Waxing Instructions
We use Sno Seal for our waxing needs, however, any non-silicon based beeswax is just fine. The wax helps to preserve and extend the lifespan of the leather / product. These can generally be found at your local hardware store or Amazon.
Please find step by step instructions on how we wax our gloves with Sno Seal below, or you can check out this video.
Wax DIY:
- Heat your oven up to 150 degrees and put the gloves inside leaning up against each other, making a triangular shape (black attachment claps facing up).
- Take the gloves out after 2 minutes and put both gloves on. Make sure the gloves are not too hot on the outside, give them a few seconds to cool if need be. Scoop up the Sno Seal (a little smaller than a ping pong ball size) and spread it all over every area of each glove (much like oiling two baseball mitts at the same time).
- Place the gloves back in the oven, like before, for 10 minutes. Pull them out and let them dry.
How often should I re-wax my gloves/mittens?
- Re-waxing needs vary greatly from person to person. Some people never re-wax their gloves at all and are completely fine, while others re-wax every season to add an extra weatherproofing before being outside a lot. The more you use 'em, the more you should re-wax 'em - especially if doing abrasive tasks like handling barbed wire.
Drying Out Gloves
In designing and testing the gloves throughout the prototyping process, we tinkered with countless features, functions, benefits and use-cases and did our best to solve for maximum functionality, versatility and durability. In the end, we recognize that there are some trade-offs that result from a design that incorporates ample insulation, full leather exterior and waterproof membrane embedded between these layers. With that said, we hope to provide you with some tips to best dry out your gloves if and when they experience any moisture build-up.
When looking to dry out your gloves, the most important factor to solve for is allowing air to flow into and out of the gloves without being sealed. If possible, a warmer air source is preferred but be cautious and avoid any extreme heat sources above ~90-100 degrees.
- Example setups to achieve this could be placing the gloves on their side in front of a fan or space heater, in front of any air or heat vent/duct, or even hanging above a baseboard heater.
- Another hack to try out is cutting out the inner circle of the bottom of Solo Cups (or can use paper towel/toilet paper tubes) and placing the base of the gloves around these, helping to keep the gloves open and most able to have air flow in and out of them.
Check out a helpful video on drying your gloves here (start around 45 seconds in).
A few of us here at Give'r also use Dr Scholls shoe powder when drying them out to help with any kind of smell.
Cleaning Gloves
I would suggest a wet washcloth or wipes first to clean off any immediate grim and then I would condition with a leather cleaner. After the cleaner has dried completely and you feel has conditioned the leather well, I would recommend treating with another round of wax (I've included instructions below). Or if you would prefer not to wax, the oven method will help if your mittens have stiffened up at all during the different cleanings. DO NOT turn gloves inside out unless instructed by a Give'r team member.
- Check out a helpful video on cleaning your gloves here (first part of the video).
