What to Rub on Your Baseball Glove to Break it In? - Hot Hitters

What to Rub on Your Baseball Glove to Break it In?

Creams, Oils, Pastes or Lotions

Hey guys, how are you?

So.. in the last article we talked about how, the best way to break in a new glove was to play catch with it. Today, we’re gonna go a little further and talk about glove conditioners.  

You may be asking yourself..

Why use glove conditioners if I, just have to play catch to break in my glove?

Well, to answer your question

When a glove comes out of the factory, the leather is usually stiff and difficult to use. So, to help soften your glove and develop a good pocket for the ball, glove conditioners can be used.

Conditioners come in a wide variety of products but are grouped into 3 sections: oils, lotions and softeners. These substances penetrate the surface of the leather and make it more supple and thus helping the break in.

Below is our list of recommended glove conditioning products that you can use on your glove today.

 

Glove Conditioners

Glove conditioners are specialty products made by many major glove and sporting goods manufacturers. Glove conditioners are different from regular oils because they contain additional ingredients that not only soften the leather but clean it and protect it from absorbing moisture and dirt.

Leather conditioners are the most expensive substance you can use to break in your glove, but they often work the best. Some leather conditioners are designed for use with specific types of leather, from low grade to premium cowhide and steer hide.

 

Lanolin Oil

Lanolin oil comes from sheep and is found in many glove conditioners and glove oil products. Lanolin oil is good for leather because it softens, protects and preserves, allowing your glove to stay supple over time. Lanolin is the main ingredient in most glove conditioners, but you can use pure lanolin oil over glove conditioners if you want to avoid applying additional cleaning chemicals when breaking in your glove. You can purchase lanolin oil at most hardware stores and some sporting goods stores.

 

Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is an alternative to more traditional oils and conditioners. Shaving cream softens and moisturises your skin to make shaving more efficient and comfortable. Shaving cream works on leather gloves the same way it works on skin, by softening and moisturising. Avoid shaving gels and creams that contain added perfumes or use alcohols that may dry out or damage the glove. Use a standard fragrance-free foam shaving cream.

 

Vaseline

Vaseline is another substance you can use to break in your glove. Vaseline contains various mineral oils and moisturisers that are effective leather softeners. In addition, Vaseline is useful for sealing and protecting your glove from drying out in hot environments and from exposure to dirt and dust. When applying Vaseline, use it sparingly and work it into the surface of the glove completely before adding more. Too much can make your glove sticky.


So there you have it, a full list of the best glove conditioning products.

But remember, no matter what product you choose to break in your glove, always start with a small amount on a clean rag and test on a small area of the glove!

Start in the palm of the glove and begin rubbing in the oil in small circular motions. Apply more of the substance as needed and work your way to the outer edges of the glove. Once the glove is coated, wipe off the excess with a clean rag, place a ball in the glove pocket and wrap a rubber band around the glove. Finally, store the glove in a cool, dry place for 12-24 hours for the conditioner to work its way into the leather.


1 comment


  • Steven

    What about ball players balm? Glove butters? Leather conditioner for furniture or cars? What’s best conditioner form lotion? Oils make leather heavier and changes the color, does softener,or paste? Should u put softener on the back of the fingers? I have questions


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