How to Repair and Recycle Old Work Gloves? 

Do you really think that the only place for your old and torn work gloves is the trash?

Thinking of what else can you do with your old work gloves? 

Don’t worry I am here to help you out with this!

Throwing away used work gloves is the last thing you should think of. But to recycle it and reuse is definitely a matter of challenge if you are not sure about the products to use and also the procedure to do it.

So, here are certain really cool tips which will definitely help you out and give you knowledge about the best products to be used in restoring and recycling your work gloves. 

You can simply use a good glue to put together the torn pieces of the gloves or might even use another small patch of the same material to replace worn out part. Or you might as well make some rubber bands or handcrafted items with it!

Excited right?

Let’s jump into the creative ocean!

How to Restore your Torn Leather Work Gloves? 

Misuse or rough wear can definitely be reasons for torn leather work gloves. Flexible leather glue can be a good option if the tear it is small. The glue will automatically make up the tear completely. Using this method a tear up to one or two inches can be repaired easily but it is definitely not effective for gloves that are completely torn. 

But don’t forget to be patient to experience the best results and for this, Aleene’s15594 Leather & Suede Glue 4oz can be a great choice. Follow the steps below:

Step 1:

• • • First, place the glove on your hand in such a way that it exposes the torn leather portion.
    • Now, you need to put some leather glue on a candy stick and then rub the edges of the torn leather with the glue, avoiding the lining of the glove. 

Step 2:

• • • Press both the sides of the leather along with the torn area and hold it for nearly about 30 seconds or until the glue sets completely.
    • Now, you can wipe off the excess glue if there is any on the surface with a soft lint free cloth. 

Step 3:

• • •  You can now remove the glove slowly and keep it aside so that the glue gets set for 24 hours.
    • While doing so if the tear separates, press it back together gently.

Step 4:

• • • Apply some amount of leather filter to hide the mark and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Step 5:

• • • Now, take a sponge and dip it into leather dye and dab it on the torn area of the glove to recolor it.
    • Let it dry for one day.

Step 6:

• • • You can then apply some amount of leather conditioner on the gloves to soften it.
    • This will prevent future wear from popping.

How to Restore Torn Rubber Work Gloves?

It can definitely be very irritating if your rubber gloves get filled with water while you are working with cement and water. And it’s even more disturbing if the gloves tear or get holes in it.

 So what’s the solution for this? 

Will you throw away the gloves? No! Of course, not. 

You can easily patch it up with Gorilla Clear Glue which is waterproof and also weather resistant. So, here’s the way how you can get it done:

Materials required:

• • • Torn rubber gloves
    • A pair of scissors
    • A plastic wrap
    • Gorilla glue

Step 1:

• • • Cut a small piece of the glove from an unobtrusive area to create the patch piece. 
    • Remember the piece should be of the same size and shape as that of the tear, although slightly bigger in size.

Step 2:

• • • Place the glove on a surface so as to expose the tear and pour a drop or two of the Gorilla glue on it and place the patch on top.

Step 3:

• • • Now, take a piece of plastic wrap and cover the area so that the glue does not spread everywhere and cover the area with some heavy object and let it dry for about 45 minutes and above.
    • Lastly, off the wrap and enjoy your renewed gloves.

How to Restore Faded Leather Work Gloves?

Using leather items that retain its shine is like a blessing. None of us like dull and ugly leather goods. But to retain its shine is definitely a challenging task. 

So here are a few tips which will help you out with this: 

• • • Take a piece of damp cloth and clean the glove properly, leaving no edge. 
    • After the glove dries up, apply a little amount of leather conditioner evenly on the surface and let it get absorbed.
    • Conditioner acts as a protectant and helps to maintain its shine and longevity. 

If this doesn’t help you out then restoring the gloves by re-dyeing it is the only solution. You can definitely ask for the suggestion of leather professional to choose the right dye.

• • • Once you are sure with the dye, place newspapers under the gloves to avoid any spill.
    • You can take the help of masking tapes to avoid the dye in some places if you want.
    • Now, you can carefully start dyeing the leather with equal and even strokes. 
    • Keep coating it until the color matches.
    • Allow the dye to absorb and keep it in a cool place away from heat.
    • Leave it for overnight. This should definitely help you out!

How to Restore Faded Rubber Gloves?

In case of your faded or dirty rubber gloves you can definitely rely on the following tips:

Step 1:

• • • To remove the dirt, you can clean the outer surface of the gloves with mild liquid detergent.
    • Do not forget to use warm water in this case.

Step 2:

• • • Turn the gloves to expose the inner surface and apply the same technique as used for cleaning outer one. 

Step 3:

• • • Rinse the gloves thoroughly with warm water so that the dirt goes away and hang it out to let the gloves dry. 

How to Restore Scratched Leather Work Gloves?

Leather has always been a very attractive and durable material. But when it catches a scratch, it definitely is hard to avoid. 

Certainly, there are companies which will help you repair your work gloves but that might cost you more!

So, here are certain home remedies for your quick fix:

Case 1: in case of light scratches:

• • • If it’s just a scratch (light one), it can easily be removed with leather oil or conditioner.
    • Apply little amount of oil to the area and keep massaging in circular motion to reduce the scratch.
    • Let it dry completely and then apply some leather conditioner on it. 
    • This will help maintain a good level of oil as well as wax in the gloves and retain its shine.
    • Vaseline can also be effective in cases of such light scratches.
    • Do not forget to clean the excess oil and conditioner once you are done with the treatment. 

Case 2: in case of deep scratches:

• • • In case of deep scratches, the first step you should do is to clean it with some leather cleaner. 
    • Some of the best selling brands are- Leather Nova Conditioner and Cleanser, Chamberlain’s Leather Milk Conditioner and Cleanser.
    • Now, softly dab the scratched area with vinegar. 
    • Once it dries up apply some colorless shoe polish and blend it.
    • You can also apply olive oil and continue blending more colorless shoe polish if the scratch is still visible.
    • Using petroleum jelly can get your desired results.
    • Also, skin moisturizers are helpful to reduce scratch on leather gloves. 

How to Recycle Old Work Gloves?

Now, if all these techniques do not work for you, are you going to throw away your pair of gloves? 

No! Wait! Don’t!

Here are some quirky ideas for us how you can make use of old gloves without throwing them off. 

• • • You can make creepy hand candles. The gloves can help you to get the exact shape.
    • You can make concrete hand sculptures.
    • You can cut the gloves into pieces and make rubber bands out of it. 
    • You can make finger puppets with it.
    • You can make some funky rubber gloves jewellery.

See also: How to Repair Tear in Work Boots?

It’s time to bid Adieu! 

I hope now you know how to restore your work gloves and if they are not in such a condition to get restored, you know how to make use of it the other way. 

That’s all for today guys!  

See you soon with another exciting article! 

Till then take care! 

Stay safe and healthy! 

Have a great day ahead!