How to Clean Golf Gloves

If you’re wondering how to clean golf gloves, you’re not alone. Over time, sweat, dirt, and bacteria build up inside your gloves—especially on hot days or after long rounds. That grime doesn’t just smell bad; it also weakens the glove and affects your grip.

Regular cleaning keeps your gloves feeling fresh, performing well, and lasting longer. Plus, it helps prevent odor and skin irritation.

Using Matguard® disinfectant sprays or wipes is one of the easiest and safest ways to clean and sanitize your golf gloves without damaging the material. Here’s why that matters.

Why Clean Your Golf Gloves Regularly?

Maintains grip and performance

A dirty glove gets slick and loses its tackiness, especially on the palm and fingers. Cleaning restores texture and ensures your grip stays secure on every swing.

Prevents odor and bacteria buildup

Golf gloves trap sweat, which quickly turns into unpleasant smells and bacteria if not cleaned. Disinfecting with a product like Matguard® keeps germs and odor in check.

Extends the glove’s lifespan

Letting dirt and sweat sit in your glove breaks down the material over time. Routine cleaning helps the glove maintain its shape and structure for more rounds.

Reduces risk of skin irritation or infection

Sweat and bacteria can cause rashes, irritation, or even minor infections—especially if you have sensitive skin. A clean glove means a healthier hand.

Know Your Glove Type

Before diving into how to clean golf gloves, it helps to know what kind of glove you're dealing with. Different materials call for different care methods.

Leather Golf Gloves

Leather gloves feel great and offer excellent grip—but they’re delicate. Stick to gentle cleaning and avoid soaking them in water. Overwashing or harsh chemicals can dry them out and cause cracking.

Synthetic Golf Gloves

Synthetic gloves are much more forgiving. They're designed to handle moisture better and can usually be washed more thoroughly without damage. That makes them ideal for players who sweat a lot or play frequently.

Hybrid Gloves

These gloves combine leather in the palm with synthetic materials elsewhere. When cleaning, treat the leather parts gently and follow the cleaning method for the most delicate material on the glove.

How to Hand Wash Golf Gloves Safely

If you’ve got time and want a deeper clean, hand-washing your gloves is a solid option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Fill a basin with cool water and mild detergent
  Avoid hot water—it can warp the shape and ruin the glove material.
  

• Soak glove for 5–10 minutes (especially if synthetic)
  Let the glove loosen up any embedded dirt or sweat.
  

• Gently rub the glove inside and out
  Focus on areas like the palm and fingers where buildup occurs most.
  

• Rinse with cold water
  Be sure to remove all soap residue to prevent stiffness when drying.
• Pat dry with towel, then air dry with hand form inside
  Don’t wring it out. Let it air dry flat or over a glove shaper to keep its form.

Using Matguard® Disinfectant Spray or Wipes

Short on time? Want a fast and effective clean between rounds? Matguards disinfectant wipes and disinfectant spray makes it easy to keep your gloves fresh without a full wash.

Quick Cleaning Option (Perfect for On-the-Go)

• Use Matguard® Disinfectant Spray
  Lightly mist both sides of the glove, then wipe with a clean towel. It dries fast and won’t leave residue.
  
  

• Use Matguard® Surface or Athletic Wipes
  Swipe down the glove—especially the fingers and palm—to remove sweat, bacteria, and odor in seconds.
  
  

Why Use Matguard® Products?

• Alcohol-based, fast-drying, and bleach-free
  Perfect for quick cleans without any risk of discoloration or damage.
  

• Kills odor-causing bacteria without damaging glove material
  Keeps your gloves smelling fresh and performing like new.
  

• Safe for use on athletic gear and fabrics
  Trusted by athletes across sports, it’s safe, effective, and glove-friendly.

How Often Should You Clean Your Golf Gloves?

How often you clean your gloves depends on how much you play—and how much you sweat.

• After every 1–2 rounds if you sweat heavily
  Sweat breaks down glove material fast. If your hands get soaked mid-round, it’s time for a clean.
  

• Weekly if playing regularly
  If you’re out on the course a few times a week, make cleaning part of your weekly routine.
  

• Use wipes after each round for maintenance, then deep clean monthly
  A quick wipe with Matguard® after each round keeps things fresh. Do a deeper hand wash about once a month to keep your glove in top shape.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Golf Gloves

Keeping gloves clean is simple—if you follow a few basic rules.

• Do: Use cold water, air dry, and clean often
  Gentle methods help preserve the material and maintain fit.
  

• Don’t: Use hot water, wring out the glove, or use harsh chemicals
  These can warp, crack, or shrink your glove, making it useless on the course.

How to Store Golf Gloves to Prevent Bacteria Build-Up

Storage matters just as much as cleaning. A damp glove in a dark bag? Perfect environment for bacteria.

• Let dry fully before storing
  Never pack a sweaty glove away. Always let it air out completely first.
  

• Avoid leaving gloves in golf bags while damp
  Especially during hot months—this traps moisture and leads to odor and deterioration.
  

• Store flat or use glove shaper
  Helps maintain fit and keeps the material from folding or cracking.
  

• Optional: Wipe with Matguard® after each use before storing
  A quick disinfecting wipe can stop bacteria in its tracks and keep your glove game-ready.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean golf gloves is a small step that pays off big. You’ll get better performance, longer use, and a cleaner, more comfortable feel every time you play.

Matguard® disinfectant sprays and wipes make it fast, effective, and glove-safe—no soaking or special tools required.

Ready to upgrade your gear care

Check out Matguard® disinfectant sprays and wipes today and keep your gloves in championship condition.