Cleaning a Baseball Glove

If you like to play baseball, or even only watch the occasional baseball game, then you know how integral and important a piece of equipment the baseball glove really is. In fact, it could honestly be said that you can't even play the game without this particular bit of equipment. As such, and considering how expensive these gloves can be, it only makes sense that you will want to learn how to take care of it properly. Luckily, cleaning a baseball glove isn't all that difficult.

1. Get the right soap. In order to really get your baseball glove clean, you need to use the right kind of soap. The type of soap that you want to use can be picked up at most sports store, and will be a mild leather soap that has a built in moisturizer. Make sure that whatever brand of soap you end up getting that you read and understand the instructions.
2. Wipe the glove down. Get some of the soap onto a clean soft rag or cloth, and then begin wiping down the glove. As you do this, make sure that you are following the direction that came with the soap. Typically all you will need to do is wipe the soap onto the glove, and it will get rid of the dirt and grime.
3. Buff the glove. Once you have finished removing the dirt and grime, you need to buff the glove. In effect, what you are doing is buffing, using a clean soft rag, until all the excess soap (if there is any) has been removed. Not only does this get rid of the excess soap, it also acts as a secondary cleaning stage to ensure that you haven't missed any part of the glove.
4. Condition the glove with petroleum jelly. With the soap gone, you can now begin conditioning the glove. The best way to do this is by using regular old petroleum jelly. Rub it generously and liberally all over the glove.
5. Don't forget the inside. When you are applying the petroleum jelly to the glove, don't forget to apply some to the interior of the glove as well. This will help remove any dirt and grime that may have gotten inside the glove, while also conditioning the interior.
6. Remove excess jelly. Once again, use a soft clean rag, and begin removing the excess petroleum from the glove. Typically all you will need to do is rub the glove (exterior and interior) with the rag until you have removed all of the jelly. Keep in mind that you may need to use a different rag every so often so that you don't end up simply smearing the jelly all over the place.
7. Let the glove dry. With the last of the jelly removed, all you need to do is allow the glove to dry. Do not use the glove until it is dry to the touch, and you no longer feel even a hint of the jelly when you touch it again.

Now that you know the proper method of cleaning a baseball glove, you can expect to get a lot more use out of your favorite glove. After all, if you are able to clean your glove the right way after you are finished playing a game, you will end up putting a lot less wear and tear on it. Less wear and tear means that you don't have to replace it as often.