A stiff baseball glove can be a real nuisance when it comes to playing the game. Not only does it make it difficult to catch the ball, but it also increases the chances of it being dropped or fumbled. If you want to restore your stiff baseball glove, there are some simple steps you can take to bring it back to life and make it comfortable again.
Materials Needed
The materials needed to restore a stiff baseball glove are fairly simple and inexpensive. You will need:
- A baseball glove
- A damp cloth
- Leather conditioner or petroleum jelly
- A shoe brush
- A hairdryer
Step 1: Clean the Glove
The first step in restoring a stiff baseball glove is to clean it. Start by wiping down the entire glove with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that may be on the glove.
Substep 1: Clean the Inside of the Glove
Once the outside of the glove has been wiped down, you will want to focus on cleaning the inside. This can be done by using a damp cloth, but you may also want to use a soft brush in order to get into any hard-to-reach places.
Substep 2: Clean the Laces
The laces of the glove can also be cleaned. This can be done by using the damp cloth or a soft brush. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies in order to remove any dirt or debris that may have collected there.
Step 2: Condition the Glove
Once the glove has been cleaned, you will want to condition it. This can be done by using either a leather conditioner or petroleum jelly. Both of these will help to soften the leather and make it more pliable, which will make it more comfortable to wear.
Substep 1: Apply the Conditioner
Start by applying the leather conditioner or petroleum jelly to the entire glove. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies in order to get the best results. Allow the conditioner or jelly to soak into the glove for a few minutes before wiping off any excess.
Substep 2: Lace Up the Glove
Once the conditioner or jelly has been applied, you will want to lace up the glove. This will help to keep the glove in shape and make sure that it is comfortable to wear.
Step 3: Brush the Glove
Once the glove has been conditioned, you will want to brush it. This can be done using a shoe brush or a cloth brush. Start by brushing the entire glove in order to remove any dirt or debris that may have collected on the surface.
Substep 1: Brush in Circular Motions
When brushing the glove, it is important to use circular motions. This will help to evenly distribute the conditioner or jelly and make sure that the glove is evenly conditioned.
Substep 2: Brush the Laces
Once the glove has been brushed, you will want to focus on the laces. Make sure to brush the laces in order to remove any dirt or debris that may have collected there.
Step 4: Dry the Glove
Once the glove has been brushed, you will want to dry it. This can be done using a hairdryer or by simply leaving the glove out in the sun for a few hours. Make sure to use a low heat setting when using a hairdryer in order to avoid damaging the leather.
Step 5: Wear the Glove
Once the glove has been dried, you will want to wear it. This will help to break it in and make it more comfortable to wear. Start by wearing the glove for a few minutes at a time, then gradually increase the amount of time you wear it.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
Restoring a stiff baseball glove can take some time and patience. If the glove is still stiff after the first attempt, you may want to repeat the process. This will help to ensure that the glove is completely restored and that it is comfortable to wear.
Conclusion
Restoring a stiff baseball glove can be a time-consuming process, but it is worth it in the end. By following the steps outlined above, you can make your glove more comfortable to wear and increase its longevity. With some patience and a bit of elbow grease, you can have your glove feeling like new in no time.