No matter how new your baseball glove is, it's going to need some conditioning before you start using it in games. You can buy a commercial conditioner, or you can make your own from household ingredients.
Options for Glove Conditioners
Here are three different options to condition your glove at home. Choose the one that best fits your needs and your budget. Happy conditioning!
Option One: Shaving Cream Method
This is the most common way to condition your baseball glove. All you need is some Barbasol and a little bit of elbow grease!
What You'll Need:
- lanolin based shaving cream (this is important, not all shaving cream products have lanolin in them, Barbasol Original does have it and is available at most grocery stores)
- A clean, dry cloth
Instructions:
1. Clean and dry the glove before you start the conditioning process.
2. Apply a grape-sized portion of shaving cream on a clean cloth.
3. Rub the cloth over the entire surface of your baseball glove. Focus on the leather, paying special attention to any areas that look dry or cracked.
4. Let the glove air dry completely before using it or storing it away.
Option Two: Olive Oil Conditioner
If you're looking for a more intensive conditioning treatment, olive oil is a great option. It will soften the leather and help to prevent cracking.
What You'll Need:
- Olive oil
- A clean, dry cloth
Instructions:
1. Always clean and dry the glove first!
2. Pour a small amount of olive oil onto your cloth. You don't need much - just enough to lightly coat the surface of the cloth.
3. Rub the oiled cloth over the entire surface of your baseball glove. Focus on the leather, paying special attention to any areas that look dry or cracked.
4. Let the glove air dry for at least an hour before using it or storing it away.
Option Three: Store bought leather creams, oils, and waxes
What You'll Need:
- leather cream, oil, or wax.
- two dry, clean clothes, lint-free if possible
Instructions:
1. Before anything, it is important to ensure the gloves is both clean and dry, it may take on a slightly darker color once some products are applied.
2. Apply the cream, oil, or wax to a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Never apply the product directly to the leather as it may damage it.
3. Once the product is applied to the cloth, you can rub the cloth all over the leather in a small circular motion.
4. Get your second lint-free cloth, and thoroughly wipe down the glove after you have buffed in the product.
P.S. If you're looking for a new baseball glove, check out our selection of top-rated gloves at the link below!