When undertaking a high-quality, well-equipped climb, knowing how to clean and maintain your mountaineering gear is just as important as owning top-notch equipment. Proper care and cleaning are crucial—not merely for removing dirt, but primarily for ensuring safety, equipment longevity, and optimal performance throughout the gear's lifespan. Mountaineering gloves are built for protection and durability; a little care helps extend their life. Indeed, they are designed to withstand any weather conditions you might encounter during a climb while keeping you warm and dry.
Mountaineering gloves are subjected to high levels of wear and tear, but with proper care, they will last longer and perform better; keep in mind that specialized gloves require different cleaning and maintenance methods.
Proper Washing of Mountaineering Gloves
All sports gloves benefit from periodic washing, but avoid washing them more often than necessary. Just before storing them for an extended period is an excellent time to clean them, provided you ensure they are completely dry first. Before washing, shake out the gloves to ensure there is no grit or dirt inside the main hand compartment or the finger slots. Lightweight, non-leather fleece gloves can usually be machine-washed, but make sure to release any tension straps and fasten all closures, such as Velcro tabs and zippers.
For other mountaineering gloves—especially those with leather palms—you should hand-wash them in lukewarm water; put the glove on your hand and gently clean the exterior using a soft cloth or brush, using only a small amount of liquid detergent. To clean the interior of lined leather gloves, using cornstarch or baking soda is recommended: gently sprinkle cornstarch inside the gloves, as the cornstarch absorbs oils while the baking soda neutralizes any odors.We do not recommend doing this frequently, but it can help if you notice the inside of your gloves becoming excessively greasy or foul-smelling. However, be careful not to use too much powder, as it can leave a powdery residue inside the gloves or get trapped under your fingernails. Depending on the care instructions for your mountaineering gloves, you might also be able to wash the interior using water and a small amount of detergent.
How do you dry mountaineering gloves?
After washing mountaineering gloves, gently squeeze them to remove as much excess moisture as possible; when they are semi-dry, put them on and clench your fists to help them regain their original shape—air drying is the best method. Never expose the gloves to surface temperatures higher than what your own hands can tolerate; however, if you are in a hurry to dry them, placing a thin cloth between the gloves and the heat source can be helpful.Placing mountaineering gloves in a tumble dryer can not only cause the insulation to clump, but the gloves also feature numerous components, fine seams, and membranes that can be stressed by the heat and the tumbling action. Mountaineering gloves dry faster when positioned upright; place them with the cuffs facing downwards.
Proper care of gloves
Just as your hands dry out in winter, leather gloves do too; however, not all leathers are created equal. Cowhide, goatskin, deerskin, and sheepskin vary in durability and suppleness, and they contain differing amounts of lanolin—a natural wax that prevents the material from becoming brittle. After using the gloves in cold, dry conditions, this protective barrier needs to be replenished. Once the gloves are completely dry, apply a leather conditioner, protective wax, or specialized leather oil—much like applying lotion to your hands. Ideally, apply a waterproofing agent to clean mountaineering gloves using a sponge—even if they aren't being used, do this at least once a season—to seal the leather.
Keep in mind not to store your mountaineering gloves in very damp conditions, as moisture can cause them to develop mold. Also, avoid storing them near chemicals; keeping them in an attic, basement, or even a car trunk can create moisture issues that lead to mold or unpleasant odors. When not in use, mountaineering gloves should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with controlled temperature and humidity levels.
Tips for cleaning and maintaining mountaineering gloves
Here are some key tips for the proper cleaning and maintenance of mountaineering gloves:
✔ Use a carabiner to hang your mountaineering gloves while drying or storing them; this helps the gloves retain their shape.
✔ It is recommended not to use standard laundry detergents when washing the gloves, as these can compromise their waterproofing and durability.
✔ Do not iron your gloves or place them in direct sunlight or on a heater to dry. Leaving them on a car dashboard or exposed to direct sunlight can also cause damage.
✔ Dyed leather may bleed color when wet; therefore, do not place wet gloves against your clothing or mountaineering pack. To avoid this issue, you might choose a model featuring natural, undyed leather.
✔ Minor tears or open seams can usually be repaired with a needle and thread, while small splits in the leather are best fixed using a small amount of specialized leather adhesive.
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