How to Clean Goalkeeper Gloves and Maintain Them

Goalkeeper gloves will inevitably deteriorate at a quicker rate when in use more often. This is why it is important to keep your gloves in the best condition possible. On average, a goalkeeper can quite easily need four or more pairs of goalie gloves per season, due to the continuous wear on the materials.

However, not all goalkeepers are the same and the amount of wear will depend on average use, how well they are cared for, playing surface and technique. To make sure that you extend and maximise the lifespan of your goalkeeping gloves, you should follow the tips before, during and after use.

Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Goalkeeper Gloves

• Before Play: Pre-wash your new gloves before using them for the first time and allow them to dry naturally. This is to ensure that any preservatives from the manufacturing process are removed from the latex, it will activate the latex and make sure that you are getting the maximum grip out of your gloves when you use them. If you want absolute confidence that they are ready, a second pre-wash is always a good idea.
• During Play: When your goalkeeper gloves are in use, occasionally dampen the palms of the gloves with water to get the best possible grip and durability from the latex palm. Latex is not designed to be dry. This is why you will often see pros on TV squirt water on them or even spit, to make the latex come alive.
• After Play: After using your goalkeeper gloves, make sure that you wash them immediately and leave them to dry naturally. However, if you leave your latex to dry out too much, it will become brittle which will have an impact on durability and grip which is not what you want (our guide on drying further down the page has you covered!).

How to Wash Goalkeeper Gloves

1. If you want to make the most out of your goalkeeper gloves, wash immediately after use in warm water (a maximum of 30º C).
2. Rinse and soak the gloves in the sink and make sure that you rinse off all of the glove cleaner if you have decided to wash with a solution, as leaving a glove cleaner on gloves can potentially cause damage.
3. The gloves should be washed by hand, using your thumbs to scrub dirt off lightly - applying too much pressure can tear pieces of the latex. We do not recommend using a form of brush or scrubber for this reason.
4. Leave your gloves to dry naturally, it should take around a day. For more information on the best way to dry your gloves keep reading.

How to Dry Your Goalkeeper Gloves  

Once you have washed your goalkeeper gloves and are ready to dry them, we recommend applying pressure with a towel to your gloves to soak up excess water, before leaving them to dry naturally. Do not wipe or scrub them with the towel as this may tear pieces of the latex.