Article: How to Clean Your Keeping Gloves Properly

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May 8, 2025

How to Clean Your Keeping Gloves Properly

How to Maintain & Clean Your Wicket Keeping Gloves Properly

Wicket keeping gloves are a critical investment for any cricketer, offering protection and performance behind the stumps. But just like any high-quality gear, they need regular care to last longer and stay effective. This guide walks you through easy, practical steps to clean, maintain, and store your gloves for optimal performance.

Why Maintenance Matters

Longevity: Proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of your gloves.
Hygiene: Gloves absorb sweat, dirt, and bacteria—cleaning prevents bad odors and skin irritation.
Performance: Well-maintained gloves keep their shape and grip, ensuring better catching ability.

Daily Care After Matches or Practice

Air Dry Immediately:
- After each use, remove your inner gloves.
- Open up the outer gloves and air them in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
- Avoid direct sunlight—it dries out leather and weakens materials.
Wipe Off Dirt:
- Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away mud, dust, or grass stains.
- Don’t soak the gloves or use soap unless absolutely necessary.
Check for Damage:
- After every session, inspect for wear in the palm area, webbing, or finger stalls.
- Address small tears or loose stitching early to prevent worsening.

Deep Cleaning (Once Every Few Weeks)

If your gloves have become extra grimy or smelly:

Inner Gloves:
- These can often be machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent and cold water.
- Air dry completely before using again.
Outer Gloves (Wicket Keeping Gloves):
- Mix a small amount of mild soap (or glove cleaner) with lukewarm water.
- Lightly dampen a cloth and wipe the surface of the glove.
- Use a dry towel to remove excess moisture.
- Let the gloves air dry in shade, ensuring they aren’t closed or folded during drying.

Conditioning Leather Gloves

Use a leather conditioner sparingly (once a month) to keep the palm supple.
Apply a small amount with a clean cloth and let it absorb before the next use.
Never use oils, petroleum jelly, or polish—they damage the glove’s natural fibers.

Proper Storage

Store gloves in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Avoid keeping them inside closed kit bags for long periods.
Use a glove pouch or breathable mesh bag for storage.

When to Replace Your Gloves

Palms become slick or hard, affecting grip
Major tearing in webbing or finger stalls
Excessive loss of padding or shape

Timely replacement avoids injuries and keeps your keeping skills sharp.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining and cleaning your wicket keeping gloves isn’t hard—it just takes a few consistent habits. With proper care, you’ll keep your gloves fresh, comfortable, and reliable through every catch and dive.

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Written by Zahid Mahmood