How to Wash Heated Gloves: Do’s and Don’ts from the Experts
Heated gloves save the day when winter is at its worst. They battle the biting wind, blistering cold, wet snow, and long hours spent outside in it all – and they do it without a single complaint.
Truly, when conditions turn rough, your cold-weather gear works even harder. Heated gloves help you withstand ice, sweat, dirt, and the most frigid of days. But how do you care for them and make them last?
Good cleaning and storage habits help protect your gloves’ heating elements and wiring, as well as the outer materials that make them special.
Washing heated gloves doesn’t have to be risky or complicated, either. The process is simple and safe when you follow the proper steps, so your heated gloves last longer, produce steady heat, and offer improved comfort every time you put them on.
Key Takeaways
- Heated gloves last longer when you clean them by hand and air dry them.
- Battery packs must always come out before any cleaning begins.
- Mild soap and gentle handling protect heating elements and outer fabrics.
- Proper storage prevents wire strain and moisture damage between seasons.
Why Proper Care Matters for Heated Gloves
When it comes to heated gloves, every cleaning decision matters. The right steps protect your comfort and the gloves’ performance.
After all, heated gloves boast advanced heating technology that standard gloves simply don’t. Their thin heating panels and internal wiring run through the fingers and back of the hand – and those parts need protection.
Over time, dirt and sweat build up on practically any gloves. That buildup can reduce comfort, but it also can affect performance. Luckily, regular and gentle cleaning keeps your gloves feeling fresh without putting stress on the heating system.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Heated Gloves
You’ll get best results when washing your heated gloves if you follow a clear sequence. Each step builds upon the last one to protect heating elements and clean your gloves. Just carefully move through the process and resist the urge to rush.
Step One: Prepare Your Heated Gloves for Washing
Before you ever employ any soap and water, it’s important to safeguard everything inside the gloves. This preparation sets the tone for the rest of the process. Most cleaning mistakes happen when you rush this step, so a few minutes here can save a costly replacement later.
Before water ever touches the gloves, you can reduce risk and protect the interior electronics by:
- Removing the batteries from both gloves and store them in a dry place.
- Closing all battery pockets, zippers, and hook-and-loop fasteners.
- Shaking out loose dirt or debris that might be trapped inside the lining.
Step Two: Hand-Wash Heated Gloves the Right Way
Once the batteries are removed, it’s time to wash the gloves through a straightforward process. You’ll get full control from hand washing them, since aggressive machines boost the risk of wire damage. Let warm water and a little bit of patience do the heavy lifting instead.
First, fill a sink or basin with warm water. Add a small amount of mild dish soap, but avoid strong detergents or fabric treatments.
Next, gently submerge the gloves and move them through the water. Focus on dirty areas with light pressure from your fingers. Don’t scrub too hard – let the soap do the dirty work.
If only one area needs attention, spot cleaning is sufficient. A soft cloth or sponge will lift grime without stressing the fabric.
Step Three: Rinse Without Stressing the Heating Elements
Once you lift the dirt and sweat from the fabric, it’s time to properly rinse the gloves. Remaining soap residue will attract dirt and affect how the gloves feel. Therefore, a thorough rinse is as important as the wash itself.
Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, warm water. Then gently press the gloves to release the soap. Repeat this step until the water runs clear. Make sure you don’t twist or wring the gloves. That can strain the internal wiring and heating panels. Instead, gentle pressure keeps everything in place.
Step Four: Dry Heated Gloves Safely
Clean gloves still need careful handling. Drying seals the results of the wash and protects internal components. But it requires patience. Heat and motion can potentially cause damage during this stage if not done carefully.
Lay each glove flat on a clean towel, then lightly press on it to remove excess water. Reshape the gloves so the fingers and cuffs sit naturally.
Now hang the gloves or lay them flat to air dry. You’ll want to choose a well-ventilated area that’s away from direct sunlight. Fans can speed up the process without adding heat.
Never try to rush by using artificial heat. Hair dryers, radiators, and clothes dryers will shorten heated gloves’ lifespans.
Do’s and Don’ts of Washing Heated Gloves
A few simple rules prevent common mistakes when washing heated gloves. Keep this list handy when it’s time to clean them:
Dos
- Do remove batteries before cleaning every time.
- Do use mild soap and warm water only.
- Do air dry gloves completely before reinstalling batteries.
- Do clean gloves regularly during heavy-use seasons.
Don’ts
- Do not machine wash or machine dry heated gloves.
- Do not wring, twist, or aggressively scrub the fabric.
- Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, or stain removers.
- Do not store gloves while they’re damp or only partially dry.
How Often Should You Wash Heated Gloves?
No matter how much you perfect your washing technique, timing plays a crucial role in the long-term care of heated gloves. The precise frequency, however, depends on use since daily wear during winter work or outdoor sports creates more buildup. Occasional use, on the other hand, requires less frequent care.
During peak season, you may get the greatest benefit by washing your heated gloves every few weeks. Spot cleaning between washes will extend the time between full cleanings. Just trust your senses. Odor, stiffness, or visible grime are all signals that it’s time for a wash.
Storage Tips That Protect Heated Gloves
After your gloves are clean and dry, storage is the final link in the care chain. The off-season matters just as much as winter use when it comes to long-term performance.
Make sure your heated gloves are fully dry before you store them. Moisture trapped inside invites odor and breaks down materials.
A few storage habits will keep your gloves ready for next season:
- Store your gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct heat.
- Keep the batteries separate and partially charged (25%) for long-term storage.
- Lay gloves flat or loosely folded to prevent wire stress.
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top of your stored gloves.
Battery Care Goes Hand in Hand With Glove Care
Glove care doesn't stop with the fabric. It’s power management that completes the big picture. Since batteries power the heat, you have to treat them with the same respect as the actual gloves for consistent warmth and a longer lifespan.
Recharge the batteries only with approved chargers. Don’t let them fully drain for extended periods, and note that partial charges work best for storage.
Since dirt and moisture interfere with power flow, be sure you occasionally clean the battery contacts with a clean cloth.
Care is Easier with Quality Heated Gloves
Long-term care starts even earlier than the wash cycle. There’s no question that well-designed heated gloves hold up better over time. Characteristics like quality materials, sealed wiring, and smart construction simplify glove care.
ActionHeat designs heated gloves with durability at the top of its list. Gloves’ thoughtful construction supports repeated cleaning without sacrificing performance. You’re sure to find a pair of heated gloves built for your unique needs by exploring the full collection.
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