How to Clean a Moldy Leather Baseball Glove
If your glove is smelling musty and moldy, you can use some simple steps to eliminate it. Use Vinegar, leather oil, or sunlight to kill the mold and mildew. In addition, it is best to air dry the glove outdoors in sunny weather. However, if the mold is stubborn, you may need to perform a second treatment.
Vinegar
If you want to clean a moldy leather baseball glove, you can try using a solution of vinegar and water. This solution can kill up to 99% of bacteria and 80% of viruses. You should thoroughly spray the glove with the solution before allowing it to air dry.
You can also use a conditioner such as vaseline or neatsfoot oil. Apply the conditioner to the leather and work it in well before wiping off the excess. Vinegar is a better way to kill mold than bleach, which can make the mold grow stronger and move deeper into the leather.
If the mold continues to grow, you can apply a treatment to the glove to soften the leather and reduce the risk of mold. Other products include petroleum jelly, leather wax, or specialty leather treatments. However, be aware that these products can over-soften the leather. If the treatment fails to remove the mold, you may need to replace the lace.
Leather oil
Leather baseball gloves are susceptible to mold because they are frequently used by baseball players and do not receive the proper care and attention. Athletes also tend to get attached to their gear, and leather gloves are no exception. They become worn in with repeated use, and may even develop mold and mildew in the off-season. Fortunately, there are a number of methods for cleaning mold and mildew from your baseball glove, including soaking it in warm water and soap and drying it on a low heat for a few hours.
First, you’ll need a clean cloth. Ideally, you should use warm water with a mild soap. You’ll need to wipe down the interior of the glove, which is more fragile than the outer shell. Then, use a soft dry cloth to wipe away any excess water that has soaked into the glove.
Sunlight kills mildew and mold
If your leather baseball glove is starting to show signs of mold and mildew, you may want to consider exposing it to the sun. UV-C light is an excellent disinfectant and can kill mold and mildew in as little as a minute. However, if the gloves are still covered in a thin layer of soil or have tiny crevices, this method may not be effective.
First, make sure that the gloves are clean. If they have a musty odor, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove the mold. You can soak a clean cloth in a diluted alcohol solution and wipe the glove with it. For more effective cleaning, turn the gloves inside out before exposing them to sunlight.
Breaking in a baseball glove
If your baseball glove is in need of a little TLC, consider breaking it in. The process involves soaking the glove in water and softening the leather. The glove will then form to your hand and provide a custom fit and pocket. You can also try applying foam treatment to the glove. This solution is a relatively inexpensive alternative that will help break in your glove. To use this treatment, you will need to apply it to both the inside and outside of the glove. You should allow the foam treatment to soak into the glove for several minutes.
Using lanolin, a natural substance that is derived from sheep’s wool, is an excellent way to soften leather gloves and keep them from drying out. This substance is also water-repellent and has antibacterial properties. It is also popular in lip balm and skin creams. However, you should avoid using lanolin shaving cream because it can be harsh on leather. It also contains abrasive materials that can ruin the glove’s form.
