How to Care For a Fastpitch Softball Glove the Right Way

Is That Real Leather

Your new glove is made of leather, a natural product. Leather will break down or deteriorate from repeated exposure to heat and moisture. Perspiration is hard on your glove, but unavoidable in hot weather. The conditioners in your leather will help protect it from normal perspiration. Saliva is really bad for leather, it will break down the leather. That’s what our saliva is for, it breaks down our food, so it will do the same on leather over time. Don’t spit in your glove.

Clean your glove with a towel or clean cloth to remove the dirt and dust. Do this between games just as you should with your game cleats. This not only helps them to last longer, but it makes them look much better. These are things college coaches are looking for during recruiting trips - just a hint there. Remember, if you take care of your glove it will take care of you on the field.

Left Out In The Rain

Leaving your glove out in the weather will ruin it also. Put your glove away, inside when not using it. If your glove gets really wet, from rain or water you should dry it as much as you can with a towel and then leave it to dry in a cool place. Don’t leave it in the back window of the car and don’t leave it in the trunk either. The sun will dry out a wet glove and remove the oils and conditioners. The trunk, especially if you leave it in your gear bag, won’t allow good for airflow around your glove and it won’t dry properly. Don’t use a blow dryer either, that is as bad as leaving it in the back window of your car and don’t put it in the oven to dry either.

Clean the glove with a towel and wipe the dirt, dust or mud from it. IF it is really muddy or scraped, after cleaning it you should apply a light coat of conditioner. Wipe any excess conditioner from the glove and put it in a cool dry place.

To maintain the inner lining, you should wear a batting glove. This will help keep the perspiration away from the lining. If your batting glove gets wet, replace it with a dry one. This will help the inner lining last for years.

When the season is over and you need to store the glove for an extended time, make sure it is dry and clean then put a softball in the pocket and tie it with a rubber band, pre-wrap or string and store it in a cool dry place. On your top closet shelf or your trophy shelf may be a good spot.

These tips will help you care for your glove the right way. Take care of your glove and it will take care of you on the field.