Leather Care & Cleaning
Can You Machine-Wash Leather Gloves? What to Do Instead
Real leather gloves don't belong in the washer. See what glove makers say, how the answer changes by glove type, and how to rescue a pair already washed.
No, don't put real leather gloves in the washing machine. Glove makers say a machine wash, or any soaking, can leave them dry, cracked and misshapen. Wipe them clean by hand instead. Synthetic leather gloves are the exception when the label allows it.
This page covers the machine question by glove type and what to do if a pair has already been through a wash. The full hand-cleaning method is in how to clean leather gloves, part of our leather care and cleaning guide.
What glove makers and care guides say
The last view is the outlier, and its own author says to read the glove's care instructions first. We don't recommend it.
| Source | Washing machine? |
|---|---|
| Dents (glove maker) | No, especially not in a machine; no soaking, no wringing |
| Wells Lamont (work glove maker) | Leather gloves should not be washed; wipe with a damp cloth |
| Sullivan Glove (garden glove maker) | Spot-clean instead of machine washing or soaking |
| Southern Living | Never soak them or put them in the washer |
| A building-supply blog | Possible on a cold, delicate cycle in a garment bag, though not the best way to keep them |
Does the type of glove change the answer?
For lined gloves, take out the liner first if it comes out; that also helps them dry faster. Many dress and winter pairs have cashmere, wool, silk or Thinsulate linings.
Not sure if your gloves are real leather? Check the label. Some faux leather is machine-washable and some is not.
| Glove | Machine? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dress and driving gloves (lambskin, cowhide) | No | Damp-cloth wipe |
| Leather work gloves, grain palm | No | Damp cloth, dry upright |
| Split leather palm | No, and no water | Brush off the dirt |
| Deerskin | No | See how to clean deerskin gloves |
| Synthetic leather | Often yes, if the label allows | Permanent press, then tumble low or hang |
Already washed them? Do this now
- Don't wring them. Blot off the water with a clean, dry cloth.
- Dry them flat at room temperature. Keep them away from the dryer, heaters and direct sun.
- Reshape on your hands. Put them on a few times while they dry and flex your fingers.
- Condition once dry. Work in a small dab of leather conditioner.
If they still feel stiff, see how to soften leather gloves. The heat question is covered in can you put leather in the dryer?
Quick answers
What happens if leather gloves get wet?
Blot them and let them dry flat at room temperature, flexing them as they dry. More in can water ruin leather?
Is it okay to use Dawn dish soap on leather gloves?
The glove maker we checked says to avoid liquid soap and use soap flakes or a mild detergent instead. We found no source that tests Dawn on leather.
How do you clean the inside of leather gloves?
One retailer blog suggests a light spray of water and white vinegar, or baking soda left inside for a few hours and then brushed out. We found no independent test of either method, so try it on an old pair first. Before using vinegar, read is vinegar safe to use on leather?
Can you wash vegan leather gloves in the washer?
Sometimes. One work glove maker allows a permanent-press cycle for its synthetic leather gloves. Follow the label on yours.
Shopping for a new pair? Leather Collection leather gloves come in lambskin and cowhide.
hosob Editorial Team
hosob articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.