Goalkeeper Gloves Maintenance
FOAM WEAR
Foam is a vulnerable material, which is why it’s important to look after it (don’t lean against the post, don’t lean against the wall, don’t hang in the nets). But no matter how careful you are, you do need to be able to play freely. Regular ball and surface contact means the foam will wear out, regardless. This is exactly why professional goalkeepers prefer using a new set of gloves for every match. But if you look after your gloves well, you can considerably extend their lifespan!
FOAM MAINTENANCE
Latex foam is a soft, natural material that requires careful treatment. Good foam maintenance is important for the durability and effectiveness of the gloves.
There are three basic rules:
• don’t let your gloves dry out
• always clean them (preferably with lukewarm water)
• store them correctly.
Prevent gloves from drying out
One thing all types of foam have in common is that their lifespan and performance deteriorate when the foam dries out. That is why we recommend thoroughly moistening the foam before matches and training sessions. Also, keep your gloves moistened in a glove bag that allows in air.
Moisten before use.
Store wet.
Keep ventilated.
Clean your gloves carefully
Clean your goalkeeper gloves after every match and training session. Mud, sand and dirt stick to your gloves during all ball and field contact. It weakens the foam and, as such, its performance.
This is how to clean your gloves:
Clean your goalkeeper gloves by hand under running (preferably lukewarm) water and carefully squeeze out any excess water.
Never wring them!
Never leave them on the radiator!
If your gloves are still too wet, you can roll the gloves in a towel to absorb the excess water.
Obviously, you should never put them in the washing machine and/or tumble dryer.
Store your gloves correctly
To allow your gloves to air, it is best to keep them moistened in a glove bag between training sessions and games. Additionally you can place a damp sponge or towel in the glove bag. This wil prevent the foam from drying out.
Do not store with the insides touching each other.
Store wet.
Keep ventilated.
Store during summer and winter break
During the summer and winter break it is important to store the gloves correctly. If you do not use them for some time, for instance, during the summer and winter break, the foam can dry out. Therefore it is important to keep your gloves moistened in a glove bag with a damp sponge or towel. Make sure the foam sides do not touch each other to prevent them sticking together and causing damage to the foam.
It is important to keep your gloves moistened in a glove bag with a damp sponge or towel.
First use
To prevent your gloves from being too slippery when you first use them, we recommend washing them once first. Don’t put them in the washing machine but follow the instructions under Maintenance. The first time, rather than dirt, you clean off the thin protective layer that’s still on the gloves
Wash your gloves before using them for the first time.
Maintenance with glove cleaner
We recommend giving your gloves extra treatment with glove cleaner. It improves the performance of the foam. Follow the instructions on the product packaging. Make sure you treat the foam with cleaner half an hour before a training session or match. Rinse your gloves with water just before the match to restore maximum grip!
Use glove cleaner regularly.
Odours
Gloves can start to smell after a while. Although some goalies believe that true goalkeeper gloves simply HAVE to smell a bit, glove cleaner will help to eliminate odours. The characteristic odour is caused by bacteria, which the anti-bacterial cleaner will remove.
