How to Clean Lacrosse Gloves

Sweat, dirt and that famous glove smell. Here's how to wash, dry and care for your lacrosse gloves so they stay fresh and last for seasons.

Connor Stifel · General Lacrosse · Updated October 21, 2026 · 6 min read

Methods to clean and dry lacrosse gloves

The quick answer

WashLukewarm + mild soap

Soak 10 to 15 minutes, scrub gently, rinse well. No bleach, no fabric softener.

DryAir only

Towel off, then air-dry in a ventilated spot. No dryer, no direct sun.

When you play lacrosse, you get covered in dirt, dust and sweat. Your gloves soak up the sweat and trap the dirt, so cleaning them matters for hygiene and for how they play. Knowing how to clean them properly also helps them last longer, unless you like buying a new pair every season.

But you don't want to ruin your gloves while you clean them, especially with how expensive they can be. Taking care of them the right way keeps them in good shape and extends their life.

In this article, I lay out the best way to safely wash, maintain, clean and dry your lacrosse gloves and gear so they perform better and last longer.

I've done it this way my whole playing career, and it's worked like a charm.

We may receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link on this page at no cost to you. This helps us keep this site free & we appreciate your support!

Why clean lacrosse gloves matter

Lacrosse gloves aren't just for style. They're your hands' first line of defense against slashes and checks. But with sweat, dirt and grime building up all season, they can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and odor.

Gear surfaces pick up some nasty stuff. Researchers who swabbed equipment at two university rec centers found that 43% of the Staphylococcus aureus samples they recovered were resistant to ampicillin, according to the American Society for Microbiology. Your gloves go through the same sweaty, high-touch abuse.

Keeping them clean isn't just about hygiene, either. Clean gloves give you a better grip and better feel on your stick.

While we're at it, here's my review of the best lacrosse gloves this year.

What are lacrosse gloves made of?

Before you clean your gloves, you should know what they're made of. Different materials need a little different care.

[wpdatatable id=384]

How lacrosse gloves get dirty

Before you start, think about how your gloves got dirty, because the technique changes depending on the mess.

[wpdatatable id=385]

Step-by-step: how to clean lacrosse gloves

Cleaning your gloves is easy. All you need is a mild detergent and some lukewarm water. Fill a sink, tub or bucket with lukewarm water and a little liquid detergent.

Let them soak, give them a good but gentle rinse, and your gloves will look (and smell) almost brand new. Just follow these steps:

1. Inspect them first

Check for rips, tears or damaged padding. If your gloves are damaged, don't wash them, because cleaning can make it worse. It's time for a new pair.

2. Shake off the dirt

Shake out loose dirt and turf pellets. Use a soft brush on stubborn spots.

3. Wash by hand

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the palm material.
Add a mild detergent, ideally one made for sports gear.
Soak the gloves for 10 to 15 minutes and gently scrub them with a soft cloth.

Note: Don't use bleach or fabric softener. They can break down the materials and discolor your gloves.

4. Rinse thoroughly

Rinse the gloves with clean water until all the soap is gone.

5. Clean the outside

Use a soft-bristled brush, a sponge or even an old toothbrush on the outside of the gloves. Scrub gently so you don't damage the material, and rinse your tools between uses.

Alternative method: the washing machine

Many gloves can go in the washing machine on the gentlest, coldest setting. Check the care tag first, though, because some brands recommend hand washing only. You can also use a disinfectant soap, spray or gel if you want (optional).

Want to see it done? Here's a quick demo.

See it done Penguin Saber Academy on YouTube

How to dry lacrosse gloves (without ruining them)

You might be wondering if there's a right way to dry them too. There is, and it matters just as much as the washing.

Use a towel to press out the extra water.
Put the gloves somewhere with good airflow and let them air-dry, standing up on a rack (lying flat works too).
Don't use a dryer or leave them in direct sunlight. Heat can warp and stiffen the materials.

Pro tip: Once they're mostly dry, stuff them with newspaper. It helps them hold their shape and soaks up the last of the moisture. Otherwise, a lot of gloves shrink and lose their shape.

Coach's note: The number one glove killer I see, from Virginia Beach summer leagues to Ontario box to upstate New York, isn't dirt. It's zipping wet gloves into your bag after practice and forgetting about them. Take them out, open them up and let them air out every single time. Your teammates' noses will thank you.

Glove cleaning checklist

To make it easy, I put together a checklist for how often to take care of your gloves.

[wpdatatable id=386]

Dos and don'ts of lacrosse glove care

That brings me to the dos and don'ts. Here are the most common mistakes players make when cleaning their lacrosse gear, or any sports gear for that matter.

[wpdatatable id=387]

A little care goes a long way. Your gloves deserve it, and so do you.

When it's time for a new pair

If your palms have holes, the padding is flattened out, or the smell won't come out no matter what you do, it's time to retire them. Here are some great options at BattleLax.

Fresh glovesFrom beginner to elite, all at BattleLax.