Care & Maintenance
Buying a nice pair of leather or suede gloves is an investment that, with proper care, will last for years. Schwartz & von Halen gloves are sturdy, durable, and handmade to a high standard, but a little love and care will make them last even longer. That's better for you and better for your wallet. So we've put together a few tips to help you maintain and care for your leather and suede gloves in the best possible way.
Keep your gloves clean with our cotton pouch
The easiest way to keep your leather or suede gloves clean is to avoid stuffing them into your bag or jacket pockets. Instead, store them in the premium cotton pouch included with every pair, which also keeps them together.
Maintenance and care with Schwartz & von Halen leather gel
One major advantage our leather gloves have over wool or other cloth gloves is that they're completely wind and waterproof. To make them even more resistant to rain and cold, we recommend treating them with our leather gel, included free with every pair (note: not suitable for suede).
Apply the gel to the leather in a circular motion with a clean cloth, then let the gloves dry thoroughly. Once absorbed, the leather will feel supple again, regain its shine, and become even more water-repellent, keeping your hands warm and dry in the coldest weather.
Cleaning the leather gloves
Like any leather glove, Schwartz & von Halen gloves should be washed as little as possible. Washing too often can damage the leather, causing it to lose its shine and water-repellence. That said, an occasional hand clean won't hurt, but never put leather gloves in the washing machine. The best method is to wipe them with a slightly damp cloth while wearing them, which removes dirt embedded in the leather over time. We recommend hand cleaning twice each winter to maintain the leather's integrity and keep your gloves looking great.
Drying your leather gloves
After hand cleaning your leather gloves, let them dry thoroughly, standing upright, since leather shouldn't stay wet or damp for long. Dry them at room temperature, away from sunlight or heat sources like a heater or dryer. It's a good idea to put them on a few times as they dry, especially if your gloves are a few years old, as this helps reshape them to your hand and retain their original fit.