How to Wash Mittens and Gloves Without Ruining Them

It can be easy to overlook washing winter accessories, such as scarves, hats, mittens, and gloves. However, it is essential to care for these pieces to maintain their appearance, ensure longevity, and prevent the spread of illness.

Mittens and gloves should be washed regularly. Unless the exterior of the glove is very dirty, it is best to wash them inside-out, as the interior harbors buildup and bacteria from dead skin, sweat, and other substances that accumulate on our hands. Signs that mittens or gloves need to be washed include stains, unpleasant odors, or a change in the texture or feel of the fabric.

Before washing a pair of mittens or gloves, check the care tag for care instructions. When laundering mittens or gloves in the washing machine, use a protective mesh bag to keep these small items from getting lost or mangled in the wash.

How to Hand Wash Wool or Cashmere Mittens and Gloves

Wool and cashmere gloves and mittens can be washed by hand. Check the care tag for washing instructions—the laundry symbol for handwashing is a basin with a hand above it. 

Step 1: Fill the Basin with Water and Detergent

Fill the sink or a soaking basin with lukewarm water and ¼ teaspoon of mild, wool-safe detergent.

Step 2: Soak the Mittens or Gloves

Turn the mittens or gloves inside-out, and submerge them in the water and detergent solution. Gently swish them to allow the water to penetrate the fibers, then let them soak for 10 minutes. 

Step 3: Rinse the Mittens or Gloves

Drain the detergent solution and wipe away any suds from the basin. Then, rinse the mittens or gloves under lukewarm running water to remove all the soap residue. After they are rinsed clean, turn off the water and press the mittens or gloves against the basin to push out excess water.

Step 4: Dry the Mittens or Gloves

Lay the mittens or gloves on a clean, dry towel and gently roll it to push out more water. Then, reshape the mittens or gloves and lay them flat on the towel to air-dry, turning as needed to allow both sides to dry completely.

How to Machine Wash Wool or Cashmere Mittens and Gloves

Many wool and cashmere mittens and gloves can be safely machine-washed in cold water and then air-dried. To do so:

1. Pretreat stains before washing.
2. Use a mild detergent or one specifically formulated for wool and cashmere, and avoid using fabric softener or chlorine bleach.
3. Turn wool and cashmere mittens and gloves inside out and wash them in a protective mesh bag. 
4. Use the gentle cycle and cold water.
5. Reshape the gloves or mittens and lay them flat on a clean towel to air-dry, turning them as needed to ensure both sides dry completely.

Polyester mittens and gloves can be machine-washed in a protective mesh bag. Pretreat stains before washing and follow the care instructions for the optimal water temperature and washer cycle. If care instructions are not available, wash polyester mittens or gloves using a cold water delicates cycle.

After washing, remove the mittens or gloves from the bag, reshape them, and lay them flat on a clean towel to air-dry, turning them as needed to allow both sides to dry completely.

How to Clean Leather Gloves with Leather Cleaner

Step 1: Perform a Spot Test

Before cleaning leather gloves with a leather cleaner, perform a spot test to ensure the product won’t cause damage. Some types of leather, such as raw or vegetable-tanned leather, should not be cleaned using standard methods and products.

Step 2: Dry Brush to Remove Soils

Use a dry microfiber cloth or a soft-bristle brush to dry-brush the surface area of the gloves. This crucial step removes the top layer of dust and dirt from the leather before a liquid cleaner is applied, preventing microscratches that can leave the leather looking dull and worn out.

Step 3: Apply Leather Cleaner

Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a clean, soft cloth. Using a circular motion and light pressure, gently work the cleaner into the leather; do not apply the cleaner directly to the leather. Wipe clean.

Step 4: Condition the Leather

After cleaning, apply a thin, even layer of leather conditioner to the entire surface of the gloves. Using a circular motion, rub the conditioner into the leather, paying particular attention to the seams. Allow 30 minutes for the leather to absorb the conditioner.

Step 5: Buff the Leather

After the leather has absorbed the conditioner, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess product and buff the gloves.

How to Wash Cotton Skin Care Gloves

Cotton gloves used for skin care should be washed regularly to keep them free of bacteria that can cause skin irritation and to prevent product buildup from creams, balms, and ointments used to treat skin conditions.

Cotton gloves can be machine-washed in a protective mesh bag. However, if a significant buildup of oil-based products occurs, a pre-soak may be necessary to break it down.  In that case:

1. Turn the gloves inside out before soaking and washing, so that the water and detergent can better penetrate oily buildup that needs time to break down. 
2. Pre-soak the gloves in hot water with a teaspoon of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent for 1 hour to overnight before laundering to help penetrate and break down residue from skin care products. 
3. After soaking, launder the gloves in the hottest water they can tolerate, and then reshape to air-dry.