It’s normal that goalkeeper’s gloves will eventually be dirty, ripped and worn out. However, you can ensure that those GK gloves last longer by implementing a few easy cleaning and preparation tips.
In this guide to glove care, I will cover all you should know about extending the life of, and increasing the efficiency of your goalkeeper’s gloves.
1. Choose the right latex for your needs.
It’s crucial to pick gloves designed to work in the playing conditions you’re in.
If you are only playing infrequently or do not compete then you can go with low-cost latex like Super Soft. Be aware that less expensive latex cannot stand up to the force of friction (particularly due to artificial surfaces) in conjunction with harsh weather conditions, and higher-end models.
For players who play regularly on artificial pitches or grass It is more cost-effective to buy gloves that are able to endure abrasion and friction for long periods of time. I suggest Giga and Contact latex since it works very well on any surface and will not be able to perform when it’s damp or muddy.
2. Make sure you give New Gloves an initial Rinse
Once your new gloves arrive, they’ll have the protection of a plastic film on the palms of your latex (provided they’re of good quality). The film stops them from absorbing dirt and dust in the manufacturing facility, as well as when they are transported. It is important to remove the latex with care and then give your palms a thorough rinse using pure cold water to completely “activate” this latex. You should also make sure that there is no dirt stuck to your palms.
3. Learn to dive correctly
How you swim can have an enormous impact on the degradation of your glove.
If you continuously chase the ball while your hands are touching the ground, your method will increase the wear and tear on the gloves… that can be costly!
When you drop towards the ground your hands should be placed behind the ball, and the other over it. Your gloves should not (if even) touch the ground while you attempt to save. Your body absorbs the impact and is the reason the reason why jerseys for goalkeepers, shorts, and trousers have padding.
4. Make Yourself Stand Up by Using your fist, not palms
In games, you must be prepared to do everything you can to stop goals from being scored. Sometimes, this means scratching your gloves onto the ground.
Goalie gloves were made to stand up to the force and friction of the footballs hitting them, not the force of your body’s weight on rough playing surfaces. Also, during training and warm-ups, you should keep your gloves in good condition by letting go of the habit of lifting them off the ground using your palms in order to stand. Instead, you should clench your hands into a fist, then use only the backhand, as the gloves tend to be more durable and less susceptible to breaking.
Why not try standing up and walking around with no hands even once?
5. We recommend that you wear gloves with a dampener prior to and during Games
To ensure maximum grip, it is essential to ensure that your latex hands are always clean and dry throughout the use. This will also extend the durability of your gloves.
The heat of your body and outside temperatures and humidity can dry your gloves. When dry latex is stretched in usage, it could break and tear.
I would suggest keeping a water bottle near your goal line so that when you are in a quiet moment during an event (e.g. when a player is injured) You can wash dirt off your hands. This can reduce the abrasion of your hands and keep the palms of your gloves smooth and moist to make sure that the movement doesn’t damage the latex.
6. Cleanse your gloves in warm water After Each Use
Make a habit of washing your gloves clean after playing and training. It’s best to do it when your gloves are still damp (a) since it lessens the accumulation of the odourous “glove smell” as well as (b) due to the fact that mud can turn out to be like cement after drying. The most important thing is that your gloves turn stiff and hard.
I would suggest putting an unheated tap in the bathtub or sink. Clean the gloves from the inside out, gently massaging the mud dirt, sand, and dirt (or perhaps rubber, if playing on synthetic surfaces) off. Don’t use brushes or cleaning detergents (e.g. washing power) because the latex is too delicate for this. Only cleaning products that are specially designed are appropriate.
Then, wring the gloves with care, without over twisting. If the gloves are washed thoroughly and thoroughly, the water will not be muddy or brown. This step will save much time in drying.
7. Always allow your gloves to dry Naturally
Avoid using a heater or tumble dryer, an airing cabinet or the direct light to dry your damp gloves. This will dry completely the latex and weaken any grip you have on your glove!
It is important to let your gloves dry naturally at the room, or outdoors under mild conditions. If you’re looking to speed up process of drying, suggest packing absorbent cloths or paper towels inside the gloves before taking them out halfway throughout the drying procedure. In addition you’ll have patience.
8. Rotate Two (Or More) Pairs Of Gloves
Wearing only one pair of gloves can be risky. First, you might not be capable of drying them before your next workout or game. In addition, if they tear or the latex begins to lose its gripping qualities there’s no way to get them back.
It’s a good idea to have two or more pairs GK gloves. This way, you can alternate themaround, or save one pair for your “matchday glove”. I suggest purchasing a less expensive version of your favorite gloves to practice with, then preserving an extra-high quality pair to use on match days.
9. Keep Your Gloves in the Correct Place
It is best to put your gloves in your bag of sports or glove gloves after they’ve dried completely. There’s a chance of them becoming smelly damp or forming mold.
Also, make sure to keep your glove’s palms to the opposite side of each other in storage. This will ensure that your palms do not get too close, which could cause loss of grip when they are pulled apart. If your gloves are ever stuck together, soak them to let it loosen.
10. Utilize specialized products to eliminate Odors & Stains
Water will only provide a limited amount of protection to the gloves of your goalkeeper. With continued use, your gloves will appear worn from dirt, staining and discoloration. In addition and to make it worse, the accumulation of the horrible “glove smell” will create the smell to put it mildly!
Instead of throwing away your costly gloves out You can save them for the next few months by investing in expert care products.
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