It’s likely that your goalkeeper’s gloves will eventually be dirty, ripped and worn out. However, you can help the GK gloves last longer by implementing a few easy cleaning and preparation techniques.
In this guide to glove care, I will cover all you should know about extending the life of, and increasing the efficiency of the gloves you wear as goalkeepers.
1. Select the Best Latex for your needs.
It is important to select gloves that are made for the environment you’re playing in.
If you are only playing at a few times or not competitively then you can go with inexpensive latex for entry-level use — like Super Soft. Be aware that lower-end latex won’t stand up to the force of friction (particularly due to artificial surfaces) in conjunction with harsh weather conditions, or more expensive ones.
For those who regularly play on artificial or grass pitches it is cheaper to buy gloves that are able to stand up to abrasion and friction over an extended period of time. I would recommend Giga and Contact latex since it works very well on any surface and will not be able to perform when it’s wet or muddy.
2. Make sure you give New Gloves an initial Rinse
When you receive your new gloves, they’ll be accompanied by an enveloping plastic covering the palms of your latex (provided they’re high-quality). The film stops them from collecting dirt and dust in the manufacturing facility, as well as in the course of transport. You must take care when peeling off the material 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 properly dive
How you swim can have an immense impact on the degradation of your glove.
If you continuously chase the ball while your hands are moving across the floor, then your method will cause wear and tear on your glove… that can be costly!
When you are diving towards the ground the hand you are using should be behind the ball, and the other over it. Your gloves should not (if even) touch the ground while you save. Your body is the one that absorbs the impact and is the reason that goalkeeper’s jerseys, shorts, and trousers have padding.
4. Get Up With Your Fist, not Palms
When playing, you need to be prepared to do everything you can to avoid goals. Sometimes, this means scratching your palms of your gloves onto the ground.
Goalkeeper gloves are made to stand up to the force and friction of the footballs hitting them. They are not designed to withstand the weight of your body’s weight on the abrasive surfaces of your playing field. Also, during training and warm-ups, make sure to protect your gloves by breaking the habit of lifting them off the ground using your hands to stand up. Instead, you should clench your hands into a fist, then press up with only your backhand. The materials are more robust and less susceptible to breaking.
Why not stand up to practice with no hands in any way?
5. We recommend that you wear gloves with a dampener prior to and during Games
To ensure maximum grip, it is essential that your palms of latex are always clean and dry throughout the use. This will also extend the lifespan of your gloves.
The body heat, along with the outside temperature and humidity could dry your gloves. When dry latex is stretched while in use, it may be damaged and crack.
I would suggest having a water bottle at the goal line to ensure 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 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 After Each Use
It’s a good idea to start washing your gloves clean after games and training. It is best to do this while your gloves are damp (a) because it helps reduce the buildup of the odourous “glove smell” and (b) since mud turns like cement after drying. The final thing you want is the gloves to turn stiff and hard.
I would suggest putting an unheated tap in the bathtub or sink. Wash the gloves from the inside out, gently rubbing mud dirt, sand, and dirt (or perhaps rubber, if playing on synthetic surfaces) off. Don’t use any cleaning products or brushes (e.g. washing power) since the latex is way too delicate for this. Only cleaning products that are specially designed can be used.
After that, squeeze the gloves without too much twisting. If the gloves are washed thoroughly then the water won’t 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. The process will totally dry out the latex, and will ruin any grip you have on your glove!
You should let your kids goalkeeper gloves dry naturally at the room, or outdoors under mild conditions. If you’re looking to speed up drying time, suggest placing absorbent paper or cloth towels into the gloves, and remove them halfway throughout the drying procedure. Other than that 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 losing its gripping capabilities there’s no way to get them back.
It’s a good idea to have at least two pairs of GK gloves. This way, you can alternate themaround, or save one set for “matchday glove”. I suggest purchasing a less expensive version of your favorite gloves to train with, then preserving the higher-spec gloves for matchdays only.
9. Make sure your gloves are stored correctly
It is best to put your gloves in your sports bag or glove when they’re dry. If not, there’s a possibility of them becoming smelly damp or develop mold.
Also, make sure to ensure that your glove hands are to the opposite side of one another when you store them. This will ensure that your palms don’t get locked together, which could cause losing grip when they are pulled apart. However, if your gloves were ever stuck, you can wet them to let it loosen.
10. Make use of specialist products to remove Odors & Stains
Water is only able to provide a limited amount of protection to your gloves for goalkeepers. With continued use, your gloves will eventually appear tired due to dirt, stains and discoloration. And to top it all off it will be a matter of time before the disgusting “glove smell” can create the smell to put it mildly!
Instead of throwing away your gloves that cost a lot of money You can save them for a long time by investing in professional care products.
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