condition batting gloves.
Helpful Tips to Care for Your Batting Gloves
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when taking care of a baseball glove.
- Use a deodorizing spray to prevent your batting gloves from becoming smelly.
- Avoid putting your gloves in a dryer as it could cause damage and cause the gloves to lose their shape.
- Store your gloves in a humid area. This will help prevent them from drying out.
- Use a waterproofing spray on your gloves to protect them from water damage by preventing the leather from drying.
- Use the products that are designed for your batting gloves. Some products, such as glue that are not meant for your gloves may end up causing damage.
- To prevent your gloves from absorbing sweat, ensure you always wear inners.
Conclusion
Knowing how to keep batting gloves from drying out is essential to caring for them. However, there are other practices that you have to put in place to ensure that they are in good condition and last for a long time.
You need to learn about moisture retention for batting gloves, the best places to store them after use, and the best products to use on them. All these ensure your gloves last for a long time.
Rogers is a hardcore baseball enthusiast. He joined Nations Baseball as a writer to share his knowledge and help others realize their passions for the sport. Roger is striving towards becoming a coach at his local baseball club.
