How to Clean Your Work Gloves

Whether you work in construction or landscaping, work gloves are an essential part of your personal protective equipment. Learn how to properly clean many types of work gloves so they’ll continue to perform from one job to the next.

Work gloves come in a variety of materials and offer unique benefits specific to your trade. Learning to properly care for your gloves can prolong their lifespan and save you cash. Let’s explore the most effective ways to clean leather, suede, synthetic, cotton, and knit gloves to help keep them in excellent condition.

While you’d likely entrust the experts with cleaning your leather jacket, cleaning your leather work gloves or leather driving gloves at home or on the job is an essential skill. With just a few common household items, you can get your gloves looking great again. Whether you need to clean them every day or every couple of months, this tried-and-true method works well. 

What you need: 

• Toothbrush
• Bucket of cold water with ½ cup of mild soap
• Clothespins

What to do:

1. Brush off surface dirt with the toothbrush.
2. Submerge gloves into the cold water and soap solution.
3. Using your hands, rub grime and debris out as much as possible, paying special attention to the fingers.
4. Rinse the gloves in cold water.
5. Lay the gloves flat on an absorbent towel and squeeze excess water and soap out in a downward motion (do not wring).
6. Hang gloves to dry with clothespins.
7. Intermittently knead the leather to keep it soft and supple until the gloves are dry.

Cleaning your suede work gloves is much like cleaning leather gloves with a few modifications. Excessive build-up of dirt and debris can lead to the stiffening of your gloves. Follow the steps below to keep your gloves feeling and looking great for years to come.

What you need: 

• Suede brush or bristle brush
• Bucket of cold water with mild soap and 1 tablespoon of salt
• Clothespins

What to do:

• Brush off surface dirt with the suede brush.
• Submerge gloves into the cold water with the soap and salt solution.
• Using your hands, rub grime and debris out as much as possible, paying special attention to the fingers.
• Rinse the gloves in cold water.
• Lay the gloves flat on an absorbent towel and squeeze excess water and soap out in a downward motion (do not wring).
• Insert clothespins into the fingers to maintain shape.
• Hang gloves to dry with more clothespins.
• Remove the clothespins in the fingers once the gloves are partially dry.
• Intermittently knead the suede to keep it flexible until the gloves are dry.

Whether your work gloves are rubber, nitrile, neoprene, or PVC, you’re in luck—synthetic gloves are often the easiest to clean. However, you may need to heed extra precautions if you’ve been working with chemicals. Before removing your gloves, wash them with soap and water. It’s best to use a hose or utility sink, especially if you’ve been using chemicals. Upon removal, wash your hands. Hang the gloves up to dry. Make sure to store them in a dry place to prevent mildew.

Cotton and knit work gloves allow you to make use of a modern convenience—your washing machine. Cotton and knit materials are often not the same, therefore each type requires different care. Let’s check it out.

Cotton Work Gloves

Sturdy cotton work gloves are useful in a variety of trades—from carpentry to landscaping. Start by washing off excess dirt and debris with a hose. After you’ve pre-rinsed, pop them into your washing machine and wash in warm water with mild laundry detergent. Once complete, you can dry them in your dryer or hang to dry. If you don’t have a washer and dryer, hand washing works as well. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach—these solutions damage the integrity of the fabric and will lead to a shorter lifespan for your work gloves. 

Knit Gloves

Stretchy knit gloves are a favorite—especially among gardeners. They provide a low-profile fit and plenty of dexterity while protecting your hands from dirt and debris. When it’s time to give them a bath, simply rinse them first under a hose to remove any caked-on dirt. Similar to cotton gloves, pop them in your washing machine with mild laundry detergent. However, this time you’re going to use cold water instead of warm water to protect the more delicate fibers. Remove from the washer and hang to dry. If you don’t have a washing machine, knit gloves can also be washed by hand.

Zoro offers an extensive selection of work gloves across the industries and trades. Shop from cut-resistant gloves, mechanics gloves, welding gloves, and so much more.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.