How to Wash Winter Gloves | Keep Them Clean Without Ruining Them

Check the care label first, then hand-wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent; machine-wash only if the label allows it.

One wrong cycle in the washing machine can ruin a good pair of winter gloves — especially leather, suede, or technical waterproof models. Most gloves do best with a gentle hand-wash in lukewarm water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent, then air-drying flat or on a line. The single most important step happens before any water touches them: read the care label.

In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission requires textile apparel care labels to state whether an item should be washed by hand or machine and to specify a water temperature such as cold, warm, or hot. That label is your instruction manual. When it conflicts with general advice you’ve heard, the label wins.

How to Wash Winter Gloves by Material

Different materials demand different care. Here’s the practical breakdown.

• Leather and suede: Never submerge them. Spot-clean with a soft cloth, mild detergent, and a little water. After drying, treat leather with a conditioner. For suede, use a suede brush instead of water.
• Fleece and knit fabric: These are the most machine-washable options, provided the label agrees. Use cold water on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry.
• Technical waterproof (GORE-TEX and similar): GORE-TEX explicitly says to hand-wash in lukewarm water with a small amount of liquid detergent — never machine-wash, dry-clean, or use fabric softener or bleach.
• Wool: Hand-wash in cool water with wool-specific detergent. Never wring or twist; squeeze gently and dry flat.
• Removable liners: Wash and dry liners separately from the outer shell. Don’t turn the gloves inside out.

Machine Washing: When You Can and How to Do It

Only machine-wash fabric gloves whose labels explicitly allow it. Leather, suede, and GORE-TEX-type gloves should never go in the machine.

For gloves that qualify, clip them together or place them in a mesh laundry bag to keep them from getting lost. Wash with similar items in cold water on a normal or delicate cycle. Use a cleaner made for outdoor functional clothing if you have it, and skip anything with fabric softener — it damages waterproof membranes. Powdered and heavy-duty detergents are also out.

Technical ski gloves benefit from a little pre-treatment: remove stains with warm water and a soft brush, and treat grease spots with gall soap before washing.

Drying Winter Gloves the Right Way

Drying is where most gloves get ruined. The golden rules: no wringing, no twisting, no direct heat.

Gently squeeze water from the fingertips toward the wrist, then lay gloves flat on a towel or hang them to dry. GORE-TEX recommends line-drying with wrists pointing down, away from direct sun and heaters. Shell gloves can tumble-dry on low if the label allows it, but most gloves should simply air-dry.

Never use a heater, radiator, iron, or direct sunlight to speed things up. High heat warps leather, shrinks wool, and degrades waterproof membranes.

What Never to Do to Winter Gloves

Some mistakes are permanent. Avoid these at all costs:

• No bleach — it breaks down both fibers and waterproof coatings.
• No fabric softener on technical or waterproof gloves — it clogs the membrane.
• No wringing or twisting — this distorts the shape permanently.
• No hot water — lukewarm or cold is always safer.
• No aggressive scrubbing — use a soft cloth or brush.

If you’re in the market for a new pair that’s easier to maintain, our roundup of the best men’s winter driving gloves covers options that balance warmth, grip, and practical care.

FAQs

Can I dry winter gloves in the dryer?

Only if the care label explicitly permits it. GORE-TEX shell gloves can tolerate low-heat tumble drying, but most gloves — especially leather, suede, and wool — should air-dry flat or on a line. High heat can warp leather, shrink wool, and damage waterproof membranes, so when in doubt, skip the dryer entirely.

How often should winter gloves be washed?

Only wash them when they’re visibly dirty or starting to smell. Over-washing breaks down waterproof coatings and natural fibers faster. Between washes, shake out grit and spot-clean small marks with a damp cloth. Airing them out after each wear does more for freshness than frequent washing.

What happens if I use fabric softener on waterproof gloves?

Fabric softener leaves a residue that clogs the microscopic pores in waterproof membranes like GORE-TEX, which stops them from breathing and can reduce their water-repelling performance. The same applies to detergents that contain softener. Use only a mild liquid detergent or a cleaner designed for outdoor functional clothing.