Smelly Gloves? You’re Not Alone.
If you’ve played baseball or softball for even a few games, you’ve probably noticed the problem. The batting gloves that felt great on day one can quickly turn stiff, sticky, and, let’s be honest, smelly. The moment you grab them from your bag,
The odor hits.
It’s not just unpleasant, it can mess with your grip, make you uncomfortable at the plate, and wear out your gloves faster.
Most players run into this. You sweat, grip the bat, toss your gloves in your bag, and forget about them until the next game. All that moisture builds up, invites bacteria, and makes the leather crack or smell over time.
The good news? Cleaning your batting gloves is simple, and you don’t need fancy tools or a lot of time to do it right.
Can You Wash Batting Gloves?
Yes, but not in the washing machine.
Batting gloves, especially those made from genuine leather (like our GoAthletics premium gloves), are designed for performance, not rough cleaning. Tossing them into a washing machine or dryer can crack the leather, shrink the fit, and damage the stitching.
Instead, hand cleaning is the safest and most effective way to keep your gloves in top shape.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your short list of glove-cleaning essentials:
-
Warm water
-
Mild soap or gentle detergent
-
A soft cloth or brush
-
Leather conditioner (optional, for leather gloves)
-
Towel
-
Open space for air drying
You don’t need fancy gear, just a bit of care.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Batting Gloves by Hand
1. Wipe Off Dirt
Start by removing any surface dirt with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Pay attention to the fingers and palm where grime builds up.
2. Make a Soapy Solution
In a small bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap. Avoid bleach or alcohol, they are too harsh for the glove material.
3. Scrub Gently
Dip your cloth in the soapy water, wring it out, and gently wipe down the gloves, inside and out. Focus on sweaty areas like the palms and finger joints. Don't soak the gloves.
4. Rinse with Damp Cloth
Use a separate, clean, damp cloth to wipe away soap residue. Never rinse your gloves under running water.
5. Dry the Right Way
Pat the gloves dry with a towel. Then, air dry them naturally. Don’t leave them in direct sunlight or near a heater. Insert paper towels inside the gloves to help them keep their shape and absorb leftover moisture.
Let them dry for 12–24 hours.
Optional: Conditioning Leather Gloves
If you’re using high-quality leather batting gloves like those from GoAthletics, applying a leather conditioner once a month helps prevent cracking and stiffness. Just dab a small amount on a cloth and rub it into the glove’s surface, then let it sit for a few hours before your next game.
What NOT to Do
Here’s how you could accidentally ruin your gloves:
-
Don’t machine wash or machine dry
-
Don’t soak in water
-
Don’t use bleach, alcohol, or harsh cleaners
-
Don’t store gloves in a wet gear bag
-
Don’t leave them in the sun
How Often Should You Clean Your Gloves?
If you’re a frequent player, aim to wipe them down weekly and deep clean them once or twice a month. For casual use, a quick clean every few games is fine. The more often you play, the more often you should clean.
How to Keep Batting Gloves from Smelling
-
Add a glove deodorizer or use baking soda packs between uses
-
Let them air dry after each game
-
Avoid crumpling them into your bag—lay them flat or hang them
-
Rotate between two pairs of gloves if possible
This not only keeps them smelling fresh—it also gives each pair time to dry and breathe properly.
When to Replace Your Batting Gloves
Even with great care, batting gloves don’t last forever. You should consider replacing them when:
-
The grip starts to peel or crack
-
The fingers become too loose or stiff
-
The leather has worn thin
-
There’s visible tearing or fraying
Looking for a high-quality replacement? Our GoAthletics Goat Leather Batting Gloves are built for grip, comfort, and long-lasting use.
Shop our full glove collection here
Quick Glove Care Summary
Batting gloves should be cleaned by hand using a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Avoid machine washing, and always air dry. Use leather conditioner monthly and store gloves in a cool, dry place to prevent odor and damage.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your batting gloves clean doesn’t just improve hygiene, it boosts performance, extends their life, and gives you a better feel at the plate.
With just a few minutes after every couple of games, you can keep your gloves fresh, flexible, and game-ready.
Related Guide
