I’ve been an avid gardener for years, and one thing I’ve learned is that a good pair of gardening gloves is essential. They protect my hands from dirt, thorns, and even blisters. But after a few hours of pulling weeds, planting flowers, or digging in the soil, my gloves always end up covered in mud and grime.
That got me thinking—can you wash gardening gloves? The short answer is yes! But how you wash them depends on the type of gloves you have. Some can be tossed in the washing machine, while others need a more gentle cleaning approach.
Image by inthewash
I’ve gone through my fair share of gardening gloves, so I’ll walk you through the best ways to clean different types and keep them in good condition.
Why Washing Gardening Gloves Is Important
Washing gardening gloves isn’t just about keeping them looking clean. Over time, dirt and moisture can break down the material, making them less durable. Bacteria and mold can also grow inside the gloves if they stay damp for too long.
Cleaning them regularly helps:
- Extend their lifespan
- Keep your hands free from harmful bacteria
- Prevent odors
- Maintain a good grip for handling tools
A clean pair of gloves makes gardening more enjoyable and keeps your hands safe from whatever might be lurking in the soil.
Types of Gardening Gloves and How to Wash Them
Not all gardening gloves are made the same. Some are heavy-duty leather, while others are lightweight and flexible. Each type needs a different cleaning method to avoid damage.
| Glove Material | Can You Machine Wash? | Best Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Yes | Machine wash on a gentle cycle, air dry |
| Rubber/Latex | No | Hand wash with soap and water, air dry |
| Leather | No | Wipe with a damp cloth, use leather conditioner |
| Synthetic | Yes | Machine or hand wash, air dry |
Now let’s go over how to clean each type of glove properly.
How to Wash Cotton Gardening Gloves
Cotton gloves are one of the easiest to clean because they’re machine washable. Here’s what I do:
Shake off excess dirt – Before washing, I knock my gloves together or use a brush to remove loose dirt.
Pre-soak if needed – If the gloves are really dirty, I let them soak in warm, soapy water for about 15 minutes.
Wash in the machine – I toss them in with my regular laundry using a mild detergent and set the machine to a gentle cycle with warm water.
Air dry – I never put them in the dryer because heat can shrink the fabric. Instead, I lay them flat or hang them up to dry.
Cotton gloves are great for light gardening tasks, and washing them often keeps them fresh and comfortable.
How to Wash Rubber or Latex Gardening Gloves
Rubber and latex gloves are perfect for wet gardening tasks, but they can get sweaty and dirty inside. To keep them clean:
- Rinse off dirt – I run the gloves under warm water and use a hose or sink sprayer to remove mud.
- Wash with soap – A little dish soap and warm water work well to clean the inside and outside of the gloves. I use my fingers to scrub gently.
- Sanitize if needed – If they smell bad, I mix a small amount of vinegar with water and wipe the inside. This kills bacteria and odors.
- Dry completely – I turn them inside out and let them air dry to prevent mold.
Never put rubber or latex gloves in the washing machine or dryer, as heat can cause them to crack or break down.
How to Wash Leather Gardening Gloves
Leather gloves need special care to stay soft and flexible. If they get too wet or dry out, they can become stiff and uncomfortable.
- Brush off dirt – I use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove as much dirt as possible before cleaning.
- Wipe with a damp cloth – Instead of soaking them, I use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the surface.
- Condition the leather – After they dry, I apply a small amount of leather conditioner to keep them from cracking.
- Store properly – I keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and stiffness.
Leather gloves last a long time with proper care, making them a great choice for heavy-duty gardening tasks.
How to Wash Synthetic Gardening Gloves
Synthetic gloves, like those made from nylon or polyester, are durable and flexible. They can usually be washed in the machine or by hand.
- Shake off dirt – I remove excess dirt before washing.
- Hand wash or machine wash – I prefer to wash them by hand with mild soap and warm water, but if they’re really dirty, a gentle machine wash works too.
- Air dry – Like cotton gloves, synthetic gloves should be air dried to prevent shrinkage or damage.
How Often Should You Wash Gardening Gloves?
How often you wash your gardening gloves depends on how dirty they get. Here’s what I recommend:
- After every use – If they’re wet, muddy, or used for handling chemicals.
- Once a week – For general gardening tasks that don’t involve too much dirt.
- As needed – If they start to smell bad or feel stiff.
Regular cleaning keeps them in top shape and helps prevent skin irritation or infections from bacteria.
Extra Tips for Keeping Gardening Gloves in Good Condition
- Always dry them completely – Damp gloves can grow mold, especially leather ones.
- Store them in a dry place – I keep mine in a container or on a hook in my garage.
- Rotate gloves – I have multiple pairs so I can switch them out when one gets dirty.
- Use liners – Thin cotton liners inside rubber gloves absorb sweat and keep my hands dry.
A little extra care goes a long way in making gloves last longer.
Conclusion
Yes, you can wash gardening gloves, and you definitely should! Cleaning them regularly not only keeps them looking good but also helps them last longer and protects your hands from bacteria and grime.
Cotton and synthetic gloves can go in the washing machine, while rubber and latex gloves need a quick hand wash. Leather gloves require gentle cleaning and conditioning to stay flexible. No matter what type of gloves you have, the key is to dry them completely and store them properly.
Gardening is messy, but that doesn’t mean your gloves have to be. With the right care, they’ll be ready to protect your hands every time you step into the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I put my gardening gloves in the dryer?
No, it’s best to air dry them. Heat can shrink fabric gloves and damage rubber or leather ones.
What’s the best way to remove stubborn stains from gardening gloves?
Pre-soaking in warm, soapy water and scrubbing with a brush works well for most stains. For leather gloves, use a mild leather cleaner.
How do I keep rubber gloves from smelling bad?
Turn them inside out after use and wipe them with a mixture of vinegar and water. Let them dry completely before storing.
Can I wash leather gardening gloves with water?
You can wipe them with a damp cloth, but avoid soaking them to prevent stiffness and cracking.
What should I do if my gardening gloves get moldy?
Scrub them with a mixture of vinegar and water, then let them dry in the sun. For leather gloves, use a leather cleaner instead.
I’m Marissa Lynn, the proud author behind GardeningProperty.com! With a deep-rooted passion for all things green and growing, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of gardening.
From nurturing vibrant flowerbeds to cultivating thriving vegetable gardens, I love sharing practical tips, creative ideas, and proven techniques to help others create their dream outdoor spaces.