The best way to clean your white Hestra gloves depends on whether they are made of leather or a non-leather material.
Cleaning Non-Leather Hestra Gloves
Some non-leather Hestra glove styles are machine washable, while others need to be handwashed. Always check the care label inside your gloves first.
Handwashing:
- Prepare the Wash: Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap (like a gentle laundry detergent or dish soap).
- Wash the Gloves: Gently agitate the gloves in the soapy water, paying attention to any soiled areas. Avoid scrubbing aggressively.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the gloves under clean, lukewarm water until all traces of soap are gone.
- Remove Excess Water: Gently squeeze the gloves to remove excess water. Do not wring them out, as this can damage the material.
- Dry Flat: Lay the gloves flat on a clean surface at room temperature to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can cause discoloration or damage. Turn the gloves inside out halfway through the drying process to ensure even drying.
Machine Washing (If Allowed by Care Label):
- Prepare the Gloves: Place the gloves in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash cycle.
- Wash Cycle: Use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Drying: Do not put your gloves in the dryer! Remove them from the washing machine and follow the same drying instructions as for handwashing: gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Cleaning Leather Hestra Gloves
Cleaning leather gloves requires special care to avoid damaging the leather. Avoid fully submerging leather gloves in water.
- Remove Loose Dirt: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away any loose dirt or debris.
- Damp Cloth Cleaning: Dampen a clean, soft cloth with lukewarm water. Wring out the cloth well so that it is not dripping wet. Gently wipe the leather to clean it.
- Leather Cleaner (Optional): If the gloves are heavily soiled, you can use a leather cleaner specifically designed for gloves. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't discolor or damage the leather.
- Conditioning (Important): After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to help replenish the natural oils in the leather and prevent it from drying out and cracking. Again, follow the conditioner's instructions.
- Drying: Allow the gloves to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Stuff the gloves with paper towels to help them retain their shape during drying.
Important Considerations for White Gloves:
- Act quickly: Address stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in.
- Avoid bleach: Do not use bleach on white gloves, as it can damage the material.
- Pre-treat stains: For stubborn stains, try pre-treating the area with a mild stain remover before washing. Be sure to test the stain remover on a hidden area first.
- Professional Cleaning: For valuable or heavily soiled gloves, consider taking them to a professional leather cleaner or dry cleaner that specializes in delicate fabrics.
