How to Take Care of Your New Baseball Glove

A new baseball glove is an investment in your game, and with proper care, it can last for years, even generations. Whether you’re breaking in your first glove or adding a high-quality piece to your rotation, how you treat it from day one determines how it performs and how long it lasts.

This guide covers the right way to break in a glove, the best products to use, and the simple habits that keep your glove game-ready season after season.

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Breaking In a New Glove the Right Way

Breaking in a glove should be a controlled, natural process. The goal is to shape the pocket and hinge points without compromising the structure of the leather.

What to avoid:

• Soaking your glove in water

• Baking or microwaving it

• Over-oiling or over-conditioning

These shortcuts may soften leather quickly, but they weaken fibers, add weight, and shorten the life of the glove.

What to do instead:

• Play catch regularly

• Shape the pocket by hand

• Use light, glove-specific conditioning products sparingly

Read the full guide:
How to Break In a Baseball Glove the Right Way

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Clean Your Glove Before You Condition It

Dirt, dust, and sweat slowly break down leather. Before applying any conditioner or salve, your glove should be clean.

A gentle leather cleaner removes surface buildup without stripping natural oils, allowing conditioning products to absorb properly.

Learn more:
How to Clean a Baseball Glove Without Damaging the Leather

Recommended:
Leather Spot Cleaner – gentle enough for gloves, tough enough for grime

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Use the Right Conditioner — Not Oil

One of the biggest mistakes glove owners make is using traditional oils. Heavy oils can oversoften leather, weigh down the glove, and cause premature breakdown.

Instead, use a balanced glove lotion, glove salve or high quality conditioner designed to nourish leather while maintaining structure.

Where to apply:

• Pocket

• Palm

• Hinge points

• Laces

Apply sparingly and allow the leather to absorb naturally.

Recommended Products:

Glove Lotion - a premium glove conditioner designed to readily absorb into leather

Glove Salve – a balanced conditioner designed specifically for ballglove leather

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Don’t Ignore the Laces

Glove laces take more abuse than any other component. Dry or brittle laces can snap, affecting both performance and safety.

• Keep laces clean

• Lightly condition when needed

• Replace laces once they show cracking or stiffness

Proper lace care extends the life of your glove and preserves its original feel.

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Store Your Glove the Right Way

When your glove isn’t on the field:

• Store it in a cool, dry place

• Avoid leaving it in hot cars or damp bags

• Keep a ball in the pocket to maintain shape

Simple storage habits prevent warping, drying, and premature aging.

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A Glove Worth Taking Care Of

A quality glove is built to last, but only if it’s cared for properly. With smart break-in techniques, the right cleaning and conditioning products, and consistent maintenance, your glove won’t just play better, it’ll age beautifully.

At The Craftsman’s Works, we believe the best gloves aren’t replaced.
They’re maintained, restored, and passed down.

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Quick Glove Care Checklist 

• ✔ Break in naturally — no excess water or heat

• ✔ Clean before conditioning

• ✔ Use glove salve, not oil

• ✔ Condition sparingly

• ✔ Store properly

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Baseball Glove Care FAQs

How do I properly break in a new baseball glove?

The best way to break in a new glove is through regular use and light hand shaping. Play catch, form the pocket naturally, and avoid shortcuts like water, heat, or excessive oil. These methods damage leather fibers and shorten the life of the glove.
Read our full guide: How to Break In a Baseball Glove the Right Way

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Should I use glove oil or glove conditioner?

A glove conditioner like Glove Lotion or Glove Salve is the better choice for long-term care. Heavy oils can overs often leather, add weight, and cause gloves to lose structure. A balanced glove salve conditions leather without breaking it down.
Recommended: Glove Salve

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How often should I condition my baseball glove?

Conditioning should be done sparingly, typically a few times per season, depending on use and climate. Over-conditioning can be just as harmful as neglect. If the leather feels dry or stiff, it’s time for a light application.

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Do I need to clean my glove before conditioning it?

Yes. Dirt, sweat, and buildup prevent conditioners from absorbing properly and accelerate leather breakdown. Always clean your glove before applying any salve or conditioner.
Recommended: Leather Spot Cleaner

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Can I use household leather products on my baseball glove?

Most household leather products are not designed for ball glove leather and may contain oils or chemicals that over soften or darken the glove unevenly. It’s best to use products made specifically for baseball gloves.

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How should I store my baseball glove when not in use?

Store your glove in a cool, dry place away from direct heat. Keep a ball in the pocket to help maintain its shape, and avoid leaving it in cars or damp equipment bags for extended periods.

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How do I know when my glove laces need to be replaced?

If your laces feel brittle, show cracking, or begin to stretch excessively, it’s time for replacement. Worn laces affect both performance and durability and are one of the most common failure points in gloves.

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Can an old or dried-out glove be restored?

In many cases, yes. With proper cleaning, conditioning, re-lacing, and reshaping, older gloves can often be brought back to playable condition. Severe cracking or rot may limit restoration potential.

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What’s the biggest mistake people make with glove care?

The most common mistake is overdoing it—too much oil, too much conditioner, or using heat and water to speed up break-in. Proper glove care is about patience and consistency, not shortcuts.