How to Care for Your Fishing and Hunting Gloves for Longer Durability
When you’re out on the water or in the woods, your fishing and hunting gloves are your first line of defense against the elements. Whether you’re rocking waterproof fishing gloves, insulated hunting gloves, or something lightweight for warm weather, they take a beating. But with just a little TLC, you can make sure they stay in great shape for years. Here’s how to keep them looking and performing like new:
1. Brush Off Loose Dirt and Debris
Before you dive into washing your gloves, give them a quick once-over with a soft brush or cloth. You’d be surprised how much dirt and mud can accumulate, especially on gloves with extra grip or cut-resistant features. Just knocking off the big stuff first can help your gloves last longer and keep them performing at their best.
2. Hand-Wash Whenever Possible
Most gloves—especially those insulated hunting gloves or touchscreen-compatible hunting gloves—do much better with a gentle hand wash than a rough spin in the washing machine. Stick with lukewarm water, and don’t go too heavy on the soap. Mild, gentle detergent is your best bet. And definitely skip the bleach; you don’t want to ruin the material or any special features like waterproofing.
3. Use Mild Soap for Scent Control Gloves
If your gloves are all about keeping your scent under control—like those scent control hunting gloves—you need to be extra careful. Go for a super mild, unscented soap. Hunting gear detergents are great for this. Make sure to rinse thoroughly so there’s no soap left behind, which could mess with your gloves’ odor-blocking magic.
4. Skip the Washing Machine
As tempting as it is to throw them in the machine, it’s just not worth it—especially for waterproof fishing gloves or cold weather fishing and hunting gloves. Machine washing can mess with the materials, causing them to lose their shape or waterproofing. Trust me, hand washing is the way to go if you want them to last.
5. Spot Clean Leather Gloves
Got a pair of leather gloves? If you’re using something like high-quality gloves for fishing and hunting made from leather, you’ll need to treat them with a little extra care. Just spot clean them with a damp cloth and some leather cleaner or saddle soap. Avoid soaking them—leather hates that. Wipe gently and then pat dry to get rid of the moisture.
6. Let Them Air-Dry
Never wring out your gloves or toss them in the dryer. Lay them flat in a shaded area and let them dry naturally. If you’ve got breathable fishing gloves or UV protection gloves for fishing, heat can really mess with the material. Hang them by the cuff or lay them out, and let time do the work. This will help them keep their shape and function.
7. Reapply Waterproof Coating
For gloves like waterproof fishing gloves, you’ll want to keep that water-resistance intact. After cleaning, spray them with a fresh coat of waterproofing treatment or DWR (Durable Water Repellent). Just make sure your gloves are totally dry first, then follow the product’s instructions. This is especially important after washing.
8. Store Them Properly
Once they’re clean and dry, store your gloves in a cool, dry place. Don’t toss them in a bag where they’ll get crushed or misshapen. Lay them flat or hang them by the cuff so they keep their form. If you’ve got lightweight gloves for warm weather or all-season outdoor gloves, this simple step will keep them ready to go next time you need them.
9. Protect UV Gloves from Sun Exposure
If you’re using UV protection gloves for fishing, be mindful of where you store them. Keep them out of direct sunlight when they’re not in use. Too much sun can break down the fabric and reduce their UV-blocking power.
10. Condition Leather Gloves (If Needed)
Leather gloves are like your favorite old jacket—they get better with age, but you need to take care of them. Every now and then, treat your cold weather fishing and hunting gloves to a leather conditioner. This keeps them soft, flexible, and crack-free, which means they’ll keep you comfortable and protected, season after season.