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For years, pro baseball players have used baseball glove oil to help them break in their gloves. Brand new gloves and mitts are hard to work with because the leather is new and tough. Oil softens the leather and makes breaking in the glove much easier. Prior to 1980, ball players used Neatsfoot oil for their gloves. Over time, however, it was discovered that Neastfoot oil can cause leather to crumble. After this discovery, a switch to Lanolin oil was made. Lanolin is able to lubricate basebal leather without darkening it or ruining it in the long run.
Most of the glove oil you will find in stores today is Lanolin based and safe for use. When properly used, the oil will help maintain your glove for up to 15 years. By which time, your glove will still be okay, but it's a good idea to buy a new one.
How to Apply Glove Oil:
To properly apply glove oil, wear your brand new glove on the hand you will use it on. Next, apply some oil on the main pocket of the glove and spread this oil onto the glove, trying to reach as many parts as possible. You may need to add a bit of oil here and there, but try to apply the oil evenly. Be sure to put some extra oil on the the thumb and pinky ends of the glove.
When applying oil, always rub it till you can no longer see it, but be sure you don't apply too much oil as this will make the leather deteriorate. You know you've applied too much oil when the leather is wet or doesn't absorb the oil quickly. Just a drop or two of oil every couple of square inches is enough.
Oil your glove once a day for the first two weeks after purchase. This will help soften it as you break it in. After these two weeks have passed, you will only need to oil your glove when you see that the leather is getting too loose or is weakening.
Baseball glove oil can help break in your baseball glove as well as help maintain it for a very long time. It is one of the best ways to keep your glove in tip-top shape. Before buying any oil, however, ask your glove manufacturer or retailer which is the best oil to use for your glove.
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