Quick answer

Hand wash your sim racing gloves in cool water with a mild detergent, then air dry them away from direct heat. Never machine wash or tumble dry, as that can break down the silicone grip and stretch the poly-spandex fabric.

Why proper glove care matters

Sim racing gloves take a beating from sweat, oils, and constant friction against your wheel. If you skip cleaning, the fabric stiffens and the silicone grip pattern loses its tackiness. Over time, bacteria build-up also creates odor that no amount of airing out can fix. The good news is that with a simple routine you can keep your gloves feeling fresh and performing like new for many seasons.

What you’ll need

A sink or basin with cool water, a small amount of mild detergent (sport wash or baby shampoo works well), and a clean, dry towel. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and any detergent with enzymes or optical brighteners, as these can degrade the poly-spandex material and the silicone grip.

Step-by-step washing and drying process

  1. Pre-soak in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water and add a few drops of mild detergent. Submerge your gloves and gently swirl them for about 30 seconds. Let them soak for 5 minutes to loosen sweat and oils. Checkpoint: If the water turns dark or murky, the gloves were overdue for a wash. Do not rub the silicone areas vigorously.
  2. Gently scrub soiled areas: Use your fingertips to lightly rub the palms, fingers, and any stained spots. Pay extra attention to the silicone grip zones where dirt accumulates. Do not use a brush or abrasive sponge. Common mistake: Scrubbing too hard can lift the silicone pattern. Use only your fingers and let the detergent do the work.
  3. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean cool water. Swish the gloves until no suds remain. Repeat if necessary. Residual detergent can irritate your skin and attract dirt faster. Checkpoint: Squeeze a small area of the fabric — if you see bubbles, rinse again.
  4. Press out excess water: Lay the gloves flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up with the gloves inside and gently press to absorb moisture. Do not wring or twist the gloves, as that can distort the cuff and silicone grip. Common mistake: Twisting the fabric stretches the poly-spandex and loosens the silicone. Always press, never twist.
  5. Air dry away from heat and sun: Unroll the towel and reshape the gloves. Place them on a drying rack or a fresh towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, radiators, or hair dryers. Drying usually takes 6-12 hours depending on humidity. Checkpoint: Once completely dry, check that the silicone pattern feels tacky and the fabric has returned to its original shape. If the gloves feel stiff, they may have been exposed to heat.

Glove care spotlight: GSI AeroFlex Gloves

  • "Monochrome" AeroFlex Long Gloves: Made with a lightweight and breathable poly-spandex material, these gloves feature a grippy silicone surface pattern on the palms and fingers for improved control. The poly-spandex fabric is durable but sensitive to high heat and harsh chemicals. The silicone grip pattern needs gentle handling to avoid peeling or losing its texture.