How to Make Your Football Gloves Sticky Again

Introduction

You know that feeling when you first buy a new pair of football gloves, you clap them together and snap, they stick like glue. But fast forward a few weeks, and that once sticky grip is gone. Now your gloves just slide off each other and barely hold onto the ball. If you’re tempted to toss them in the trash or ask for a refund, don’t. Before you do anything drastic, there are several ways you can bring the stick back to life.

Let’s talk about the best methods to make your gloves sticky again, and trust me, you’re going to want to stick around for the last one, because it’s a game changer.

Different Gloves, Different Grip

Before we dive into the methods, it’s important to know that not all football gloves are made the same. Different brands use different types of grip, and they respond differently to cleaning or grip restoration.

Take the Cutters Rev Pro, for example. They use something called Revtack Recharge, which allows the grip to be refreshed by just wiping them down with a damp cloth. This makes it really easy to get them back to game-ready condition, but the downside is that the grip tends to attract dirt more quickly, so you’ll have to clean them more often.

On the other hand, gloves like the Nike Vapor Jet require a deeper clean to restore the grip, but they tend to hold up better over time without constant maintenance. So, depending on which gloves you’re using, some of these methods might work better than others.

And if you want to know what gloves are actually worth buying in the first place, be sure to check out our Top 5 Gloves of 2024 video.

1. Grip Boost Gel

Let’s start with the go-to product — Grip Boost. This is a gel you apply directly to the palms of your gloves. Once it dries, it gives you that instant sticky feel, just like when they were brand new. It works amazingly well in the moment and is especially useful right before a game or big play.

However, it’s important to understand that Grip Boost doesn’t actually clean your gloves. It just masks the dirt with temporary stickiness. Think of it like makeup — it might look good for a while, but if the surface underneath is dirty, it’s not going to last. It’s great for a quick fix, but it’s not a long-term solution on its own.

2. Hand Wash with Detergent

Here’s the more sustainable and effective solution: clean your gloves. Most football gloves use a shiny synthetic base with a thin silicone grip layer on top. Dirt builds up between that silicone and the football, killing your grip. So the key to making them sticky again is simply cleaning that dirt off.

Hand washing your gloves with regular laundry detergent is a great way to bring them back to life. Gently scrub the palms in warm water and let them hang dry. Never put football gloves in a washing machine — the spinning and tumbling can damage the grip and cause it to wear out completely. Stick with hand washing if you want them to last longer.

3. Spit and Wipe (Old School Method)

This might sound a little gross, but it works in a pinch. If your gloves are dirty mid-game, spit on your hands, rub them together, and wipe them off on your pants. That quick clean can sometimes be just enough to remove a layer of dirt and give you back a bit of grip.

Of course, a slightly more hygienic option is using water and a football towel. Spray your hands with a water bottle and wipe them clean. It’s one of the most common sideline tricks and a fast, effective way to get your gloves sticky again.

4. Hand Sanitizer

Another method that’s surprisingly effective is using hand sanitizer. Rubbing it into your gloves helps break down dirt and even removes waxy build-up from footballs. It’s a quick way to freshen up your grip, but there’s a downside — you’ll burn through small bottles of sanitizer fast. And carrying around a big bottle just isn’t convenient for most players.

5. Alcohol Wipes (Most Convenient Method)

Here’s where things get really interesting — alcohol wipes. Wipes like Clorox or similar cleaning pads are a perfect sideline or locker room option. They clean better than water and towels, help remove deep grime, and are super easy to share with teammates. You can stash a few in your bag, pocket, or locker and always have a way to refresh your gloves before a game.

They’re not just convenient — they actually work better than most quick fixes, and they won’t leave residue like some gels or sprays.

Bonus: Combo Method

Here’s the move: clean your gloves first, then apply Grip Boost. That combo gives you both a clean surface and added stickiness. You’re not just covering up dirt — you’re removing it and then enhancing your grip. This gives you the best chance to restore your gloves and keep them performing like new.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that grip fades — it happens to every pair of football gloves eventually. But that doesn’t mean you need a new pair every month. Whether you’re using spit, water, hand sanitizer, or alcohol wipes, there’s a method that can get your gloves back in game shape. Add Grip Boost when needed, and your gloves can last way longer than you might think.

Just remember, clean gloves are sticky gloves — and sticky gloves win games.

Let me know what method works best for you, or if you’ve found another hack that keeps your grip game strong!