Mittens and gloves protect your hands from cold, wind, and moisture—but they also absorb sweat, dirt, oils, and bacteria faster than you might expect. Washing them the wrong way can ruin insulation, distort their shape, or weaken waterproof layers, leaving them stiff, smelly, or unusable halfway through winter.

The key isn’t washing them more—it’s washing them right. Fabric type, water temperature, and drying method all make a big difference in how long your gloves last.

Here’s how to wash mittens and gloves properly so they stay warm, clean, and comfortable all season long.

1. Check the Material Before Anything Else

Not all gloves are created equal. Always start by identifying the material.

Common types include:

Wool or knit gloves

Fleece gloves

Leather gloves

Waterproof or insulated winter gloves

Each material needs a slightly different approach, and ignoring this step is the fastest way to ruin them.

Why it matters:

What works for fleece can permanently damage wool or leather.

2. Turn Gloves Inside Out Before Washing

Turning gloves and mittens inside out exposes the part that absorbs the most sweat and odor.

This allows detergent to clean where bacteria actually live, rather than just the outer surface.

Why it matters:

Odor-causing bacteria build up on the inside first, not the outside.

3. Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle

For most fabric gloves (knit, fleece, synthetic):

Use cold water

Select a gentle or delicate cycle

Hot water can shrink fibers, weaken elastic, and damage insulation.

For hand-washing:

Fill a basin with cold water

Add a small amount of mild detergent

Gently squeeze—never twist or wring

Why it matters:

Gentle washing preserves shape, softness, and insulation.

4. Use Mild Detergent Only

Harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners are a big no.

Choose:

Mild laundry detergent

Wool-safe detergent (for wool gloves)

Avoid:

Bleach

Fabric softener

Stain removers with strong chemicals

Why it matters:

Harsh products break down fibers and reduce warmth over time.

5. Wash Leather Gloves by Hand—Never in a Machine

Leather gloves require special care.

To clean leather gloves:

Wipe the surface with a damp cloth

Use a small amount of mild soap if needed

Rinse carefully without soaking

Gently reshape while damp

Do not submerge leather gloves in water or put them in the washing machine.

Why it matters:

Too much water can make leather stiff, cracked, or misshapen.

6. Never Put Gloves in the Dryer

Heat is the enemy of gloves—especially insulated and leather ones.

Instead:

Lay them flat on a towel

Reshape them while damp

Air-dry at room temperature

Keep them away from:

Radiators

Heaters

Direct sunlight

Why it matters:

Dryers shrink fibers and destroy insulation, shortening glove lifespan.

7. Restore Softness After Drying (Optional)

Once fully dry:

Gently stretch knit gloves back into shape

For leather gloves, apply a small amount of leather conditioner

This helps maintain flexibility and comfort.

Why it matters:

Proper aftercare keeps gloves feeling new instead of stiff or rough.