The Best Way To Wash Gloves & Mittens So They Last For Many Winters To Come

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When was the last time you washed your winter gloves or mittens? If it takes you a moment to remember, or you've never put them on your winter laundry checklist at all, don't worry. Most of us are guilty of forgetting to wash, or not washing enough, these daily winter accessories. Regularly washing your gloves can keep you from getting sick during flu and cold season. It also ensures your favorite winter hand coverings last longer. Glove and mitten care is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The secret to success? Let the material your gloves are made of guide you on how to care for them. For example, some fabrics like cotton can be machine-washed, but many — wool and leather to name a few — cannot.

The easiest way to tell which material your winter hand warmers are made of is to check the care tag. If you can't find said tag, there are a few easy tests you can do to identify the material. Wool has a consistent knit and a natural elasticity. It will shrink back to its original size if stretched. Cashmere has a soft, smooth feel. As for cotton, it will likely have little to no give when you try to stretch it. A fingertip pressed into the fabric will leave an indent. Once you know — or at least have a good idea — of the material your gloves or mittens are made of, you can tailor your washing method to them.

Before you start washing your gloves or mittens, check them for damage. Look for frays, rips, or a loosened lining — anything that needs to be repaired before you start the washing process. Once the repairs have been made, if needed, it's time to wash your hand coverings. To wash merino and acrylic wool gloves or mittens, pour some warm water into a bowl and add a few drops of a wool-friendly detergent, like Woolite Delicates Liquid Laundry Detergent. Submerge the gloves in the mix and leave them to soak for around five minutes. Remove the mittens from the bowl, rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water, and then squeeze them gently between your hands to remove excess water. Fold the damp gloves into a clean towel and allow them to dry.

The instructions are nearly the same if you have blended wool gloves — you swap out the warm water for tepid. Use cold water and create some suds before soaking mittens made from angora wool. The process for washing cashmere gloves is similar to that of wool. Combine cool water and a cashmere-specific detergent, such as The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, in a bowl and add the gloves. Let them soak for no more than five minutes, swishing the water occasionally to help loosen up any dirt or stains. Remove the gloves, rinse them in cool, fresh water until you can see no more soap suds. Gently press out extra water and use the same drying method as with wool.

While cashmere and wool gloves have similar cleaning methods, leather and cotton hand warmers require a different approach. Cotton gloves can be safely washed by hand or in the washing machine. If you're adding them to your regular wash, slip them into a wash bag — like this Muchfun Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bag — so they don't get lost or roughly tumbled. Add a gentle laundry detergent to the machine and use cold water. Washing your gloves by hand? Mix warm water and a tiny amount of gentle dish soap. Leave the gloves to soak. Rinse them gently in fresh water, then squeeze them to get all the water out. Whether you're washing by machine or hand, skip the dryer and let the mittens air dry on a flat surface.

Brush light grime from leather gloves with a dry microfiber cloth, then dab a slightly wet cloth onto tougher stains. Spot test first. If the grime doesn't budge, do a full wash. If you can't find any manufacturers' washing instructions, start by removing the lining of your gloves, if they have any. Then mix tepid water and a few drops of saddle or Castile soap in a small bowl. Dip in your cleaning rag and test the cleaning solution on a hidden spot on your glove. If the mixture doesn't cause a reaction, wipe the gloves from wrist to fingertip. Allow the gloves to dry, then apply a light layer of leather conditioner, such as Leather Honey Leather Conditioner. In the off-season, store your gloves or mittens in a fabric bag or storage bin. This allows the material to breathe and keeps mold at bay. Plus, it keeps your favorite winter essentials organized and at the ready.