Premium deerskin gloves like the ILL DOZER and Spitfire are an investment, and a little care keeps them performing and looking good for years. The good news is that deerskin is low-maintenance compared to stiffer hides. This how-to covers the simple routine that protects your gloves and keeps the supple feel that makes them worth owning. The same care applies across the whole deerskin glove collection.
Step 1: Dry them the right way
The single most important habit is drying gloves correctly. After a sweaty or wet ride, let them air dry at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters, and direct sun. Forced heat dries the natural oils out of deerskin and leaves it stiff and brittle. Slow, natural drying preserves the soft feel. Lay them flat or stand them up so air reaches the inside.
Step 2: Clean gently when needed
Deerskin does not need frequent washing. When the gloves get grimy, wipe them with a barely damp cloth and let them air dry. For heavier cleaning, use a cleaner formulated for deerskin or fine leather, and always test on a small spot first. Avoid harsh soaps, solvents, and soaking, all of which strip the leather. Less is more with deerskin.
Step 3: Condition a couple of times a season
Conditioning replenishes the oils that keep deerskin supple. Two or three times a riding season, apply a quality leather conditioner suited to deerskin, work it in lightly, and buff off the excess. Do not overdo it; a thin application is enough. This single habit does more than anything else to extend the life of a premium glove and keep it feeling broken in.
Step 4: Store them properly
Between rides, keep your gloves somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sun. Avoid leaving them crumpled in a hot saddlebag or on a sunny windowsill, both of which age the leather prematurely. For off-season storage, clean and condition first, then keep them in a breathable space rather than a sealed plastic bag that can trap moisture.
What to avoid
Skip the shortcuts that damage leather: no direct heat to dry, no soaking, no harsh chemicals, and no machine washing. These ruin the qualities that make deerskin special. Treat the gloves gently and they will reward you with years of supple, responsive wear, whether you ride the short wrist touchscreen glove or another model in the lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I condition deerskin gloves?
Two or three times per riding season is plenty. Use a thin application of a conditioner suited to deerskin and buff off the excess.
Can I machine wash deerskin gloves?
No. Machine washing and soaking strip the natural oils and can ruin the leather. Wipe gently with a barely damp cloth and air dry instead.
How do I dry wet gloves without damaging them?
Air dry at room temperature away from heaters and direct sun. Forced heat leaves deerskin stiff and brittle, so patience is key.
Premium gloves last when you treat the leather right. Dry them gently, clean them rarely, condition them occasionally, and store them well, and your ILL DOZER or Spitfire gloves will ride with you for years.