If you live in tropical or humid parts of Australia, you’ve probably experienced it, reaching for your gardening gloves only to discover they have an unpleasant musty smell or patches of mould.
The good news is that mould isn’t caused by the gloves themselves. Instead, it develops when moisture, warmth and organic matter combine, creating the perfect environment for mould spores to grow.
Whether you’re gardening in North Queensland or other humid regions, these simple tips will help keep your gloves fresh and ready for your next gardening adventure.
Why do gardening gloves go mouldy?
Mould needs three things to grow:
- Moisture
- Warm temperatures
- Organic material such as soil, plant sap, sweat or compost
After a day in the garden, gloves can collect all three. If they’re left damp in a shed, garage, bucket or the back of the car, mould can develop surprisingly quickly.
Tips to Prevent Mould
1. Shake off excess dirt
Before putting your gloves away, shake off as much soil and plant debris as possible. Organic matter feeds mould.
2. Wash them regularly
Machine washable gloves are much easier to keep clean. Washing removes sweat, dirt and bacteria that encourage mould growth.
3. Dry them completely
This is the most important step. Hang your gloves in a well-ventilated area until they are completely dry, both inside and out.
4. Don’t leave them in plastic bags
Plastic bags and sealed containers trap moisture. Instead, store gloves somewhere with good airflow.
5. Keep them out of hot cars
Cars become extremely hot and humid, especially during summer. Damp gloves left in a vehicle are much more likely to develop mould.
6. Store them in a dry place
Choose a shelf, hook or basket in a dry shed, laundry or garage rather than on the ground or in damp corners.
7. Rotate between two pairs
If you garden frequently, having two pairs allows one pair to dry completely while you use the other.
What if your gloves already have mould?
Don’t panic.
For light mould:
- Brush off any visible mould outdoors.
- Wash the gloves with a mild detergent.
- For stubborn odours, soak them for 10–15 minutes in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely in fresh air before storing.
If mould has penetrated the lining, the gloves smell musty even after washing, or the material has started to deteriorate.
Why FunJobs Homewares Gloves Are Easy to Care For
At FunJobs Homewares, we’ve designed our gardening gloves to make gardening easier and caring for them just as simple.
Our gloves are:
- Machine washable
- Quick drying
- Lightweight and breathable
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Durable with reinforced fingertips for longer life
With proper care, your FunJobs gloves will stay cleaner, fresher and ready for many seasons of gardening.
Happy Gardening!
A few minutes spent cleaning and drying your gloves after each gardening session can significantly extend their life, especially in tropical climates.
Your gloves work hard protecting your hands, looking after them means they’ll continue looking after you.
Explore the full FunJobs Homewares collection at www.funjobs.store and discover gardening gloves designed by women, for women who love spending time in the garden.
