How to Clean Deerskin Gloves (and Keep Them Soft)

To clean deerskin gloves, brush off loose dirt, then put them on and wipe them with a cloth dampened in lukewarm water and a very small amount of mild soap. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to lift the soap, then let them dry at room temperature, away from heat. Flex them as they dry so they stay soft.

Deerskin is cleaned much like other leather, so this tutorial builds on our how to clean leather gloves method. It adds what is different about deerskin: it's soft and porous, and it tends to stiffen after it gets wet. For other leather, start at our leather care and cleaning guide.

Work gloves or traditional buckskin?

One US seller describes its deer and elkskin work gloves as full-grain, chrome-tanned leather. Some leather sold as "buckskin" is actually chrome-tanned sheepskin.

Traditional buckskin is brain- and smoke-tanned instead. It can shrink a little and stiffen when it dries after wetting, then softens again when rubbed in the hands.

The steps below suit both. With traditional buckskin, use even less water and expect more hand-rubbing as it dries.

What you need

• A soft brush or dry cloth
• 2 clean, soft cloths
• Lukewarm water
• Mild soap or soap flakes, not liquid soap
• A towel to dry on
• Leather conditioner (optional)

How to clean deerskin gloves in 8 steps

1. Knock off dry dirt. Shake the gloves, then brush or wipe away surface dust.
2. Put one glove on. Cleaning on your hand makes the seams easier to reach.
3. Spot test. Wipe a hidden patch inside the cuff and check the cloth for color.
4. Wipe with soapy water. Dampen a cloth in lukewarm water with a very small drop of mild soap, wring it out and wipe gently.
5. Rinse with a clean damp cloth. This lifts the soap residue.
6. Blot, don't wring. Dab off extra water with a dry cloth.
7. Dry at room temperature. Lay the gloves flat on a towel or stand them upright, and take out any removable liner. Keep them away from radiators, heaters, the dryer and direct sun.
8. Flex them as they dry. Put them on a few times and work your fingers. If they still feel a bit stiff once dry, they soften again with wear.

Should you condition deerskin afterward?

Glove sellers say yes, especially after a soaking. Use a small amount on a cloth, work it into stiff or dry spots and buff off the excess. Test it on the back of a glove first: one dressing changes the grip on tools and reins and darkens light leather somewhat.

Not every source agrees that dressings do long-term good. The US National Park Service says dressings have no preservative effect and can leave a sticky surface. We think of conditioner as a way to soften the leather and adjust its grip, not as a way to make gloves last longer. More in how often to condition leather.

How often to clean them

Clean them when they're muddy or have something spilled on them. Otherwise, once or twice a year is usually enough. Don't leave work gloves dirty for long: dirt and sweat dry into the leather and harden it.

Mistakes to avoid

• The washing machine. Glove makers advise against it; see can you machine-wash leather gloves?
• Soaking or very hot water.
• Heat to speed up drying. Heat dries deerskin out and it loses its softness.
• Wringing.

Quick answers

Can deerskin gloves get wet?

Yes, but deerskin doesn't like moisture, and it can dry stiff. Let wet gloves dry at room temperature and wear them to soften them up again. See also can water ruin leather?

Are deerskin gloves waterproof?

We found no source that calls plain deerskin waterproof. One glove seller says a leather dressing makes its deerskin gloves more water-resistant. For treatments, see how to waterproof leather gloves.

Is it okay to use Dawn dish soap on deerskin?

The glove maker we checked advises mild soap or soap flakes instead of liquid soap. We found no source that tests Dawn on deerskin.

Looking for a dress or winter pair rather than deerskin? Leather Collection leather gloves come in lambskin and cowhide; the range has no deerskin.