Ski, Snowboard, Freeride, Ski touring, Freestyle | Oct 8, 2021

Wash your ski gloves

How to care for your gloves properly!
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REUSCH
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Are your ski gloves looking pretty worn and smelling a bit unpleasant? Then throw them in the washing machine – right? Better not! Read our tips first and you'll soon be waving to your friends on the slopes with sparkling clean gloves.

INTERSPORT Rent has teamed up with the experts at Reusch to summarise the best way to wash and care for your ski gloves or mittens. If you follow these simple tricks, you can significantly extend the life of your gloves and get the most out of them!

When should you wash your ski gloves?

After a long, eventful skiing holiday or at the end of the season, your ski gloves may look a little worn. If you want to clean your gloves, always remember: less is more!

High-quality ski gloves are made from high-tech materials and state-of-the-art technologies which ensure important features such as durability, waterproofness, breathability and thermal insulation. However, excessive cleaning can damage these characteristics and is therefore often counterproductive.

So wash your gloves or mittens only when superficial cleaning or airing no longer works!

Two skiers walking on a snowy mountain bridge | © Reusch
Two children skiing in the mountains. | © Reusch

Always follow the care instructions on the label when washing your gloves!

The manufacturer's care label is particularly important. It contains information about the fabrics used in the outer layer, membrane and insulation of your gloves. The surface of most ski gloves is made of synthetic materials or leather. In some cases, however, it is a combination of both. These determine the correct care for your ski gloves.

Important: Regardless of what materials your ski gloves are made of, you should never treat them with harsh chemicals, aggressive cleaning agents or fabric softener.

Gray winter gloves with black leather details | © Reusch
Skier skiing on snowy slope | © Reusch

How to wash ski gloves properly – here's how!

For most gloves, gentle hand washing is the best and safest cleaning method, as they could be damaged in the spin cycle of a washing machine.

So how do you wash your ski gloves properly? Here are our best tips – step by step:

Cleaning synthetic ski gloves

Synthetic gloves often have reinforced palms, fingers or thumbs. Many gloves and mittens have removable inner linings that can be washed separately from the outer layer.

  1. Check: Take a close look at your gloves – maybe a quick clean is all they need?
     
  • For light soiling, try carefully removing the stains with a damp cloth or sponge (using water only).
  • More stubborn stains are best tackled with water and a small amount of detergent.
  • Pro tip: Put on a dirty glove on while cleaning – this makes it much easier to remove dirt stains!

 

  1. Preparation:
     
  • Remove the inner glove if necessary.
  • Close all Velcro fasteners and zips.
  • If you find any coarse dirt, make sure you shake or wipe it off thoroughly beforehand.

 

  1. Washing: If surface cleaning has not worked.
     
  • Use lukewarm water and mild soap or special cleaning agents which are suitable for the material!
  • Wash your gloves by hand, gently 'massaging' them.
  • Avoid scrubbing or kneading too hard, as this could damage the seams.
  • Finally, rinse off any excess dirt or cleaning agent and squeeze the gloves gently – do not wring them out!
  • Important: Do not use water that is too hot or too cold! This could cause your ski gloves to shrink or lose their shape.

Drying correctly: how to keep your gloves in shape

Drying is just as important as washing. It determines whether your gloves retain their shape and function.

  • Place your gloves on a towel and leave them to air dry at room temperature.
  • Protect the material from intense heat (e.g. radiators) and direct sunlight.
  • The tumble dryer is a no-go for your ski gloves.
  • Hang them with the cuffs facing downwards so that the water can drain out properly.
  • Stuff them with absorbent paper while they are drying. This will help them retain their shape. However, change the paper regularly if it gets too wet.

Maintain waterproofness by impregnating

Once your gloves are completely dry, you can apply a waterproofing agent. But make sure that the product is suitable for the material of your gloves are made of, whether they are synthetic, leather or a mix of materials. This will quickly and effectively restore the water-repellent characteristics of your ski gloves and get them ready for the slopes.

How it works:

  • Use a waterproofing agent that is suitable for the material of your gloves.
  • Depending on your preferences and the material, choose a product for spraying or rubbing in, a wash-in impregnation or wax for leather surfaces.
  • Apply the product evenly, paying particular attention to hard-to-reach areas between the fingers.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct application.
  • Allow the gloves to dry completely before using them again.

Pro tip: Place a drop of water on the surface of your gloves. If it beads up, the impregnation is still effective. If it is absorbed, it is time to reapply it.

Not sure which product is best for waterproofing your ski gloves? Ask our RENTertainers in the shops for advice on the best waterproofing agent for your needs!

How to clean leather gloves

Full leather gloves need a little more care. Leather is a natural material and therefore behaves differently to synthetic fabrics. Therefore, their appearance will change over time. However, this does not affect the functionality of your gloves – and with the right care, you will enjoy them for many years to come!

  1. Proper cleaning
     
  • Leather gloves should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and without using detergent!
  • Alternatively, you can use a special leather cleaner.

 

  1. Drying
     
  • Wipe away any damp areas with a clean, dry cloth and leave them to air dry.
  • Make sure that the gloves are not exposed to direct heat, as this could cause the leather to crack.

 

  1. Care
     
  • Once your ski gloves are completely dry, you should treat them with leather grease or another leather care product.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the product.
  • Good leather care improves the natural durability of the leather and keeps it supple.
  • Our tip: Reusch leather care wax is recommended for Reusch ski gloves and mittens.

Please always remember: leather gloves or models with leather parts should never be completely immersed in water!

Can gloves be washed in the washing machine?

Many synthetic ski gloves can be washed in the washing machine – provided that the care label allows it! We recommend the following procedure:

  • Gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30°C
  • Place the gloves in a laundry bag or an old pillowcase
  • Use a mild liquid detergent
  • Never use fabric softener, bleach or powder detergent
  • Select a low spin cycle
  • Wash the inner gloves separately
  • Re-impregnate after washing

Everyday care: What you can do

Proper everyday care is the key to long-lasting ski gloves – and it saves you from having to wash them frequently! With a few simple habits after every day of skiing, you can keep your gloves fresh and functional. Before you even think about washing, you should follow these care tips:

  • Air them out thoroughly every time! Open all fasteners and leave your gloves to dry in a well-ventilated place.
  • Never pack them away damp! Damp gloves can become musty and damage the material.
  • Remove light soiling immediately! A damp cloth is often sufficient.
  • Shake regularly! This will remove sand, snow or other particles.

Storing your gloves correctly

If you want to store your ski gloves between ski days or at the end of the season, do so in a cool, dark and dry place. This will save you unpleasant surprises when you take them out next time.

Storage checklist:

  • Allow gloves to dry completely
  • Refresh the impregnation
  • Store in a cool, dry place
  • Protect from direct sunlight
  • Do not compress – they should retain their shape

 

And that's it! As you can see, it doesn't take much to keep your gloves and mittens clean. Proper washing and a little care will ensure that your ski gloves stay in top condition for a long time. Enjoy permanently warm and dry hands on your winter adventures!

Frequently asked questions about washing ski gloves

How often should ski gloves be washed?

Ski gloves should be washed as infrequently as possible – ideally only once per season or when heavily soiled. Frequent washing can damage the functional materials and shorten the lifespan. Regular airing and proper everyday care are often sufficient to keep gloves fresh.

How do I wash Gore-Tex gloves?

Gore-Tex gloves should preferably be washed by hand. Use lukewarm water, a mild liquid detergent or special cleaning agents for functional materials. If the care label allows machine washing, select the gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30°C. After washing, be sure to re-impregnate the gloves to maintain their functionality.

What should I do if the care label says "do not wash"?

If your gloves are labelled "do not wash" or "do not dry clean", you must decide for yourself whether cleaning is necessary at your own risk. Consider whether the smell or dirt is really unacceptable. If you do decide to clean them, choose the gentlest hand wash with lukewarm water and a very mild detergent.

Man in ski lift wearing helmet and gloves smiles. | © Reusch
Close-up of a black leather glove with perforation. | © Reusch

INTERSPORT Rent tip

The RENTertainer recommends

Do your hands get cold quickly when skiing, or are you often out and about in freezing temperatures and extreme environments? Special heated ski gloves ensure cosy warmth all day long. If you would like to try one of these comfortable models, simply visit one of our numerous shops in Europe or Canada. Our RENTertainers will get you ready for the cold in no time!