How to Wash and Care for Your Goalkeeper Gloves

Glove care is essential if you want your goalkeeper gloves to keep their grip, comfort, and durability.

With the right care, your gloves will stay sticky and perform at their best for longer. Here’s a simple guide on how to wash and maintain your gloves.

Wash before first use

It is important that you pre-wash the gloves in cool water, without any detergent to remove any residue chemicals left after the production process. This will optimise the latex. The easiest way to do this is, is to wear them. Wash for 5 minutes or so, making sure the palms absorb the water.

Moisten Before Playing

Always moisten all types of goalkeeper gloves before playing. Keep the gloves damp during use

Wash by Hand, Not by Machine

Always wash goalkeeper gloves by hand. Fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can damage the latex. Gently rub the palms together to remove dirt and sweat. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents, as these can break down the latex and reduce grip.

Rinse and Remove Excess Water

After cleaning, rinse your gloves thoroughly in clean water. Squeeze out the excess water gently, but do not wring or twist them. This helps protect the glove’s shape and stitching.

Dry Gloves Naturally

Let your gloves air dry at room temperature. Avoid leaving them on a radiator, in direct sunlight, or using a tumble dryer. Excess heat can cause the latex to harden and lose its natural stickiness. Instead, place them in a cool, shaded area and allow them to dry slowly.

Keep the Grip Sticky

To maintain that all-important grip, clean your gloves regularly. Dirt and sweat reduce the latex’s natural tackiness. With proper washing, the latex will remain sticky and provide reliable grip during training and matches.

Store Your Gloves Correctly

Once dry, store your goalkeeper gloves in a cool, dry place. Use a breathable glove bag if possible. This protects them from dirt, moisture, and damage, helping them last longer.

Glove Care - Key Takeaway

Caring for your goalkeeper gloves doesn’t take much time, but it makes a huge difference to performance. Hand wash in lukewarm water, air dry naturally, and store them safely. Follow these steps and your gloves will stay sticky, comfortable, and match-ready for longer.

Selsport has produced gloves since 1998, making a name within the goalkeeping community based on two fundamentals: Comfort and Grip.  

Latex is a natural material, and many gloves, especially those with the softer latex, show signs of deterioration within minutes of use. This does not represent a faulty glove or poor latex; this is what is to be expected.

The glove will remain "sticky",  providing excellent grip every time.

Because each goalkeeper is different, there is NO set time period as to how long a glove should last. Our advice is to save new gloves for match day and older gloves for training.

The performance and grip of the gloves remain until the palm is totally worn out.

Serious keepers will generally use up to 20 pairs of gloves in one season (depending on frequency of training and playing).