We wear mittens and gloves every day, but we remember to wash them last — often due to the fear of ruining the item. In fact, caring for winter accessories does not require special skills: just consider the material and follow a few simple rules to prevent them from shrinking, becoming stiff, and losing shape.
Mittens and gloves quickly absorb moisture, odors, and skin oils. Even if they look clean on the outside, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate inside. Therefore, they need to be washed regularly, not just when stains appear.
How to Wash Wool Mittens and Gloves
Wool retains heat well and is breathable, but it is extremely sensitive to temperature and mechanical action. Hot water and vigorous rubbing can cause the fibers to felt — the accessory will become dense and noticeably shrink in size. Use only gentle detergents for wool and cashmere, without bleach.
Hand Washing
Pour slightly warm water into a basin and add a few drops of a gentle detergent. Turn the mittens or gloves inside out and soak them in the solution. Gently press the items with your hands to allow the water to penetrate the fibers, and leave them for 10 minutes.
After that, thoroughly rinse the accessories in warm running water until the detergent is completely washed out. Do not wring them out: just press them against the sides of the sink to remove excess moisture.
Dry wool items only horizontally. Lay them on a dry towel, gently roll them up so the towel absorbs the water, then unfold and leave in a well-ventilated area. Radiators and heaters are strictly prohibited.
Machine Washing
Before loading, treat stains with a wool detergent. Turn the items inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag. Choose a delicate cycle, cold water, and minimal spin or no spin at all. Fabric softener and bleach cannot be used.
After the cycle ends, reshape the mittens or gloves and dry them in the same way as after hand washing — on a towel and away from heat sources.
How to Clean Leather Gloves
Leather cannot withstand full washing. Only dry or minimally damp cleaning and special products are suitable for it.
Before starting, always test the product on an inconspicuous area. First, wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth or a soft brush to remove dust. Then, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a soft cloth and rub it in with circular motions. Remove any residue with a dry cloth — without water.
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner evenly over the surface, paying attention to the seams. Allow it to absorb for about 30 minutes, then polish the gloves with a microfiber cloth using smooth circular motions.
How to Wash Cotton and Synthetic Gloves
Cotton and synthetic materials are less finicky in care. Such gloves and mittens can be washed both by hand and in a machine — on a delicate cycle and at low temperatures. Using a laundry bag will help maintain their shape and prevent stretching.
Dry the accessories only on a horizontal surface, in a ventilated area, and away from radiators — this rule applies to all materials.
