During training and matches, goalkeeper gloves are subjected to high levels of moisture, dirt and mud. Over time with regular use and exposure to the elements, it is inevitable that your goalkeeper gloves will start to deteriorate and wear out, but with proper care, you can extend the life of your gloves so they provide maximum grip and comfort for as long as possible.
Taking care of goalkeeper gloves
To maximise the lifespan of goalkeeper gloves there are 3 key points for goalkeepers to consider.
Pre-use - before using gloves for the first time it’s important to pre-wash goalkeeper gloves with lukewarm water (max 30°C) before allowing them to dry naturally. This will help ‘break in’ gloves, maximising the grip of the gloves and making them less rigid and more comfortable to use. Please see the washing and drying instructions below for more information on how to wash and dry goalie gloves.
During-use - The latex palms of goalkeeper gloves work most effectively and provide the best grip when they are damp. With this in mind, it can be a good idea to keep a water bottle handy to wet the palms of your gloves slightly prior to and during training sessions and matches.
Post-use - After a game, to prolong the life of your goalkeeper gloves it’s important to wash them as soon as possible. Let them dry naturally at room temperature, before storing them in a goalkeeper glove bag. The gloves should not be left to dry out completely before storing them in a goalkeeper glove bag, as this can cause the materials to become brittle.
Washing Goalkeeper Gloves
• Goalkeeper gloves can benefit from washing but it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials
• Clean your gloves by hand and not in a washing machine
• Rinse your gloves with lukewarm water to remove any dirt or debris. Don't use hot water as this can damage the gloves
• Use a mild cleaner or soap. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or bleaches
• Gently wipe the gloves with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to remove any dirt that remains after the initial wash/rinse. Pay special attention to the fingers and palms of the gloves, ensuring you wipe and clean them as delicately as possible to ensure that you don't damage the material
• Rinse the gloves once more with lukewarm water to remove any leftover soap or cleaning solution
Drying Goalkeeper Gloves
• Avoid ‘wringing’ your gloves out and instead press the gloves on a flat surface to remove excess water (you can apply pressure with a towel, but don’t scrub or wipe the gloves)
• Air-dry your gloves at room temperature. If possible hang your gloves (fingers down) in a cool and well-ventilated area
• Do not put your gloves in a tumble dryer and do not place them in direct sunlight
• Keep the gloves away from direct sources of heat such as radiators, fireplaces, airing cupboards, hair dryers and irons
• Some goalkeepers choose to place paper inside the gloves or in between the latex palms of the gloves to help the interior dry more efficiently and help the gloves maintain their shape
Storing Goalkeeper Gloves
• Allow your gloves to dry at room temperature overnight before storing them
• Store your gloves in a cool, non-humid and well-ventilated environment
• Do not store the glove with the palms touching, as this can damage the grip
• Make use of the glove wallet/bag to store your gloves and keep them protected
If you follow the above advice that covers how to care for goalkeeper gloves you will ensure you maximise the lifespan and performance of gloves, and reduce the frequency in which you need to replace them.
If you are looking to purchase a new pair of goalkeeper gloves, and are unsure of what size you need, our goalkeeper glove size guide includes all of the information you need to ensure you buy the correct size GK gloves.
