Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Baseball Glove Labels & Dirt: Pro Techniques

Updated at: 13/02/2025

Your baseball glove: a trusted companion, a silent partner in countless victories. But over time, even the most prized leather can succumb to the grime of the diamond, leaving its labels faded and its surface caked with dirt. More than just aesthetics, neglecting proper cleaning can compromise the glove's performance and longevity. A dirty glove loses its suppleness, impacting its ability to form to your hand and make those crucial catches. This means more than just a quick wipe-down after practice; it requires a more dedicated approach to preserving your investment.

This ultimate guide provides pro-level techniques for cleaning both the labels and the overall leather of your baseball glove, restoring its glory and maximizing its lifespan. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, ensuring your glove is not only clean and pristine but also ready to perform at its best. Let's get started on bringing your glove back to life!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Ball Players Bomb Glove Cleaner
  • Brushes (angled hard bristle brush, toothbrush with hard bristles, optional horsehair brush, optional round brush)
  • Lacing needle
  • Clean water
  • Dirty water
  • Rag
  • Ball
  • Players Glove
Safety Guidelines
  • Never submerge your glove completely in water. Excessive moisture can damage the leather and stitching.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or strong detergents. These can discolor or weaken the leather and glue.
  • Always allow the glove to air dry completely after cleaning. Stuffing it with a glove former or newspaper helps maintain its shape and prevents mildew.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Cleaning Station

    • Prepare your cleaning solution and tools. Fill one container with clean water and another with dirty water for rinsing.
    Prepare your cleaning solution and tools. Fill one container with clean water and another with dirty water for rinsing.
    Prepare Cleaning Station

  2. Select Cleaning Brush

    • Choose the appropriate brush based on the level of dirt. For lightly soiled areas, a soft horsehair brush or a toothbrush might suffice. For heavily soiled areas, use a hard-bristled brush (angled or round).
    Choose the appropriate brush based on the level of dirt. For lightly soiled areas, a soft horsehair brush or a toothbrush might suffice. For heavily soiled areas, use a hard-bristled brush (angled or round).
    Select Cleaning Brush

  3. Activate Cleaner

    • Dip your chosen brush into the Ball Players Bomb Glove Cleaner, then into the clean water to activate the cleaner.
    Dip your chosen brush into the Ball Players Bomb Glove Cleaner, then into the clean water to activate the cleaner.
    Activate Cleaner

  4. Scrub the Glove and Labels

    • Gently scrub the labels and the glove's surface, paying attention to crevices and areas where dirt accumulates.
    Gently scrub the labels and the glove's surface, paying attention to crevices and areas where dirt accumulates.
    Scrub the Glove and Labels

  5. Rinse the Brush

    • Rinse the brush in the dirty water to remove excess dirt and cleaner.
    Rinse the brush in the dirty water to remove excess dirt and cleaner.
    Rinse the Brush

  6. Wipe Clean

    • Wipe the glove with a clean rag to remove any remaining dirt and cleaner.
    Wipe the glove with a clean rag to remove any remaining dirt and cleaner.
    Wipe Clean

  7. Clean Stubborn Dirt

    • For stubborn dirt trapped in the holes of the glove, use a lacing needle to gently poke and loosen the dirt, then wipe clean.
    For stubborn dirt trapped in the holes of the glove, use a lacing needle to gently poke and loosen the dirt, then wipe clean.
    Clean Stubborn Dirt

  8. Repeat as Needed

    • Repeat steps 3-7 as needed until the labels and glove are clean.
    Repeat steps 3-7 as needed until the labels and glove are clean.
    Repeat as Needed

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Staying Warm While Playing Baseball in Cold Weather

Tips

  • Use lukewarm or slightly warm water for best results.
  • Ball Players Bomb Glove Cleaner is highly recommended due to its effectiveness and pleasant smell.
  • Don't scrub too hard to avoid damaging the glove material.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Harsh Chemicals

Reason: Strong cleaners can damage the leather and the stitching of the glove, fading colors and weakening the material.
Solution: Use only mild soap and water, or a specialized leather cleaner designed for baseball gloves.

2. Over-Saturating the Glove

Reason: Excessive moisture can lead to warping, cracking, and mold growth, shortening the lifespan of the glove.
Solution: Apply cleaning solutions sparingly and blot excess moisture with a clean cloth.

FAQs

Can I use a washing machine to clean my baseball glove and its labels?
Absolutely not! Washing machines can damage the leather, stitching, and the label itself, rendering your glove unusable. Always clean your glove by hand using gentle methods as described in this guide.