How To Clean Garden Gloves

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Getting dirty and grimy is always going to be a part of gardening, but that's why we use gardening gloves. It protects our most valuable gardening tools – our hands. When we're done cleaning ourselves up, we must also consider how can you wash gardening gloves. Keeping our gardening gloves clean keeps them in good shape for a longer time. When it comes to gloves, even work gloves, it's all about the fit, so you have better flexibility and control. Well, cleaning your gloves helps with that. However, not all gloves can be treated the same. Some gloves can be easily washed, but others require special treatment.

Pick A Good Pair

There are many types of gardening gloves to choose from. They are all meant to protect you, but some gloves work better than others, depending on the job you are doing. If you are spraying chemicals, rubber gloves will not let liquids touch your skin. Knit or cotton gloves are more breathable and work for lighter tasks, such as raking, hoeing, and troweling. For pruning, digging and lifting rough and heavy objects, leather gloves will stand abuse, while providing comfort. That's why a lot of gardeners often ask – can you wash gardening gloves?

How To Wash Rubber and Latex Gloves

Gloves made of rubber and latex are the easiest types of gloves to clean since they do not absorb water. Work gloves made of latex, nitrile, neoprene, or PVC are similar. However, be careful with handling your gloves if you had been working with chemicals while wearing them. Follow these steps to learn how can you wash gardening gloves.

While still wearing your gloves, wash them with soap and water in a utility sink or with a hose. Avoid washing your gloves with warm water, or the material may deform. You can use dishwashing soap for your gloves. If there are tough stains that demand extra work, you can use a brush with medium to soft bristles. Hang your gloves up to dry somewhere with free-flowing air. Rubber can easily accumulate mildew, so you should store them once they are properly dried.

How To Wash Knit and Cotton Gloves

There are gardening gloves made of softer materials, like knit, cotton, and jersey. You might think you can throw them into your washing machine, but they should be adequately cleaned. Here are ways on how can you wash gardening gloves made of knit and cotton.

Stains and dirt can easily stick to cotton, so you should wash them as soon as you are done with your gardening tasks. Pre-rinse your gloves under the hose to wash off any caked-on dirt or grass. Cotton gloves can be machine washed, but be sure to use cold water to prevent them from shrinking. Any laundry detergent will do. If there are still stubborn spots and stains, you can treat them with spot removal. Hang up or lay out your cotton or knit gloves in an airy place to prevent shrinking.

How To Wash Leather Gloves

Leather is a tricky material to handle and with good reason. While leather gardening gloves require special care, it's worth it for the protection and flexibility they provide. Read on to know how to clean leather work gloves.

Brush off any dirt and soil from the gloves with a toothbrush or any brush with soft bristles. You want to wash your leather gloves with saddle soap, which is something you can find in a hardware or home improvement store. Apply the saddle soap with a cloth or towel. Gently cover the entire surface area in gentle, circular motions. Once all the dirt has been lifted, it's time to remove the soap. Do not submerge your leather gloves in water or run them under a faucet. Instead, get a damp cloth or towel and gently wipe off the soap. Allow your leather gloves to air dry in an open area.

Your work is not yet done. Leather requires oil to maintain its shape and softness. If you do not learn how to soften leather gardening gloves, you will end up with hard gloves that will crackle and damage easily. You can use linseed oil, boot oil, or leather dressing to treat your gloves. Coat your gloves with liberal amount of oil and gently rub it with a dry towel or cloth. Get more tips on gardening gloves.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you answer your question about how can you wash gardening gloves. You should be washing your gloves immediately when you are gardening to prevent permanent damage and stains. With a sturdy and comfortable pair of gardening gloves, you will feel safer and more confident when tending to your garden. You will know your gloves are still worth using if they do not have holes, rips, or tears. Also, you should know when they still fit well. If a glove has shrunk, it will feel restrictive and uncomfortable. If gloves have become worn and loosened, they will prevent you from getting a good grip on tools and plants.

Remember, safety is key when it comes to enjoying your time in your garden. Our hands are the best tools we have when we are gardening, so we must take care of the ones that protect our hands. Whatever type of gloves you have, learn to clean and maintain them for the best fit, grip, and security.