How to Oil a Baseball Glove
Quick answer
Use a small amount of glove conditioner or leather oil made for gloves, worked in with a cloth and left to absorb — never more than a thin coat a couple of times a season. Too much oil weighs the glove down and rots the laces, so less is always more.
What to use
Use a conditioner or leather oil made specifically for baseball gloves. Household oils, petroleum jelly, and heavy mink oils can over-soften the leather and add weight. When in doubt, use the product your glove's manufacturer recommends.
How much and how often
Less is more
Apply a thin coat with a clean cloth, work it in, and let it absorb before wiping off any excess. Condition a glove only a couple of times per season — over-oiling weighs the glove down, closes the pocket, and rots the laces.
A simple maintenance routine
- Wipe off dirt and moisture after use
- Store it in a cool, dry place with a ball in the pocket — never a hot car
- Condition lightly at the start and midpoint of the season
- Re-tie or replace laces before they fail
About the author
The Baseball Tools Team
baseball.tools publishes free, plain-English baseball tools and guides for players, parents and coaches. Content is reviewed for accuracy against official sources and updated each season.