You may be ready to play ball as soon as the weather breaks, but is your glove?
After sitting all winter, your glove will need a little TLC before it’s ready to help you catch fly balls, turn double plays, and get to grounders. It’ll also need regular care throughout the season.
Here’s the play-by-play on how to get the job done.
Baseball Glove Conditioner and Care
For years, players turned to neatsfoot oil to condition their gloves, but that’s no longer the product of choice. Instead, most players today opt for Lexol, lanolin oil, or petroleum jelly.
Conditioner should be used about twice a month, or whenever your glove starts to look dry. Apply it to the leather, rub it in, and you’re done.
Before you condition, however, you should always make sure that your glove is clean. That starts after each practice or game by using a towel to wipe off dirt and grime and then pat down both the inside and outside of the glove to remove all moisture.
How to Clean the Inside of a Baseball Glove
The inside of your glove will need a little extra care on account of the acid build-up caused by perspiration. This means that simply shaking out the dirt isn’t really going to cut it.
Start by mixing some mild soap in warm water. Dampen a clean rap or cloth in the water, then use it to gently wipe the inside of your glove. You’ll want to make sure you clean out the finger holes, the thumb of the glove, and the palm area.
Once this is completed, take a clean, dry towel to wipe away the moisture and prevent any mold from growing.
Repeat this process once a week or so, and feel free to add some professional glove oil to the leather parts of your glove once it’s completely dry to keep it in great condition!
Storing Your Glove Properly
After a long practice or game, it’s tempting to throw your sports gear in the back of your car and leave it until you need it next. Unfortunately, this can be detrimental to your glove and may require you to get a new one earlier than you’d like.
Instead of leaving your glove in extreme heat or dry air, make sure you store it in a cool, dry place. This will also allow your glove to dry faster after cleaning it.
If you’re storing your glove for the winter, you’ll want to avoid any locations like your garage that can fall victim to extreme temperatures and moisture. Another tip is to put a ball in the pocket and then tie the glove, which will help your glove hold its shape for you when you’re ready to use it again in the spring!
About StorageMart
An active and fun life can also mean an over-stuffed house. If you’re running out of space for your sports gear, consider using self storage to solve your crunch. At StorageMart, we offer well lit and affordable self storage units that can be rented on a month-by-month basis. Check out our storage unit guide to find the size that’s right for you, or contact us to rent a unit online today.