Oven gloves are kitchen essentials, but over time, they collect stains from grease, sauces, and baked-on spills. If you’re wondering how to keep them looking fresh and clean, you’re in the right place! In this post, we’ll explore simple and effective ways to remove stains from your oven gloves without damaging the fabric.
1. Identify the Type of Stain
Before tackling the stain, it’s important to know what caused it:
- Grease & Oil Stains – Butter, cooking oil, or melted cheese
- Burn Marks – High heat or direct contact with flames
- Food & Sauce Stains – Tomato sauce, coffee, or turmeric
- Dye & Fabric Discoloration – Strong pigments from certain foods
Each type of stain may require a different cleaning approach.
2. Pre-Treatment Steps
- Shake off any loose food particles.
- Blot (don’t rub) fresh stains with a paper towel.
- Pop the gloves into washing machine on delicate cycle.
3. Cleaning Methods for Different Stains
Grease & Oil Stains
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the grease.
- Gently scrub with dish soap and warm water, then rinse.
Burn Marks
- Light burn stains? Try scrubbing gently with a paste of baking soda and water.
- Deep burn marks may be permanent, but trimming away charred fabric can improve appearance.
Food & Sauce Stains
- Pre-soak in a mix of white vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes.
- Scrub gently with mild detergent, then rinse.
Dye & Fabric Discoloration
- Use hydrogen peroxide (for light gloves) or lemon juice and sunlight to help lighten stains.
4. Machine-Washing vs. Hand-Washing
- Machine-Wash: Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and avoid fabric softeners (they can coat the fabric and reduce heat resistance).
- Hand-Wash: Soak in warm, soapy water, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
Tip: Let oven gloves air dry completely before storing to prevent mold growth.
5. Preventing Future Stains
- Choose darker colors or patterned gloves to hide minor stains.
- Regularly wash your gloves to prevent stains from setting.
- Keep a spare pair for extra messy cooking or baking sessions.