We've said it before and we will continue to talk about the importance of maintaining your gear, especially your goalkeeper gloves. Properly caring for your gloves not only extends their lifespan but also ensures they perform at their best during crucial moments on the pitch. One essential aspect of glove care is pre-washing, which helps remove any chemicals from manufacturing, ensuring optimal grip and comfort from the first wear. Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to pre-wash your goalkeeper gloves effectively.
We all love getting new goalkeeper gloves until we open up the package and realize that we have to take the wrapping off of the palms. It can be a tedious and annoying process but it is the first step to getting your new goalie gloves ready. Unwrapping can be tough because the plastic is placed on tightly and in tough areas to get to with fingers. Sometimes, utilizing tweezers can help to get the little bits left over in the creases.
Before you start washing, it's essential to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Different gk gloves might have specific care requirements, so make sure you're aware of any particular guidelines. Generally, you’ll want to avoid using hot water or harsh detergents as these can damage the latex and reduce the glove’s lifespan.
Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water. Don't have a basin or a sink? No worries, take them in the bath or shower with you. The temperature should be comfortable to touch, as hot water can affect the latex's integrity. If using a basin or your sink, you may consider using a bit of glove wash. Is it absolutely necessary to use glove wash to clean your gloves, for a pre-wash or throughout the lifecycle of the gk gloves? No, but if you have some then why not use it?! Add a small amount of your preferred wash to really help the gloves get clean. Avoid regular laundry detergents as they can be too harsh and degrade the glove material.
If you're using the basin, sink, or bathtub; submerge the gloves in the water and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. If you are taking them in the shower with you, just toss them on the floor of the shower and let the water hit them for a bit. This soak helps to loosen any dirt and chemicals that might be present. Don't worry, your gloves can handle a bit of water!
After soaking, gently rub the goalkeeper gloves together, focusing on the palm and finger areas where dirt and residue are most likely to accumulate. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as aggressive cleaning can damage the latex. One of the worst feelings as a goalkeeper is ripping your latex before you even had a chance to test out the gloves properly. Also, don't over do it. This is just a pre-wash, there shouldn't be too much to rinse off anyway.
This is mainly for our goalkeeping friends who decided to use a bit of glove wash, and or, soap. We don't want the substances staying on the latex. Once you’ve gently cleaned the gloves, it’s time to rinse. Hold the gloves under a stream of cool, running water to remove all the soap and dirt. Squeeze the goalie gloves gently to help the water flow through the latex, ensuring all detergent residue is washed away. It’s crucial to rinse thoroughly as any leftover soap can affect the goalkeeper glove grip and durability.
Proper drying is just as important as washing. There are a number of different ways to effectively complete this process. Hang drying is a popular one, especially if you have a shower rod that can provide the space necessary for your gloves to relax. Hang drying your gloves typically takes about 24 hours to fully get the gloves back to normal.
If you're in a time crunch, there are a couple other ways to get the drying process done faster.Lay the gloves flat on a towel and pat them dry, then leave them to air dry naturally in a cool, shaded area. Some goalkeepers like to wrap their goalie gloves in a towel for the duration to let the towel soak up the water. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators, as excessive heat can cause the latex to become brittle and lose its grip.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly washing your goalkeeper gloves after use will help maintain their performance. Rinse them with water after every game or training session to remove sweat and dirt.
Storage: Store your gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a glove bag or a breathable container to keep them in good condition. DON'T JUST STUFF YOUR GLOVES IN YOUR TRAINING BAG!
Rotation: If possible, have more than one pair of goalkeeper gloves and rotate them. This allows each pair to dry and rest between uses, extending their overall lifespan.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your goalkeeper gloves are always in top condition, ready to provide you with the best grip and performance every time you step onto the field. At Prime Focus Goalkeeping, we’re committed to helping you excel in your game, and proper goalkeeper glove care is a crucial part of that journey. Happy goalkeeping!
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