How to Care for and Wash Snowboarding Gloves

There’s nothing quite like strapping in on a fresh powder day—cold air on your face, warm hands ready to respond. Your gloves are your first line of defense, a critical piece of gear that keeps you comfortable and in control. Whether you’re carving groomers, hiking for backcountry lines, or just hanging at the lodge, taking proper care of your snowboarding gloves extends their life and ensures they perform season after season. At Wildhorn Outfitters, we build our gear to be durable, but even the toughest materials benefit from a little TLC. Here’s how to keep your gloves in peak condition.

Understanding Your Glove’s Anatomy

Before you start cleaning, it helps to know what you’re working with. A high-performance snowboarding glove is a system, not just a piece of fabric. Typically, you’re dealing with:

• Outer Shell: Often made of durable, water-resistant nylon, polyester, or leather. This layer faces the elements and abrasion.
• Waterproof/Breathable Membrane: A critical inner layer that blocks moisture from getting in while allowing sweat vapor to escape.
• Insulation: Synthetic fills or natural materials like wool that trap heat.
• Liner: Many gloves feature a removable fleece or synthetic liner for added warmth and easier drying.
• Wrist Closure & Cuff: Essential for creating a seal to keep snow out.

Always check the care label inside your Wildhorn gloves first. Those instructions are your best guide.

Daily & Weekly Care: Prevention is Key

The best care happens between rides, not just at season’s end. A simple routine makes all the difference.

1. Air Dry, Never Bake: After a day on the mountain, dry your gloves thoroughly. Never place them on a radiator, fireplace, or use a hair dryer on high heat. Intense, direct heat can melt adhesives, shrink fabrics, and degrade waterproof membranes. Instead, turn liners inside-out if possible, and let them air dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
2. Stuff ‘Em for Shape: To help maintain their form and dry efficiently, loosely stuff the fingers and palm with crumpled newspaper or a dry towel. This absorbs moisture from the inside out. Change the stuffing every few hours until completely dry.
3. Brush Off the Day: Knock off any dried mud or snow crystals with a soft brush before storing. This prevents abrasive particles from grinding into the fabric over time.

The Deep Clean: How to Wash Snowboarding Gloves

Even with the best daily habits, gloves will eventually need a wash to remove oils, salts, and grime that can clog the membrane’s pores. When performance starts to feel less than perfect, it’s time for a deep clean.

Step 1: Prep Work

Close all straps and secure any buckles to prevent snagging. If your gloves have a removable liner, take it out and wash it separately according to its care label. Spot treat heavily soiled areas, like leather palms, with a dab of the cleaner you’ll be using.

Step 2: The Wash

You have two safe options:

• Machine Washing (If Label Allows): Use a front-loading washer on a gentle, cold-water cycle. Use a technical gear cleaner designed for waterproof fabrics. This is crucial: DO NOT use regular detergent, fabric softener, or bleach. These contain additives that permanently clog the microscopic pores of the waterproof membrane.
• Hand Washing (The Safest Bet): Fill a sink with lukewarm water and add technical cleaner. Submerge the gloves, agitate gently, and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: The Rinse & Re-Waterproofing

Rinse thoroughly with clean, cold water until all soap suds are gone. Any residue will impair performance. For gloves with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the outer shell—the coating that makes water bead up—you’ll likely need to rejuvenate it. After washing and while the gloves are damp, apply a wash-in or spray-on DWR treatment following the product’s instructions.

Step 4: Drying (Again, Gently!)

Gently squeeze out excess water—never wring or twist. Re-stuff with newspaper or a towel to absorb moisture and maintain shape. Air dry at room temperature. To reactivate most DWR treatments, you can tumble dry on low heat for 10-20 minutes after the gloves are mostly dry, but always check your care label first.

Special Care for Leather Palms

Many premium gloves feature leather palms for superior grip and durability. Leather requires a slightly different approach. Clean with a mild leather soap or a cleaner recommended for waterproof leather. After cleaning and drying, condition the leather with a suitable product to prevent it from drying out, cracking, and losing its supple feel.

Storage for the Off-Season

When the snow melts and you’re switching to your hiking boots or mountain bike, store your gloves properly to welcome them back next winter.

1. Ensure they are 100% bone-dry. Any residual moisture can lead to mildew.
2. Give them a final, gentle brush to remove any dust.
3. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid cramming them into a tight space; let them breathe.

We design our gear to remove friction from your time outdoors. Part of that promise is creating products that are not only durable but also straightforward to care for. A little mindful maintenance ensures your gloves remain a reliable partner for every chairlift conversation, every powder turn, and every shared moment in the wild. Because the best gear is the gear that lasts, adventure after adventure.