A Complete Guide to Baseball Glove Maintenance in 2025

Now that we’ve covered the essentials of breaking in your baseball glove, it’s time to talk about the next crucial step: maintenance and care. A glove is an investment in your player’s performance, and just like any high-quality piece of equipment, it requires some TLC to keep it in top condition.

Whether you’re a parent with a brand-new glove for your little one or an older player eager to extend the life of your favorite mitt, knowing how to properly care for your glove will make a world of difference. The right baseball glove maintenance can keep that glove feeling like it’s brand new for years to come, and most importantly, it’ll keep it performing at its best.

This is Part 4 of a five-part series going through all the details when it comes to finding, buying, breaking in, and caring for your baseball glove. You can find Part 1 here, which is about how to choose the right baseball glove size. Part 2 broke down the differences between leather vs. synthetic gloves, while Part 3 was all about breaking in your glove without the frustration

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s talk about the best ways to care for your baseball glove, so it stays in top form for every game, practice, and catch session.

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• Find the Best Youth Baseball Glove
• The 12 Best Baseball Glove Brands
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• 19 Best Outfield Gloves for Baseball Players in 2025
• The Top First Base Glove Options to Choose From 

Why Baseball Glove Maintenance Matters

You may be wondering: “Why should I care so much about glove maintenance?” It’s simple — gloves are made of leather (mostly), and like any good leather product, they need attention to retain their shape, flexibility, and durability.

Without the proper care, your glove can start to crack, lose its form, or even get stiffer over time, making it harder to catch balls and perform well. Plus, improper cleaning and storage habits can shorten your glove’s lifespan significantly.

That’s why you should treat your glove like a teammate — it works hard for you, and in return, you want it to be at its best for the long haul!

The Basics of Baseball Glove Maintenance

Let’s break down the essentials of glove care into easy-to-follow steps. If you stay on top of these, your glove will remain in great condition.

1. Keep It Clean (But Don’t Overdo It)

Cleaning your glove regularly is key to preventing dirt buildup, which can make the leather stiff and harder to work with. But it’s also important not to overdo it. You want to clean your glove just enough to maintain flexibility without risking damage.

• Wipe down the exterior: Use a soft cloth to wipe off dust and dirt after each game or practice. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the leather.
• Deep cleaning: Occasionally, give your glove a more thorough cleaning using a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. Just make sure to wipe away all the soap residue and let the glove dry naturally. Never soak your glove in water – the leather can warp and lose its shape.

2. Condition Your Glove Regularly

Conditioning your glove helps maintain its suppleness, keeping the leather soft and flexible. Over time, leather can dry out, especially if it’s exposed to the elements (like sun or rain). That’s why a good conditioning routine is essential.

• Use a glove conditioner: There are plenty of great glove-specific conditioners out there. These conditioners are specially formulated to moisturize the leather without leaving it greasy or sticky. Apply a thin, even layer of conditioner to the glove and rub it in with a soft cloth.
• Condition every 1-2 months: You don’t need to over-condition the glove, as too much conditioner can weigh it down. Once or twice a season should be plenty, but it can vary depending on how much the glove is used.

3. Store Your Glove Properly

Proper storage is one of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of baseball glove maintenance. If you leave a glove in the wrong conditions, it can lose its shape or even develop cracks in the leather.

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Never leave your glove in a hot car or in direct sunlight for long periods. Heat can dry out the leather, causing it to crack or warp. Similarly, avoid cold, damp areas where moisture can cause mildew or mold.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place: Store your glove in a well-ventilated area where it won’t be exposed to excess humidity or heat. A closet or locker works fine as long as it’s not in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• Use a glove wrap: To maintain its shape, consider using a glove wrap, or stuff the pocket with a ball and tie it off loosely with a rubber band or string. This helps the glove keep its form and prevents the leather from losing structure.

Tools You’ll Need for Optimal Baseball Glove Maintenance

Now that you know the basic care tips, let’s talk about the tools you should have in your glove maintenance toolkit. These are the items that will make sure your glove stays game-ready all season long.

• Glove Conditioner: This is the MVP of glove care. As mentioned, using a good conditioner keeps the leather soft, flexible, and prevents cracking.
• Soft Cloths: Always use soft, lint-free cloths to clean and condition the glove. A microfiber cloth is ideal because it’s gentle on the leather and won’t scratch.
• A Glove Wrap: This can be a simple piece of cloth or a specialized wrap. Wrapping your glove around a ball keeps the pocket in place and prevents the glove from losing its form during storage.
• Glove Oil (Optional): If your glove is brand new or needs some extra help in the break-in phase, a small amount of glove oil can be beneficial. Just remember, moderation is key!

The Importance of Regular Use in Baseball Glove Maintenance

While proper maintenance is essential, regular use is just as important in keeping your glove in top condition. The more you use it, the more the glove conforms to your hand and becomes even more comfortable. Make sure your player is using the glove regularly during practice or games and encourage them to play catch as often as possible. There’s no better way to keep the glove soft and in its ideal shape than using it on the field.

Wrapping Up Your Baseball Glove Maintenance

Maintaining your baseball glove isn’t just about keeping it clean — it’s about preserving its performance, durability, and comfort. With proper care, your glove can last for years, helping your player perform at their best every season.

Remember: cleaning, conditioning, proper storage, and regular use are the keys to a long-lasting, game-ready glove. Keep up with these simple steps, and your glove will be ready to make every catch, snag every fly ball, and hold up through every double play for seasons to come.

The fifth and final installment of this series will cover how to find the perfect glove without breaking the bank.

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