How to Condition a Baseball Glove?
Why Condition a Baseball Glove?
Leather is similar to skin in which it contains natural oils that keep it soft and flexible, however overtime (similar to skin) it looses these natural oils due to use and begins to dry out. Due to the loss of natural oils, leather becomes dry and prone to cracking and ripping. To prevent this, leather conditioner is used as a preventative measure to preserve its flexibility and softness. This is especially import for baseball gloves since they are used in various weather conditions and settings.
How to Condition a Baseball Glove?
1. Clean
Use a soft cloth or soft bristle brush to remove any excess dirt, if needed use a leather cleaner for a deeper clean.
If using a leather cleaner dip a cleaning brush into a small amount of a water then lather the brush in the leather cleaner. Massage the cleaner into the leather to clean the leather deeply.
Wipe any excess leather cleaner off the glove and allow glove to dry before next step.
2. Condition
Once the glove is dry, use Born Again Sports Glove Renewal Conditioner. Apply the conditioner to a soft cloth or a applicator brush then proceed to massage the conditioner into the glove.
Cover the glove in conditioner ensuring to untie any laces to condition the leather in hard to reach areas. Ensure an even application and be sure to apply to the pocket, fingers, and laces.
Once conditioning is completed allow the conditioner be absorbed by the leather. This generally takes 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Store
Once the glove has absorbed the conditioner store the glove in a dry place preferably at room temperature.
To increase the life of your glove it is important to store your glove with care, consider using a glove bag to keep your glove away from dirt and water.
Benefits of Glove Conditioning
Longer Life: Conditioning a baseball glove extends the life of your glove, it ensures the leather is moisturized and healthy.
Improves Performance: Conditioning a baseball glove improves performance by keeping glove leather flexible. Dried out gloves can affect the feel and performance of the glove.
Savings: Conditioning a baseball glove extends its life which also reduces the need to purchase a new glove prematurely.
Conclusion
Regularly conditioning your baseball glove is essential for maintaining its durability, flexibility, and overall performance. By keeping the leather moisturized, you prevent cracking and ensure your glove remains game-ready for years to come. Taking the time to clean, condition, and properly store your glove not only enhances its lifespan but also saves you money in the long run. With the right care, your glove will continue to perform at its best, helping you make those crucial plays on the field. Don’t wait until your glove shows signs of wear—start conditioning today and keep your gear in top shape!