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 following a few simple cleaning and preparation techniques.
In this guide to glove care, I’ll cover everything you must know about extending the life span, and maximizing effectiveness of the gloves you wear as goalkeepers.
1. Select the Best Latex to Meet Your Needs
It’s crucial to pick gloves designed to work in the playing conditions you’re in.
If you play only at a few times or not competitively then you can go with low-cost latex like Super Soft. Be aware that less expensive latex cannot be able to withstand the rigors of the force of friction (particularly due to artificial surfaces) in conjunction with harsh weather conditions, and more expensive ones.
For those who regularly play on artificial or grass pitches it is cheaper to get gloves that can stand up to abrasion and friction over long periods of time. I suggest Giga and Contact latex because it works very well on any surface and will not disappoint you when it’s damp or muddy.
2. Make sure you give New Gloves an initial Rinse
When you receive your new junior goalkeeper gloves, they’ll have the protection of a plastic film on the palms of the gloves (provided they’re of good quality). The film stops them from collecting dirt and dust in the manufacturing facility, as well as in the course of transport. You must remove the latex with care and then give your palms a quick rinse in fresh cold water that is clean to “activate” this latex. You should also ensure that no dirt is stuck to your palms.
3. Learn to dive correctly
How you swim can have an immense influence on the condition of your gloves.
If you are constantly chasing the ball while your hands are moving across the floor, then your approach will cause wear and tear on the gloves… that can be costly!
When you are diving into the ground your hands should be placed behind the ball and the other above it. Your gloves shouldn’t (if any) touch the ground while you attempt to save. Your body absorbs the impact which is the reason why jerseys for goalkeepers, shorts, and pants come with padding.
4. Get Up With 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 to the ground.
Goalkeeper gloves are made to stand up to the force and friction caused by footballs striking them, not the force of your own body weight on rough playing surfaces. Also, during training and warm-ups, make sure to protect your gloves by breaking the habit of lifting them off the ground using your palms in order to stand. Instead, squeeze your hand into a fist, then use only the backhand. The gloves tend to be more durable and less prone to breaking.
Why not stand up to practice without hands even once?
5. We recommend that you wear gloves with a dampener prior to and during Games
For the best grip, it’s essential that your palms of latex are always clean and dry when you use them. This will also extend the lifespan of your gloves.
The body heat, along with outside temperatures and humidity can dry your gloves. If dry latex gets stretched while in use, it may break and tear.
I suggest keeping a water bottle near your goal line so that when you are in a quiet moment during the game (e.g. when a player is injured) it is possible to wash dirt off your hands. This helps reduce abrasion, and also keeps the palms of your gloves smooth and moist to make sure that the movement doesn’t damage the latex.
6. Wash Gloves with Warm Water Following Every Use
Make a habit of washing your gloves clean after games and training. It’s best to do it while your gloves are damp (a) since it lessens the buildup of the odourous “glove smell” as well as (b) since mud turns like cement after drying. The final thing you want is the gloves to turn tough and brittle.
I suggest using an unheated tap in the bathtub or sink. Wash the gloves from the inside out, gently rubbing mud dirt, sand, and dirt (or maybe rubber when playing on synthetic surfaces) off. Avoid using any cleaning products or brushes (e.g. washing power) because the latex is way too sensitive to that. Only specific cleaning products are appropriate.
Then, wring the gloves with care, without over twisting. If you wash them thoroughly and thoroughly, the water will not be muddy or brown. This is the final step that will save lots of time during drying.
7. Always allow your gloves to dry Naturally
Avoid making use of a radiator or tumble dryer, airing cupboard , or directly in the sun to dry those damp gloves. This will dry completely the latex and weaken their grip!
It is important to let your gloves dry naturally at the room, or outdoors under mild conditions. If you want to speed up process of drying, suggest placing absorbent paper or cloth towels inside the gloves before remove them halfway throughout the drying procedure. In addition you’ll have patience.
8. Rotate Two (Or More) Pairs Of Gloves
Wearing only one glove is not a good idea. In the beginning, you may 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 and you’re left with no backup plan.
It’s a good idea to have at least two pairs of GK gloves. So you can swap themaround, or save one set for “matchday glove”. I would suggest buying a lower-cost version of your preferred gloves to practice using, but preserving an extra-high quality pair to use on match days.
9. Make sure your gloves are stored correctly
You should store your gloves in your sports bag or glove when they’re dry. There’s a chance of them becoming smelly damp or forming mold.
Additionally, keep your glove’s palms in the opposite direction from each other in storage. This will ensure that your palms don’t get too close, which could cause losing grip when they are pulled apart. However, if your gloves were ever stuck, you can wet the gloves to help loosen it.
10. Utilize specialized products to eliminate Odors & Stains
Water will only provide a limited amount of protection to the gloves of your goalkeeper. If you continue to use them, your gloves will appear tired due to dirt, stains and discoloration. In addition and to make it worse, the accumulation of the disgusting “glove smell” will create an unpleasant smell, to put it mildly!
Instead of throwing away your gloves that cost a lot of money they can be used for the next few months by investing in professional care products.