Can You Put a Golf Glove in the Dryer?

Tossing your wet, sweaty golf glove into the dryer might seem like a quick and easy solution, but it’s a shortcut that can permanently damage the glove’s feel, fit, and lifespan. We’re going to get straight to it and explain why the dryer is your glove's worst enemy. This article will give you the definitive answer on dryer use and, more importantly, walk you through the proper, coach-approved methods for cleaning, drying, and caring for your golf gloves to keep them feeling like new for many rounds to come.

The Short Answer: Please, Don’t Do It!

In case you’re looking for a quick verdict, here it is: No, you should never put a golf glove in the dryer. It doesn't matter if it's made from high-end cabretta leather or a modern synthetic material. The intense, dry heat from a machine dryer is the fastest way to turn a supple, comfortable glove into a stiff, shrunken husk of its former self.

To understand why, you need to think about what a golf glove is made of. The most prized gloves are crafted from cabretta leather, which comes from the hide of hair sheep. This leather is sought after for its incredibly soft, tacky feel and its ability to mold to your hand. It achieves this wonderful texture because of the natural oils present in the hide.

When you expose this delicate leather to the high heat of a dryer, you're essentially baking those essential oils right out of it. Here’s what happens:

• It Becomes Brittle: Without its natural moisture and oils, the leather fibers seize up and become stiff and hard. A glove that once felt like a second skin will feel more like a piece of cardboard.
• It Cracks: As the glove gets brittle, flexing it will cause the surface to crack and flake. This not only feels terrible but also compromises the grip, which is the entire point of wearing a glove in the first place.
• It Shrinks: Heat causes the leather to contract and shrink, often unevenly. Your perfectly fitted glove will no longer fit your hand, leading to discomfort and an insecure grip on the club.

“But what about my synthetic glove?” you might ask. While synthetic materials are generally more durable than leather, they are not immune to the damage of a dryer. The high heat can weaken the synthetic fibers, cause the material to warp, and degrade the adhesive used in the stitching. The velcro closure can also lose its effectiveness. Think of it like putting an expensive pair of leather dress shoes in the dryer – you just wouldn’t do it if you want them to last.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Properly Dry Your Golf Glove

So if the dryer is off-limits, what’s a golfer to do after a hot, humid round or an unexpected downpour? The process is simple, requires no special equipment, and will dramatically extend the life and performance of your glove. This is the routine every golfer should adopt.

Step 1: Reshape It Immediately

This is the step most golfers skip, and it’s a big one. As soon as you walk off the 18th green, don’t just rip the glove off and stuff it in a side pocket of your bag. Instead, put the glove back on your hand. Then, gently pull on the end of each finger to straighten them out completely. Use your other hand to smooth out any bunches or wrinkles across the palm and the back of the hand. You want to get it looking as close to its original, pre-worn shape as possible. This prevents it from drying in a crumpled, misshapen state.

Step 2: Let It Air Dry

Once you’ve smoothed it out, it's time to let it breathe. Take the glove off and lay it down on a flat, dry surface that is out of direct sunlight. The locker room bench, the passenger seat of your car (as long as it’s not in a sunbeam), or a table at home are all perfect spots. Direct sunlight acts like a mini-dryer and will bake the leather, causing the same damage we're trying to avoid.

A pro-level move is to use a glove shaper. These are inexpensive plastic inserts shaped like a flat hand. You slide your wet glove onto the shaper, and it holds the glove perfectly flat, fingers separated, allowing for maximum airflow both inside and out. It’s the single best accessory for maintaining glove shape.

Alternatively, many golf bags have a small velcro patch on the outside, often near the embroidered towel ring, specifically designed for holding a glove while it dries. Attaching your glove here lets it air out on the ride home or while you're enjoying a post-round beverage.

Step 3: Store It Properly

Once the glove is completely dry to the touch, you can store it. Don’t leave it attached to the outside of your bag for weeks. For best results, place it back into the original cardboard or plastic sleeve it came in. This keeps it perfectly flat and protected from the elements. A simple Ziploc bag works just as well. The goal is to prevent it from getting crumpled at the bottom of your bag, where it will lose its shape.

Beyond Drying: How to Safely Clean a Dirty Golf Glove

Over time, every glove is going to accumulate dirt, sweat, and sunscreen. Cleaning it can restore some of that tacky feel, but just like with drying, the method matters.

For Leather Gloves (The Gentle Approach)

Leather demands a gentle touch. Always start with the least aggressive method first.

1. Spot Clean: For minor dirt marks, use a cloth dampened with cool water. Gently wipe the surface to lift the stain. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
2. Full Wash: For a heavily soiled glove, you can give it a bath. Fill a sink with cool water and a very small amount of mild hand soap (think moisturizing soap, not harsh detergent). Put the glove on your hand and submerge it, then use your other hand to gently lather and massage the dirt from the surface.
3. Rinse and Dry: Take the glove off and rinse it thoroughly under a stream of cool, clean water until all the soap is gone. Gently squeeze the water out from the fingertips down to the cuff, never twisting or wringing it. Lay it on a dry towel and pat away the excess moisture. Then, let it air-dry using the methods described above. It’s a good idea to put it on once or twice while it’s still damp to help reshape it before laying it flat to finish drying completely.

For Synthetic Gloves (A Little More Resilient)

Most synthetic or all-weather gloves are designed to be machine washable, which is a major convenience.

1. Prep for the Machine: Secure the velcro tab so it doesn’t snag on other items. For best results, place the glove inside a mesh delicates laundry bag.
2. Wash with Care: Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Air-Dry Only: Even though it can go in the washer, a synthetic glove should never go in the dryer. The heat will still damage its fit and structure. Hang it or lay it flat to air-dry, just as you would with a leather glove.

How to Make Your Golf Gloves Last Longer

If you feel like you’re burning through gloves too quickly, it might be your routine, not the glove. Here are a few expert tips to maximize their lifespan.

Rotate Your Gloves

This is arguably the most effective strategy. Instead of using one glove until it disintegrates, keep two or three in your bag and rotate them. On a hot day, you can switch gloves every few holes or at the turn. This allows each glove to dry out completely, preventing the leather from getting saturated with sweat, which accelerates its breakdown.

Use a Dedicated Range Glove

The repetitive motion and sweat from hitting a large bucket of balls are torture on a premium glove. Designate an older, more worn-out glove or a cheaper, durable synthetic one as your "range glove." This saves the feel and tackiness of your prime-time "gamer" glove for the course where it matters most.

Take It Off for Putting and Chipping

You don't need enhanced grip for the delicate touch required around the greens. Make a habit of taking your glove off as soon as you grab your putter. This simple act reduces the glove's exposure to the oils on your hands and the moisture from the green, letting it air out for a few minutes on every single hole. Over the course of a round, that makes a big difference.

Get the Proper Fit

An ill-fitting glove wears out faster. A glove that's too tight will strain at the seams, eventually tearing. A glove that's too loose will create friction and rubbing against your hand, causing both blisters and premature wear in the palm. A well-fitted glove should feel like a second skin, with no loose material at the tips of your fingers or across your palm when you make a fist.

Final Thoughts

In short, the machine dryer and your golf gloves should never meet. Preserving the supple feel, comfortable fit, and tacky grip of your glove simply requires a little attention to care. By following a consistent routine of reshaping, air-drying, and gentle cleaning, you'll get far more high-performance rounds out of every glove you buy.

Just like taking care of your gear, making smarter decisions on the course is fundamental to better golf. When you have questions mid-round, whether it’s about reading a tricky lie or choosing the right club, getting a quick, reliable answer can make all the difference. We built Caddie AI to be that on-demand golf expert in your pocket, providing instant strategy and analysis so you can play with more confidence and less guesswork.