Leather gloves are classy, practical, and often pricey. Whether you use them for winter warmth, riding your motorcycle, or working outdoors, keeping them clean the right way is the only way to keep them looking sharp and feeling supple.
Cleaning leather gloves isn’t rocket science—but it’s not a free-for-all either. Do it wrong, and you’ll end up with stiff, cracked gloves that feel like cardboard. This guide is like a masterclass on how to clean leather gloves without ruining them.
Walk through every step of cleaning leather gloves properly, conditioning them, and keeping them in top shape year-round.
Recommended Read: Best Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Know Your Leather Type First: Not All Gloves Are Made Equal
Before you even think about grabbing soap and water, take a moment to figure out what kind of leather you’re dealing with. Different types of leather need different care routines, and using the wrong method could ruin them.
Here are the most common types of leather gloves:
- Full-grain leather – Most durable and natural-looking, often found in high-end gloves.
- Top-grain leather – Slightly sanded for a smoother finish, still very high quality.
- Suede or nubuck – Textured and soft but easily damaged by moisture.
- Bonded leather – A mix of leather scraps; looks okay but doesn’t last as long.
If you don’t see a label inside your glove, try feeling the texture. If it’s velvety, you might be dealing with suede. If it’s smooth with some imperfections, it’s probably full- or top-grain leather.
Check the Inside Lining: Fabric or Leather?
The inside of your gloves might be hiding some surprises. Many leather gloves have a lining made from fleece, wool, cashmere, or even thin leather—each of which reacts differently to cleaning.
Why this matters:
- Fabric linings can trap sweat and odor and may need spot-cleaning or deodorizing.
- Leather linings should be cleaned with extra care to avoid damage or shrinking.
Trying to wash both layers the same way can stretch or ruin the fit of your gloves. So, flip your gloves inside out (gently), and figure out what you’re working with before you start.
Cleaning Supplies for Leather
Leather doesn’t play well with harsh cleaners or rough scrubbing. You’ll need a gentle approach to get the job done without stripping the leather’s oils.
Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Mild soap (baby shampoo, glycerin soap, or castile soap)
- Leather cleaner (optional, but effective)
- Microfiber or soft cotton cloths
- Distilled water (to avoid mineral residue)
- Small bowl and sponge (for mixing and applying cleaner)
- Soft-bristled brush (for suede or stubborn dirt)
Recommended Read: How to Shrink Leather Gloves?
How to Clean the Outside of Leather Gloves
Cleaning leather gloves exterior isn’t just about wiping them down—each step plays a role in preserving the glove’s look, fit, and lifespan. Below is a detailed walk-through, so you won’t accidentally dry them out or warp their shape.
1. Remove Surface Dirt Without Scratching
Before you apply any moisture, your first job is to get rid of any loose dust or grit sitting on the surface. This is important because even a small particle of dirt, when rubbed in with cleaner, can act like sandpaper and scuff the leather.
Here’s how:
- Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the glove.
- Focus on seams, creases, and fingers where dirt tends to collect.
- Don’t press too hard—just enough to lift the grime.
2. Prepare a Mild Cleaning Solution
Leather doesn’t need a heavy-duty cleaner to look good. In fact, the gentler, the better. The easiest solution? A simple mix of distilled water and a mild soap like baby shampoo, glycerin soap, or even castile soap.
Mix this:
- A small bowl of distilled water
- Add a few drops of mild soap or leather cleaner
Before you go all in, test your cleaner on a hidden area (like the cuff) to make sure it doesn’t discolor the leather.
3. Clean the Gloves Gently
This is where you actually clean the surface, but the trick is to use as little moisture as possible. Leather is absorbent, and too much water can cause stiffness, shrinking, or damage.
How to do it:
- Dip your cloth into the solution and wring it out until damp—not wet.
- Gently wipe the surface using small, circular motions.
- Focus on any stained or dirty areas, but don’t scrub hard.
- Keep the leather slightly moist, not soggy.
4. Remove Soap Residue Properly
After you’ve done a full pass with the cleaning solution, you’ll need to wipe off any leftover soap. Leaving it on can dry out the leather over time and may even cause sticky patches.
- Use distilled water again for this step.
- Don’t over-wet the gloves—just enough to rinse the surface.
5. Let Them Dry the Right Way
This step is the silent killer of many good gloves. Drying leather the wrong way—like using a hairdryer or setting them on a heater—will rob them of their natural oils and make them stiff or brittle.
Here’s what to do:
- Lay them flat in a cool, well-ventilated area.
- Avoid sunlight, hairdryers, radiators, or heaters.
- You can gently reshape them by putting your hands inside once they’re slightly dry.
Patience pays off—let them dry naturally for 8–24 hours, depending on thickness.
How to Clean the Inside of Leather Gloves
Most people forget about the inside—but that’s where sweat and smell build up. Cleaning the lining keeps your gloves fresh and wearable.
Spot-Cleaning the Lining (If Fabric or Fleece)
If your gloves have a fabric lining, you can clean it gently with minimal moisture. Just be careful not to soak through to the leather exterior.
Steps:
- Turn the gloves inside out if possible.
- Use a lightly damp cloth with a bit of mild soap to blot sweaty or dirty spots.
- Let them air dry completely before turning them right-side out.
To deodorize, you can also:
- Sprinkle baking soda inside the gloves and leave it overnight.
- Shake it out in the morning for a quick refresh.
What to Do If the Lining Is Leather Too
Leather-on-leather gloves? Fancy—but fussy. Interior leather should never be soaked.
Instead:
- Use a barely damp cloth to blot any interior grime.
- Skip the soap unless absolutely necessary.
- Let them air out naturally to avoid mold or odor buildup.
How to Condition Leather Gloves & Why It Is Non-Negotiable?
After cleaning, your gloves are clean—but now they’re thirsty. Leather loses natural oils during washing, which can lead to cracking or stiffness.
Cleaning your leather gloves is just one half of the care routine. The second half—and honestly, the more critical step—is conditioning. This isn’t an optional “bonus” step; it’s essential.
Think of it like moisturizing your skin after a shower. Without it, even the cleanest leather will start to look and feel like an old, forgotten belt in the back of your closet.
When you clean leather, especially with water or soap, you remove more than just dirt—you also strip away the natural oils that keep the leather soft, flexible, and resilient. If you don’t replace those oils with a conditioner, leather starts to dry out from the inside out.
Removing Odor from Leather Gloves in 5 Ways
Whether it’s sweat, moisture, or just long-term wear, that musty smell can sneak in and make your gloves feel… not so fresh. But deodorizing leather is tricky. You can’t just toss them in the wash or spray Febreze and call it a day. The goal here is to neutralize odor without ruining the leather.
Here’s how to do it the right way:
1. Air Them Out (But Not in the Sun)
Start with the simplest trick—fresh air. Place your gloves in a well-ventilated room and lay them flat or hang them using clips away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can dry out and crack the leather, so aim for a shady spot near a fan or open window.
2. Use Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda
For odors that are deep in the leather, you’ll need something that absorbs rather than masks the smell.
- Activated charcoal (found in odor-eliminating pouches or pet sections) is great. Drop a pouch into a sealed container or ziplock bag along with your gloves and leave them for 24–48 hours.
- Baking soda works too—but never apply it directly to leather. Instead, pour some into a sock or cheesecloth, tie it off, and place it in the same sealed bag with the gloves. Let it sit overnight.
3. Try a Leather-Safe Odor Neutralizer
If natural methods don’t do the trick, look for a leather-safe odor spray or cleaner—these are made specifically to remove odors without staining or drying the material. Always patch test first, and never over-saturate the gloves. A light mist, followed by air-drying, is plenty.
4. Don’t Forget the Inside
A lot of odors come from the glove’s inner lining, especially if they’ve been worn during sweaty activities or rain. Lightly dust the inside with a tiny bit of baking soda, let it sit for an hour or two, then shake or vacuum it out. If your gloves have a removable lining, air it separately.
Washing Leather Gloves Under Running Water
Washing leather gloves directly under running water is not recommended for delicate or high-end leather like lambskin or dress gloves. However, if you’re dealing with rugged, work-grade leather gloves—like thick cowhide or goatskin designed for heavy-duty use—then yes. Here is how:
1. Use Lukewarm Running Water
Hold the gloves under gentle, lukewarm water. Cold water won’t clean well, and hot water will dry out and shrink the leather.
2. Lather Mild Soap in Your Hands
Use a mild hand soap, dish soap, or saddle soap. Rub it between your hands until you’ve got a light lather. Then, while wearing the gloves, rub your hands together as if you’re washing them normally—palms, fingers, back of the hands, in between the fingers.
3. Rinse Gently Under Water
Keep wearing the gloves and rinse them under the water, continuing to rub them gently until the soap is fully gone. Don’t overdo it—limit the total rinse time to a couple of minutes max.
4. Squeeze Out Water (Don’t Wring)
Take the gloves off and gently press them between your hands or a towel to squeeze out excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing—they’ll stretch or warp.
5. Air Dry and Reshape
Lay the gloves flat on a dry towel in a cool, shaded place. Once they’re damp—not soaking—put them back on your hands briefly to reshape them. Let them finish drying naturally off your hands.
6. Condition Once Fully Dry
After drying (which may take a full day), apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and prevent stiffness or cracking. Rub it in with your fingers or a soft cloth.
Recommended Read: How to Make Leather Gloves?
How to Disinfect Leather Gloves?
Disinfecting leather gloves is a good idea after public use, but it must be done carefully. Harsh cleaners like alcohol or bleach can ruin the leather by drying it out, cracking the surface, or stripping its natural finish. That’s why traditional disinfectant wipes and sprays are a no-go.
Instead, use a leather-safe antibacterial cleaner or a gentle vinegar-water mix. These can clean and mildly disinfect without damage. Always let the gloves air dry naturally and apply conditioner afterward to restore softness and prevent stiffness.
How to Clean Leather Gloves in the Washing Machine?
Throwing leather gloves in the washing machine sounds quick, but it can backfire fast. The soaking, spinning, and detergent exposure can shrink the leather, mess up its shape, and cause long-term damage. Even one wash can make gloves stiff, dull, or cracked.
If the gloves are cheap, rugged work gloves, a delicate machine wash might be okay—but it’s risky. For any quality leather glove, it’s always safer to clean by hand with a damp cloth, then condition afterward to maintain softness and shape.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Leather Gloves
Learning what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. A single misstep can destroy your favorite pair.
Avoid these glove-killing mistakes:
- Soaking the gloves or wringing them out
- Skipping conditioning
- Using harsh cleaners or bleach
- Storing them damp or in plastic
- Drying them with heat or sunlight
- Forgetting to clean the inside
Keep Your Gloves Clean, Comfy, and Crack-Free
Leather gloves are an investment—and they deserve a little TLC. A simple cleaning routine every few months can keep them soft, stylish, and ready for whatever weather (or work) you throw at them.
Gentle products, low moisture, and a little conditioner go a long way. Treat your gloves well, and they’ll stick with you for years to come.
