End of Season Glove Care: How to Clean, Restore, and Protect Your Glove the Right Way

When the final out of the season is made, it’s time to shift focus from the diamond to your dugout, specifically, to your glove.

Whether you’re a collector, a player, or both, the offseason is the most important time to care for your baseball glove. Proper cleaning, conditioning, and storage will determine how your glove performs, and how long it lasts.

At The Craftsman’s Works, we believe every glove tells a story, every glove caries a legacy. Here’s how to preserve yours with our Leather Spot Cleaner, Glove Lotion, and Glove Salve, the same glove care system trusted by serious players and collectors alike.

Step 1: Clean Away a Season’s Worth of Dirt and Sweat

The first step to end-of-season glove care is deep cleaning. During the season, your glove absorbs dirt, sweat, and oils that can dry out and damage the leather.
That’s where The Craftsman’s Works Leather Spot Cleaner comes in, the secret weapon for players and pro glove collectors.

How to Use Leather Spot Cleaner

1. Wipe away surface dirt with a dry, soft cloth.

2. Apply a small amount of Leather Spot Cleaner to a clean applicator pad or towel.

3. Work it gently into the leather using circular motions. Focus on problem areas — the palm, heel, and web.

4. Wipe clean with a dry cloth and let it air dry naturally.

Unlike harsh cleaners, our formula removes grime without stripping natural oils, keeping your glove’s leather lasting and true to its color.
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💧 Step 2: Restore and Recondition with Glove Lotion

Once your glove is clean, it’s time to replenish the leather. Dirt and sunlight break down leather fibers, causing stiffness and cracking. The Craftsman’s Works Glove Lotion restores essential oils and maintains that “broken-in but alive” feel.

How to Apply Glove Lotion

1. Use a small amount — a little goes a long way.

2. Rub it into the glove evenly, focusing on the pocket and finger stalls.

3. Allow it to soak for 15–20 minutes, then wipe off any excess.

Our Glove Lotion is a balanced conditioner, not greasy, not heavy. It hydrates deep into the fibers to restore the original tone and flexibility of your glove. Replenishing the natural preservatives needed in your leather.
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🧴 Step 3: Lock in the Protection with Glove Salve

After cleaning and conditioning, it’s time to seal in the moisture and protect the surface.
Think of The Craftsman’s Works Glove Salve as your glove’s armor, a thin protective layer that shields from humidity, dust, and time itself.

How to Use Glove Salve

1. Rub a quarter-sized amount into the glove’s outer shell and laces.

2. Allow it to sit overnight to penetrate and create a light, protective finish.  After drying, more can be applied if necessary.

3. Buff lightly with a soft towel for a natural, satin look.

Glove Salve works perfectly as the final step in your offseason glove care routine. It adds a barrier without waxy residue, ensuring your glove is hydrated, resilient, and game-ready come spring.
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🧰 Step 4: Store It Right During the Offseason

A clean, conditioned glove deserves the right home for the winter.

Pro Tips for Offseason Storage

• Keep it in a dry, temperate area — avoid garages, basements, car-trunks, baseball bags, and direct sunlight.

• Maintain shape by keeping it sitting correctly (especially infield gloves) with the palm facing down, pocket open wide, and the glove sitting on the pinky and thumb, or by inserting a ball in the pocket and wrapping it lightly with bands.

• Use a breathable bag or case, never sealed plastic, to prevent moisture buildup. Don't just throw it back into your baseball bag.

• Check monthly — wipe with a soft cloth if dust or dryness appears.

If you’re a collector, display gloves on a stand or in a shadow box where they can breathe. The goal is to protect the glove’s structure and oils during dormancy.

The Complete End-of-Season Glove Care Kit

At The Craftsman’s Works, we’ve built a glove care system based on decades of craftsmanship and collector insight.
Together, our three key products form a complete protection cycle:

With this system, your glove won’t just survive the offseason — it will age gracefully, ready for another season of memories.

Final Thoughts

The offseason is where craftsmanship meets care. Taking a few extra minutes now will save years of life on your glove later.
Whether you’re restoring a vintage Rawlings, maintaining a Wilson A2000, or breaking in a custom Heart of the Hide, The Craftsman’s Works glove care lineup is built for the player who values quality, heritage, and longevity.

⚾ Preserve the legacy. Protect the craft.
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