The Ultimate Guide: How to Clean Lacrosse Gloves

Meta Description: Stop playing funky. Learn the best methods for how to clean lacrosse gloves, remove bacteria, and dry them without ruining the leather or padding. Includes hand-wash vs. machine-wash comparisons.

Lacrosse gloves are arguably the most personal piece of equipment you own. They are your connection to the stick, providing the feel and dexterity needed for quick passes and shots. However, after a grueling spring practice or a muddy tournament, those same gloves become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Research published by the American Society for Microbiology found that 43% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from exercise equipment surfaces were resistant to ampicillin . That “game-winning” scent you smell isn’t just embarrassing; it can be a health risk. Knowing how to clean lacrosse gloves properly ensures you maintain that crucial grip, extend the life of your expensive gear, and stay healthy.

Why Clean Lacrosse Gloves Matter

Before diving into the soap and water, it helps to understand the “why” behind the chore.

• Hygiene: Sweat-soaked padding creates a perfect environment for bacteria and fungus, leading to staph infections or rashes .
• Performance: Clean gloves are flexible. Dirt and salt buildup stiffens synthetic materials and leather, reducing your feel for the stick .
• Longevity: Sweat breaks down stitching and foam padding. Regular cleaning prevents expensive gear from deteriorating after just one season .

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Lacrosse Gloves

There are two primary schools of thought when it comes to washing gloves: the Gentle Hand Wash (safest) and the Machine Wash (convenient). You should also consider the material composition of your gloves before starting.

Material Type	Key Features	Cleaning Note
Synthetic Leather	Durable, water-resistant	Avoid harsh chemicals; safe for light machine washing .
Mesh Fabric	Breathable, prone to dirt buildup	Gentle scrubbing required to avoid tearing .
Foam Padding	Provides protection and cushioning	Air drying is essential to prevent mold and breakdown .

Method 1: The Hand-Wash Method (Recommended)

This is the gold standard for preserving the integrity of the glove’s padding and leather palms.

1. Initial Inspection & Prep: Check for rips or tears. Cleaning damaged gloves can make the damage worse . Shake the gloves out to remove loose dirt and turf pellets.
2. The Soak: Fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water (hot water damages leather and glue). Add a small amount of mild detergent or a sports-specific wash .
3. Scrubbing: Submerge the gloves and let them soak for 10–15 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great) to gently scrub the palms, fingers, and cuffs. Pay extra attention to the thumb area, which gets a lot of abuse .
4. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water until all soap bubbles are gone. Soap residue actually attracts dirt .

Method 2: The Machine Wash (Use with Caution)

Some manufacturers now allow machine washing, but it comes with risks. Check the tags on your specific gloves first.

Do’s	Don’ts
Use a mesh laundry bag to protect straps .	Use hot water or bleach .
Select gentle/delicate cycle with cold water .	Use fabric softener (clogs fabric and traps bacteria) .
Use a small amount of mild/sports detergent .	Spin dry or put them in a dryer .
Wash with towels (adds cushioning) or alone.	Wash damaged gloves .

How to Dry Lacrosse Gloves (The Most Important Step)

You can follow every washing step perfectly, but if you dry them wrong, you might as well have thrown them in the trash. Drying is where mold starts or padding warps.

The Golden Rule: Never use a dryer. The heat will shrink the leather, melt the glue holding the padding, and warp the protective plastics .

1. Towel Press: Lay the gloves on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up to press out excess water. Do not wring or twist the gloves .
2. The Stuffing Method: Crumple up clean, white paper (newspaper can bleed ink) or paper towels and stuff them inside the gloves. This absorbs internal moisture and helps the gloves hold their shape .
3. Airflow: Place the gloves in a well-ventilated area, standing upright or hanging by the cuffs. Point a fan at them to speed up the process. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading and brittleness .

Winning the Odor War: Maintenance and Deodorizing

If you open your bag and feel like you’ve been punched in the face by the smell, you need to tackle the bacteria, not just the scent.

Immediate Post-Practice Care

The single best thing you can do is air your gloves out immediately. Do not zip them up in a dark, damp bag. Leave them hanging on top of the bag or use a mesh bag for ventilation .

Best Products for Odor Elimination

Not all cleaners are created equal. Household cleaners can damage gear and irritate skin. Here are the top-performing solutions for 2026:

Product Type	How It Works	Best For
Disinfectant Wipes/Sprays	Alcohol-based formulas that kill bacteria on contact (e.g., Matguard, Vapor Fresh) .	Quick wipe-downs after every game/practice.
Antimicrobial Deodorizers	Infused with silver ions to prevent bacteria growth; absorb moisture (e.g., GloveStix) .	Placing inside gloves during storage to prevent funk.
Natural Soaks	White vinegar and water mixture (1:3 ratio) kills bacteria without chemicals .	Deep cleaning soak before hand-washing.

Pro Tip: If you use a spray, avoid over-saturating the gloves. A light mist inside and out, followed by air drying, is all you need .

Lacrosse Glove Cleaning Checklist

To keep your gloves in peak condition, follow this maintenance schedule:

Task	Frequency	Tips
Wipe Down	After Every Game	Use disinfectant wipes; focus on palms and interior wrist .
Air Out	Immediately After Use	Never store wet in a bag; hang to dry .
Full Cleaning	Monthly (or when visibly dirty)	Hand wash or gentle machine wash .
Odor Maintenance	Weekly	Use baking soda overnight or antimicrobial inserts .

Conclusion

Learning how to clean lacrosse gloves is a simple skill that pays dividends in performance and health. Whether you choose the gentle hand-wash method for preservation or the machine method for convenience, the keys are consistency and proper drying.