How to Wash Heated Gloves: The Essential Maintenance Guide

Heated gloves are one of your best lines of defense against the winter cold. They face harsh conditions—snow, ice, salt, and freezing winds—while protecting your dexterity.

Because gloves are constructed with multiple layers and integrated heating wires, they require a different level of care than a standard pair of insulated mittens. If you've been wondering, "Can I put heated gloves in the washing machine?" The answer is no. To keep them functional for years, follow this professional cleaning and maintenance guide.

(Tips: If you’re in a hurry and just want the essentials, feel free to jump straight to the Quick Care Summary section below.)

The Cleaning Process: Step-by-Step 

Preparation

Before any water touches the fabric, you must secure the electronic components:

• Disconnect the Batteries: Remove the power banks entirely and store them in a safe, dry place.
• Protect the Connectors: Place the connection cables back into the battery pockets and zip them shut. This prevents the metal terminals from snagging or getting unnecessarily soaked.

Surface Cleaning (Exterior)

Gloves often get dirty on the outside first. Before a full wash, use a soft, damp cloth or a soft-bristle brush to remove surface salt, mud, or grit. This prevents dirt from being rubbed deeper into the fibers during the washing process.

Hand Wash Only

Unlike some heated jackets or socks that can handle a gentle machine cycle, heated gloves should always be hand-washed. The mechanical agitation of a washing machine can shift the heating elements in the fingers, leading to "cold spots" or wire failure.

• Soak: Submerge the gloves in a basin of cold water mixed with a small amount of mild, bleach-free detergent.
• Target the "Funk": Gently massage the interior lining where sweat and oils accumulate.
• Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all soap residue is gone. Never wring or twist the gloves to get water out; instead, gently press them between your palms.

The Drying Phase 

Improper drying can damage the heating wires or make leather brittle.

• Gently reshape the gloves
• Air Dry Only: Lay flat or hang in a well-ventilated area
• No Heat: Avoid using hair dryers, radiators, or tumble dryers. High heat can melt the wire insulation or shrink the glove's inner layers.
• Ensure they are 100% dry before reconnecting the battery.

Special Care for Leather Surfaces

Some heated gloves feature leather palms or accents for better grip and durability. Leather requires its own set of rules:

• Spot Cleaning: If only the leather is dirty, use a wet, lint-free cloth to wipe it down.
• Stay Cool: Never use a hairdryer or radiator to speed up the drying of leather. High heat can cause the leather to crack or stiffen.
• Conditioning: After a full wash and once the leather is dry, apply a specialized leather conditioner. This restores the natural oils lost during washing, preventing the leather from cracking and keeping it supple for a better grip.

Battery Maintenance: The Key to Longevity

Your gloves are only as good as the power behind them. To prevent your batteries from losing their capacity, follow these simple habits:

• Prevent Deep Discharge: Letting a lithium-ion battery stay completely empty for weeks can lead to "deep discharge," which may prevent it from ever holding a charge again.
• Charge the batteries to around 60–80% before storing.
• Set a reminder to recharge the batteries every 3–6 months during the off-season to keep the cells active.
• Store both the gloves and batteries in a cool, dry place.

Quick Care Summary

If you only remember a few things, remember these:

• Remove batteries before washing
• Put connectors back into the battery pocket and zip it
• Hand wash only
• Use mild detergent and cold/lukewarm water
• Never wring or twist the gloves
• Air dry completely before use
• Store batteries partially charged during off-season
• Keep leather clean and dry

A little extra care helps preserve both the comfort and heating performance over time.

Ready for your next adventure? Explore our collection of heated gloves and find your perfect fit.

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Check out our other specialized guides:

• How to Wash Your Heated Clothing
• How to Wash Your Heated Socks
• Seasonal Storage Guide for Your ororo Heated Apparel

Comprehensive Product Care Page for maintaining all your ororo gear