How to Clean Leather Gloves (and Suede Gloves) Without Damage

To clean leather gloves, wipe them with a soft, barely damp cloth while wearing them, let them dry naturally at room temperature, then work in a little leather conditioner; never put them in the washing machine. The same gentle routine keeps every pair in our designer gloves edit looking new, and it is how Nour Hammour recommends caring for its Wrislet gloves.

Key facts

• Never machine wash leather gloves
• Spot clean with a barely damp cloth while wearing them
• Dry flat at room temperature, away from heat
• Brush suede; condition smooth leather

Smooth leather gloves

1. Dust. Wipe the gloves with a dry cloth after wear.
2. Spot clean. Put the gloves on, dampen a soft cloth with water and a drop of mild soap, and wipe in small circles. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth.
3. Dry. Take them off, lay them flat on a towel and let them dry away from radiators and sunlight.
4. Condition. Once dry, rub in a little leather conditioner to keep the leather supple, then flex the fingers.

Suede gloves

Suede does not like water. Brush the nap lightly in one direction with a suede brush, lift marks with a suede eraser and hang the gloves somewhere airy. For a pair like Wrislet Suede Gloves in Chocolate, brushing after every few wears is enough.

Cashmere and knit gloves

Dry clean cashmere gloves, store them folded and use a knitwear comb on any pilling. See our cashmere gloves guide.

Wet gloves

If your gloves get soaked, blot them with a towel, reshape the fingers and let them dry flat at room temperature. Heat makes leather stiff and can crack it. When they are dry, condition smooth leather and brush suede.

Storing gloves between seasons

At the end of winter, clean and condition the gloves, then store them flat in a breathable cotton bag, never plastic, in a cool, dry drawer. Leather needs air; plastic traps moisture and can cause mould.

When to call a specialist

Oil, ink, wine and salt marks need a leather specialist. Lined gloves should never be soaked, because the lining can shrink at a different rate from the leather.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wash leather gloves in the washing machine?

No. Machine washing strips the oils from the leather and can shrink the lining. Spot clean by hand instead.

How do you soften stiff leather gloves?

Work in a little leather conditioner and flex the fingers while wearing them.

How do you clean the inside of leather gloves?

Air them inside out for a few hours. Lined gloves should go to a specialist for a deep clean.

How do you clean suede gloves?

Brush the nap with a suede brush and use a suede eraser on marks. Avoid water.

Read next: Leather and shearling care, Cashmere lined leather gloves, Suede gloves.

By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 28 October 2026.