It’s often easier to rinse the gloves if you leave them on your hands. That way, there aren’t any folds or creases to hide dirt and debris.
If there are particularly stubborn stains on your gloves, you may want to pre-treat them with a stain removing product. Make sure to cover the stains completely with the stain remover, and allow it to sit on the gloves for approximately 10 minutes before washing them.
If you’re in a hurry to dry your gardening gloves, you can toss them in the dryer to tumble dry. However, be sure to set the machine at low heat to minimize the possibility of shrinkage.
If you’re having trouble brushing away the dirt by hand, you can also use a soft-bristled cleaning brush. Just be sure to use gentle strokes.
Spend several minutes working the saddle soap into the leather so it really has a chance to penetrate and lift out the dirt.
If you notice that there is still dirt and grime on the glove while you’re rinsing, you may want to repeat the cleansing process to get the leather completely clean. Once you’re satisfied that the glove is clean, complete the same process with the other glove.
Don’t place your gloves near a heater, radiator, fire, or other open flame. The leather may crack. While your gloves are drying, it’s a good idea to periodically put them on and stretch them. That will help stretch them so they maintain their shape.
If you don’t have linseed oil, mink oil is an effective alternative. You can also use a treatment product specifically for leather, which usually contains a blend of oils and other ingredients.
It’s usually easiest to rinse your gloves when you’re still wearing them, which is why it’s convenient to use the garden hose after you’ve finished your work.
If your rubber gardening gloves have stubborn stains or dirty spots, use a cleaning brush to scrub at those areas.
Even after cleaning, make sure to store your rubber gardening gloves in a dry location so they don’t mildew.
