Cabretta Leather is a natural material, it is highly sensitive to sweat, moisture, and heat, which can cause it to become stiff, brittle, or cracked if not cared for correctly.
Immediate Post-Use Care:
- Air it Out: Never stuff a damp or sweaty glove directly into your golf bag. This traps moisture, leading to odors and stiffness.
- Wipe it Down: Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe away surface dirt, salt from perspiration, and oils after every round.
- Dry Naturally: Lay the glove flat or hang it in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators or car dashboards.
- Shape Retention: While the glove is still slightly damp, put it on your hand for a minute to reshape it to your fit, then remove it to finish air-drying flat.
Cleaning Instructions
- Most leather gloves are not machine washable. Washing machines can cause Cabretta leather to shrink, warp, or lose its essential oils.
- Hand Wash Only: If the glove is heavily soiled, hand-wash it in a basin of cool or lukewarm water.
- Use Mild Soap: Use a small amount of mild detergent, such as dish soap or a dedicated leather cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
- Avoid Soaking: Do not fully submerge or soak the glove for long periods, as Cabretta leather absorbs water quickly and may lose its shape.
- No Wringing: After washing, gently pat the glove dry with a towel. Never wring or twist it, as this can permanently distort the leather.
Storage and Longevity Tips:
- Rotate Multiple Gloves: Switch between 2–3 gloves during a round, especially in hot or humid weather. This prevents a single glove from becoming oversaturated with sweat.
- Store Flat: Keep your gloves flat in our breathable glove wallet or in our specifically designed glove packaging. Avoid crumpling them in your bag! Consider a Glove Wallet to extend the life of your gloves.
- Condition Occasionally: Apply a tiny amount of leather conditioner designed for delicate leathers every few months to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking.
- Don't Overstretch: When putting the glove on, slide it on gently rather than yanking the wrist area, which can lead to tearing.
General Cleaning:
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Use a clean, dry, absorbent cloth to blot spills. Rubbing pushes the liquid deeper into the grain.
- Gentle Cleaning: If a mark remains, use a cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (to avoid mineral spots). Wipe the entire section "stitch to stitch" to avoid water rings.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use household cleaners, alcohol, or saddle soap, as these can strip natural oils and permanently discolor the aniline dye. Conditioning & Protection
- Conditioning keeps the fibers supple and prevents cracking.
Cleaning for Spills
- Because aniline leather is porous, liquids soak in quickly. Act immediately.
Maintenance:
- Regular Dusting: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth weekly to remove dust and grit, which can act like sandpaper and dull the finish over time.
Proper Belt Storage:
- Hang or Roll: Hang the belt vertically from the buckle on a belt rack or roll it loosely.
- Avoid Folding: Never fold the belt, as this creates permanent creases and weakens the fibers.
- Breathability: Store in a cool, dry place.
Belt Rotation:
- Do not wear the same belt every day. Rotating your belts allows the leather to "rest" and release absorbed moisture from body heat and sweat.
Proper Duffel Storage:
- Breathability: Store in a cool, dry place. When storing the duffel, choose our ITL breathable cotton dust bag that the duffel comes in; avoid plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mold.
Frequency: Every 3–6 months, or more often in very dry or sunny climates.
Product Choice: Use a conditioner specifically formulated for semi-aniline leather.
