How To Clean Leather Horse Riding Gloves?

If you ride, you know the value of a good pair of leather gloves. They protect your hands and help you grip the reins.

Leather gloves are durable, but sweat, dirt, and horse hair build up fast. A little regular care keeps them soft and makes them last longer.

Start by brushing or wiping away dirt with a soft, dry cloth. Then wipe the gloves with a barely damp cloth and a mild leather cleaner. Let them air dry at room temperature, away from heaters and direct sun, and finish with a light coat of leather conditioner.

Below are the steps, plus tips for odors and stains. Always check the care label first. Some riding gloves are synthetic or labeled washable, and the maker's instructions come first.

Steps to Clean Leather Horse Riding Gloves

Riding is dusty, sweaty work, and your gloves get as dirty as the rest of your gear.

Leather is not waterproof. The Canadian Conservation Institute notes that most leathers are damaged by direct contact with water, and some may shrink or stiffen. So use as little water as possible.

1. Use a clean, dry cloth or soft brush to remove dirt and hair from the surface of the gloves.
2. For heavier dirt, wipe the gloves with a cloth that is barely damp with water and a mild leather cleaner. Don't soak the gloves. Wipe away any residue with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
3. Let the gloves air dry at room temperature. Wearing them for a minute while damp, or stuffing them with paper towels, helps them keep their shape. Never use a hair dryer, radiator, or direct sun to speed things up.
4. Once they are dry, apply a small amount of a conditioner made for leather gloves or tack, following the label. Buff off any excess with a clean cloth. Don't use cooking oils such as olive oil; the CCI warns that oils oxidize over time and can damage leather.
5. Store your gloves in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Damp storage invites mold.

With a little care, good leather riding gloves can last for years.

How do you get the smell out of riding gloves?

There are a few things you can do to freshen smelly riding gloves:

1. Air them out in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Avoid long periods in direct sun, since sunlight and heat can dry out and fade leather.
2. Wipe the inside and outside with a barely damp cloth and mild leather cleaner, then let them air dry fully.
3. For lingering odors, wipe the gloves lightly with a cloth dampened with a mix of one part white vinegar to two parts water. Don't soak them. Test on a hidden spot first.
4. Sprinkle a little baking soda inside the dry gloves, leave it overnight, then shake it out thoroughly.

Drying gloves fully after every ride is the best way to prevent odor in the first place.

Can I use vinegar to clean leather gloves?

Yes, diluted white vinegar can help lift dirt and odor from leather gloves. Use it sparingly, because too much liquid or too strong a solution can dry out or discolor the leather.

1. Mix one part white vinegar with one or two parts water.
2. Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture, wring it out well, and wipe down the gloves. Test on a hidden spot first.
3. Wipe them again with a cloth barely dampened with clean water, then let them air dry at room temperature.
4. Once they're dry, condition the leather to keep it soft and supple.

Conclusion:

The tips in this post should help you keep your leather gloves clean and in good shape for a long time.

Use as little water as possible, dry them slowly away from heat and sun, and condition them lightly. Have you tried cleaning your leather gloves using these methods? Let us know how it goes in the comments below!

Sources

• Caring for leather, skin and fur, Canadian Conservation Institute, Government of Canada