How to Wash Your Goalkeeper Gloves (and Keep Them Grippy)
Your gloves are your most important tool as a goalkeeper — but they also take the most punishment. Mud, sweat, and dirt all wear down the latex over time. If you want your gloves to last longer and stay sticky, proper care is essential.
Why Cleaning Matters
Clean gloves don’t just look better — they perform better. Dirt fills the pores of the latex, making it slippery and less responsive. That means less grip, less control, and more dropped balls.
Look at pros like Alisson Becker — their gloves always look fresh because they’re cleaned properly and dried carefully between matches.
Step-by-Step: Washing Your Gloves
Follow this simple method to keep your gloves performing at their best:
Rinse after every session. Use lukewarm water and gently rub off mud and dirt with your hands.
Use glove wash or mild soap. Avoid detergents or bleach — they’ll ruin the latex.
Gently squeeze, don’t wring. Twisting damages the padding and stitching.
Air dry. Leave them in a shaded, ventilated area. Never use direct sunlight, heaters, or dryers.
Store flat or hanging. Avoid folding the palms together, as this causes them to stick and tear.
Bonus Tips
Keep one “training” pair and one “matchday” pair.
Wash them straight after wet sessions — waterlogged gloves rot quickly.
If you play often, invest in a glove bag to help airflow.
Use glove refresh spray before games for extra grip.
What to Avoid
❌ Hot water
❌ Dryer or radiator
❌ Fabric softener
❌ Leaving gloves in your bag overnight
Even the best gloves won’t last forever, but good care can double their lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Clean gloves = confident saves. Take five minutes after each session to wash and dry them properly — your hands (and your performance) will thank you.
At GK View, we even use a Glove Care Routine during our sessions — it teaches our keepers responsibility and pride in their preparation.
The Goalkeepers’ View
