How To Oil a Baseball Glove

Many things in life are better when they’re new. However, this is not true for baseball or softball gloves. Even after finding the right brand-new leather baseball glove, it will not yet perform at its peak ability. Learn how to oil a baseball glove, so that it is fully ready for the new season.

What Type Of Glove Conditioners To Avoid

The first thing that you should consider when determining how to oil a baseball glove is what not to use. Do not use petroleum jelly, Vaseline, olive oil, shaving cream or any type of oil that is not designed for this purpose. Also ensure that you’re not using oil that isn’t designed for leather.

How Much Glove Oil Should You Use?

Now that you have the appropriate oil, make sure to be stingy with it, at least in the early going. A little goes a long way, and, if you did put on too little, you can always add more later. It is important to have enough oil or conditioner to soften the leather. However, you cannot easily take back some after you had applied too much. But, if it’s too late, and you already have, resulting in globs of oil on your glove or streaks of it, remove the excess as best as you can with a cloth or towel.

Recommended Conditioner

Wilson Pro Stock Glove Conditioner

The best conditioner for leather gloves

Easy application conditioner that cleans, softens and revitalizes the leather on baseball gloves.

Buying Options

Check Price on Amazon

Where To Apply The Glove Oil

Not only should you use the oil sparingly, but you also don’t need to use it all over the glove. Just in a few specific areas is fine. Probably the most important spot to focus on is the pocket area. That’ll help lessen the impact on your hand and fingers when you catch the ball. Also place some in the areas between the glove’s fingers and between those and its thumb.

Resting the Glove

Ensure that you’ve allotted enough time for your glove to rest after its oiling experience. Overnight is a good rule of thumb. Do not leave it in direct sunlight as some do. Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place to keep conditions to soften the glove.

Play Catch

The final step of the oiling process is playing catch. This is, of course, the most fun step, but it’s just as important. Doing this will help with forming your pocket form into its finished shape and comfort and break in your glove. Once you do all of this, you’re ready to take the field for your first practices and games of the new season with your broken-in glove.