Clean motorcycle gloves by hand with lukewarm water and mild soap, then air-dry them away from heat and sunlight.
Here’s what properly caring for different glove materials looks like.
How to Clean Leather Motorcycle Gloves by Hand
Leather needs the most careful approach. BMW Motorrad’s care instructions say to dissolve a leather cleaning agent in plenty of water, place the gloves in the solution, and move them around gently without rubbing or pulling.
- Rinse well after washing, using fresh water until soap residue is gone.
- Squeeze water out gently — never wring, twist, or spin the leather.
- Reshape the gloves and dry them flat or line-dry them in a ventilated room at room temperature.
- Apply a leather conditioner once the gloves are fully dry.
RevZilla’s care guidance for its Held Glove Wash N Care product follows the same pattern: rinse with clean water, use diluted soap (never concentrate directly on leather), wash the inside with soapy water, and press water out with fingers or a towel. Never place leather on a radiator, in direct sun, or in a tumble dryer — high heat deforms and cracks the hide.
Cleaning Textile and Mesh Motorcycle Gloves
Textile and mesh gloves tolerate more aggressive cleaning, but gentleness still matters. Five-Gloves says these can go in a washing machine on a 30°C cycle (about 86°F), with Velcro tabs closed and ideally placed in a laundry net, then air-dried at room temperature.
If you prefer hand-washing, follow the same lukewarm-water and mild-soap method used for leather, just without the conditioning step. Check the care label first — it overrides any general advice. Gloves with a waterproof membrane need extra care: skip fabric softener entirely and avoid aggressive scrubbing, both of which can damage the waterproof layer.
What to Avoid When Washing Riding Gloves
Most glove damage traces back to a few repeat mistakes. Avoid bleach, strong detergents, fabric softener, and harsh chemicals like petrol, acid, solvents, or lye — multiple manufacturers warn these break down leather, fabrics, and waterproofing. Skip prolonged soaking of leather, which saturates the hide. Never use high heat for drying. And unless the care label explicitly allows it, don’t machine-wash; textile gloves are the exception only when the label permits it.
The universal short version: gently loosen dirt with a soft cloth or brush, hand-wash with lukewarm water and mild soap, rinse completely, squeeze dry, and air-dry away from heat before conditioning the leather. If you’re in the market for a fresh pair after your current ones wear out, our tested cruiser motorcycle glove picks cover solid options across materials and budgets.
| Glove Material | Washing Method | Drying & Aftercare |
|---|---|---|
| Leather | Hand-wash only; diluted leather cleaner, gentle movement | Air-dry flat at room temperature; condition when dry |
| Textile / mesh | Hand-wash, or machine wash at 30°C if label allows | Air-dry at room temperature; no heat |
| Waterproof / membrane | Hand-wash gently; no fabric softener | Air-dry away from heat; avoid aggressive cleaning |
FAQs
Can I put motorcycle gloves in the washing machine?
Only if the care label explicitly allows it. Textile and mesh gloves are the most likely candidates, and even then the machine should run on a gentle 30°C cycle with Velcro closed and the gloves in a laundry net. Leather and waterproof gloves should never go in a machine.
How long do motorcycle gloves take to dry?
Never speed up the process with a hair dryer, radiator, or tumble dryer — high heat can deform leather and damage protective treatments on any glove type.
Do I need to condition leather motorcycle gloves?
Yes, if the manufacturer recommends it. Apply a dedicated leather conditioner only after the gloves are completely dry. Conditioning replaces natural oils lost during washing, keeping the leather supple instead of stiff and prone to cracking.
References & Sources
- BMW Motorrad. “Leather Gloves Care Instructions.” Details the correct hand-washing, drying, and conditioning process for leather riding gloves.
- Five-Gloves. “Glove Care.” Provides wash-cycle guidance for textile and mesh gloves, including temperature and laundry-net recommendations.
- RevZilla. “Held Glove Wash N Care.” Outlines step-by-step hand-washing instructions and emphasizes avoiding wringing or twisting.