How to Clean a Smelly Golf Glove

A smelly golf glove is not only unpleasant but can also affect your game by causing distractions. Whether it’s due to sweat or accumulated dirt, cleaning your golf glove is essential to maintain its quality and keep it odor-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to effectively clean a smelly golf glove.

Materials You’ll Need:

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

1. Smelly golf glove
2. Mild liquid detergent
3. A basin or bucket
4. Lukewarm water
5. Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush
6. Towel
7. Clothespins (optional)
8. Golf tee (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Start by filling a basin or bucket with lukewarm water. Make sure it’s not too hot, as hot water can damage the glove material. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent to the water. Stir the mixture gently to create a soapy solution.

Step 2: Remove Dirt and Debris

Before submerging your golf glove, gently brush off any visible dirt or debris with a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush. Pay special attention to the areas between the fingers and the glove’s palm, as these are common spots for dirt buildup.

Step 3: Soak the Glove

Submerge the smelly golf glove into the soapy water. Ensure that the entire glove is covered. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. This soaking process will help loosen dirt and odor-causing bacteria.

Step 4: Gently Scrub

After soaking, use the soft-bristle brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the glove’s surface. Focus on areas with stubborn stains or odors. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as this may damage the glove’s material.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Once you’ve scrubbed the glove, rinse it thoroughly under lukewarm running water. Make sure to remove all traces of soap and dirt. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.

Step 6: Remove Excess Water

Gently squeeze the excess water out of the glove. Avoid wringing or twisting it, as this can cause stretching or deformation. Instead, press the glove between two clean, dry towels to absorb moisture.

Step 7: Reshape and Dry

Reshape the glove to its original form while it’s still damp. You can do this by gently molding it with your hands. To help maintain its shape, you can insert a golf tee into the glove’s finger holes or use clothespins to hold the fingers in place.

Step 8: Air Dry

Place the glove in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or hair dryers, as excessive heat can damage the glove’s material. Allow it to dry naturally for at least 24 hours or until it’s completely dry.

Step 9: Test for Odor

After the glove is dry, give it a sniff test to ensure that the odor is completely gone. If there’s still a lingering smell, you can repeat the cleaning process or consider using odor-fighting products designed for sports gear.

Additional Tips:

1. Prevention is Key: To minimize the need for frequent cleaning, consider wearing a moisture-wicking under-glove or using hand powder to reduce sweat and moisture buildup in your glove.
2. Rotate Gloves: If you have multiple golf gloves, rotate them during your rounds to allow each glove to air out between uses. This can help prevent odors from developing.
3. Hand Washing: If you don’t want to submerge your entire glove in water, you can also wash it while wearing it. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the soapy water mixture and gently clean the glove’s surface. Rinse and dry as mentioned in the previous steps.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to mild detergents and avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the glove’s material and stitching.
5. Store Properly: When not in use, store your golf glove in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or a damp locker, as extreme temperatures and moisture can lead to odors and material deterioration.
6. Consider Glove Fresheners: You can use golf glove fresheners or inserts designed to absorb moisture and odors. These can help keep your glove smelling fresh between rounds.
7. Replace as Needed: Golf gloves have a limited lifespan, and constant use will eventually wear them out. If your glove has become too stretched, worn, or damaged, it may be time to replace it.

Materials for Cleaning

Material	Purpose	Quantity Needed	Safety Precautions	Where to Buy
Mild Detergent	Cleaning	1 tablespoon	Keep away from eyes	Local Store, Online
Warm Water	Mixing with detergent	As needed	N/A	Tap or Faucet
Soft Bristled Brush	Scrubbing	1	N/A	Golf Store, Online
Towel	Drying	1	N/A	Home, Online
Plastic Bag	Storage	1	N/A	Any Grocery Store

Steps for Cleaning

Step	Description	Details	Additional Tips
1	Prepare cleaning solution	Mix mild detergent with warm water in a container.	Use a small bowl or bucket.
2	Remove the glove from your hand	Take off the smelly glove carefully.	Avoid stretching or tearing.
3	Soak the glove in the soapy water	Submerge the glove completely in the soapy water.	Ensure it’s fully saturated.
4	Gently scrub the glove	Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the surface of the glove, paying attention to odor-prone areas.	Don’t scrub too hard.
5	Rinse thoroughly	Rinse the glove with clean, warm water to remove all soap residues.	Make sure there’s no soap left.
6	Squeeze out excess water	Gently press the glove to remove excess water.	Don’t twist or wring it.
7	Towel dry	Place the glove on a clean towel and pat it dry.	Ensure it’s completely dry.
8	Air dry	Let the glove air dry in a well-ventilated area.	Avoid direct sunlight and heat.
9	Store properly	When dry, store the glove in a plastic bag to prevent odors from returning.	Keep it in a cool, dry place.
10	Repeat if necessary	If the odor persists, repeat the cleaning process.	Some odors may require multiple washes.

Frequency of Cleaning

Frequency	How Often
Weekly	Regular maintenance for lightly used gloves.
After Rounds	Clean after every round for heavy users.
As Needed	Clean whenever the glove develops an odor.
Seasonally	Give the glove a thorough clean at season’s end.

Preventive Measures

Preventive Action	Description
Rotate Gloves	Use multiple gloves in rotation to extend their lifespan and reduce odor buildup.
Hand Hygiene	Wash your hands before putting on your golf glove to prevent transferring dirt and oils.
Proper Storage	Store gloves in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Use Glove Liners	Consider using glove liners to absorb sweat and reduce odor.
Air Out Gloves	After a round, let your glove air out to dry before storing it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why it’s a Problem	How to Avoid
Using Harsh Chemicals	Can damage the glove material.	Stick to mild detergents.
Not Rinsing Thoroughly	Soap residue can irritate the skin.	Rinse glove well with clean water.
Overstretching During Cleaning	May lead to glove deformation.	Be gentle when scrubbing or squeezing.
Exposing to Direct Sunlight	Can cause the glove to deteriorate.	Dry in a shaded area.
Storing in a Damp Environment	Promotes mold and mildew growth.	Ensure a dry storage location.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively clean a smelly golf glove and ensure that it remains in good condition for many rounds of golf to come. Regular glove maintenance not only keeps your gear in top shape but also contributes to your overall comfort and performance on the golf course.