Common mistakes people make in oiling their baseball glove.

There are a few common mistakes made by people oiling their baseball gloves.

1. Overdoing it. Applying more oil than necessary has some drawbacks. It can add unnecessary weight to the glove making it more difficult for the player to catch and release the ball. The leather as a limited capacity to absorb the oils applied. If more oil is put on the glove than necessary, it will just sit on the top of the leather and possibly turn gummy, sticky.

2. Heavy oil or grease. Certain products like vaseline are thick and will not easily penetrate the glove. It requires a lot of massaging action to push it into the leather fibers. Most of it will just sit on the surface making to glove more difficult to handle.

3. Wrong type of oil. This is the biggest mistake people make. A lot of ball players use glove oils made from mink oil or neatsfoot oil. The issue is the potential for rancidity. Here’s a perspective from a knowledgeable expert in leather.

   • The oils break down. When oils are exposed to oxygen and heat, they break down into smaller molecules. These smaller molecules can react with each other to form new compounds, some of which have unpleasant odors and can cause the leather to become brittle.

   • The leather fibers become damaged. The breakdown of the oils can also damage the leather fibers. This can make the leather less flexible and more likely to tear.

   • The leather loses its moisture. Rancid oils can also draw moisture out of the leather, which can make it dry and stiff.

   As a result of these changes, the baseball glove leather can become:

   • Brittle. This means that it is more likely to break or tear.

   • Stiff. This means that it is less flexible and can be difficult to use.

   • Dry. This means that it is less comfortable to wear and can crack or split.

   If you want to prevent your baseball glove leather from becoming rancid, you should use oils that have a low iodine value. The iodine value is a measure of how easily an oil will oxidize and turn rancid. Oils with a low iodine value, such as coconut oil and beeswax, are less likely to turn rancid than oils with a high iodine value, such as olive oil and mink oil.

   The lower the number the better. Here is a ranking of baseball glove oils according to their iodine value:

   • Mitt-Spit glove oil: 1

   • Coconut oil: 9

   • Beeswax: 7

   • Avocado oil: 8

   • Olive oil: 85

   • Neatsfoot oil: 75

   • Mink oil: 80-95

   As you can see, Mitt-Spit glove oil has the lowest iodine value and is therefore the least likely to turn rancid. Coconut oil and beeswax also have low iodine values and are good options for conditioning baseball glove leather. Olive oil, mink oil, and neatsfoot oil have higher iodine values and are more likely to turn rancid.

   You should always store your baseball glove oil in a cool, dark place. You should also avoid using your baseball glove in wet or humid conditions, as this can accelerate the oxidation process and cause the oils to turn rancid more quickly.

Why do some glove oils turn rancid? Why is that important to know?

Why baseball glove oils go rancid

Oils can go rancid because they contain unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have double bonds in their chemical structure, which makes them susceptible to oxidation. When unsaturated fatty acids react with oxygen, they form compounds that have unpleasant odors and off-flavors. Beyond the obvious, this oxidation process can degrade the leather shortening it’s useful life.

• Indicator or test of an oil's potential for rancidity

The iodine value is a measure of an oil's potential for rancidity. The higher the iodine value, the more unsaturated the oil is and the more likely it is to go rancid. Neatsfoot oil, for example, has an iodine value of 75, while coconut oil has an iodine value of 9 and Mitt-Spit glove oil as an Iodine value of 1. This means that Neatsfoot Oil is more likely to go rancid than coconut oil. The least likely is Mitt-Spit Glove Oil.

• Ranking of oils used to condition baseball gloves

The following is a ranking of oils used to condition baseball gloves, from least likely to go rancid to most likely to go rancid:

1. Mitt-Spit glove oil (iodine value of 1)

2. Coconut oil (iodine value of 9)

3. Beeswax (iodine value of 7)

4. Avocado oil (iodine value of 8)

5. Olive oil (iodine value of 85)

6. Neatsfoot oil (iodine value of 75)

7. Mink oil (iodine value of 80-95)

• Why it's a bad idea to use the wrong type of oil on a baseball glove

Using the wrong type of oil on a baseball glove can cause the leather to become brittle and lose its original properties. This can lead to a compromised performance, reduced durability, and a less comfortable feel for the player. In addition, rancid oils can develop an unpleasant smell, which can be both unsightly and unpleasant.

Therefore, it is important to use a high-quality oil that is designed specifically for conditioning baseball gloves. These oils are typically low in iodine value and are less likely to go rancid. They will also help to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out.

This alone is the reason why Mitt-Spit Glove Oil should be every baseball player’s go to product to keep their glove in tip-top shape.

Does glove oil add weight to a baseball glove?

Adding conditioners to leather baseball gloves can increase their weight depending on the type of conditioner used and the amount applied. Heavy oils, waxes or petroleum jelly (vaseline) can weigh down the leather and make the glove feel heavier and more cumbersome. It can also make the leather feel greasy and increases the probability of the ball slipping out of the glove. However, using lighter weight conditioners or concentrates like Mitt-Spit Glove Oil adds very little weight. It only requires about 1/4 ounce of Mitt-Spit Glove Oil for an entire glove. Furthermore, much of the weight is the carrying agent of the active ingredient which rapidly evaporates away leaving a glove well moisturized without the sense of added weight. It's important to use the appropriate amount of conditioner to avoid over-saturating the leather, as this can also contribute to added weight and a less-than-optimal performance on the field. Overall, regular conditioning of a baseball glove is essential to maintain its suppleness and prolong its lifespan, but it's important to choose the right products and use them in moderation to avoid any negative effects on weight or performance.

What a Baseball Coach Would Say To the Players About Caring for Their Glove

Alright, team, let's talk about one of the most important tools in baseball: your trusty baseball glove. Taking care of your glove properly will not only extend its lifespan but also enhance your performance on the field. Here's some specific guidance on maintaining your baseball glove:

1. Cleaning:

   • Regularly wipe off dirt and debris from your glove after each practice or game. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the surface.

   • For more stubborn stains or dirt buildup, use a use a leather cleaner designed for baseball gloves like Mitt-Spit Glove Cleaner. Do not use household cleaners as they are too harsh on the leather actually damaging the leather. Apply it with a soft cloth like microfiber, a soft bristle brush or toothbrush, then wipe away the soapy residue with a soft dry cloth and let it air dry.

2. Conditioning:

   • Apply a high-quality leather conditioner to your glove periodically. Mitt-Spit Glove Oil helps to keep the leather soft, supple, and resistant to cracking. Using the wrong type of oil can cause damage to the leather, even have it go rancid.

   • Use a small amount of conditioner on a clean cloth and rub it into the leather. Make sure to cover the entire glove, including the palm, fingers, and laces. Remember, a little bit goes a long way. Allow it to absorb overnight, then wipe off any excess before using.

3. Shaping:

   • To maintain the proper shape of your glove, use a baseball or softball and insert it into the pocket. Secure it with a rubber band or wrap it tightly with a cloth. This will help the glove retain its shape while not in use.

   • Keep the glove in a cool, dry place, away from extreme heat or cold. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in a damp environment, as it can damage the leather.

4. Lacing and Repair:

   • Inspect your glove regularly for any loose laces or broken stitching. Tighten loose laces or replace damaged ones promptly to prevent further damage.

   • If you notice any small tears or holes in the leather, repair them using a leather repair kit. If you aren’t familiar with leather repair techniques then take it to a professional glove repair service.

5. Breaking-in:

   • When you get a new glove, it's essential to properly break it in to achieve the perfect fit. Use Mitt-Spit Break-in as it has the ability to soften the leather. Work on it by repeatedly opening and closing the glove. Additionally, play catch with a teammate using the glove to help it mold to your hand.

Remember, taking care of your glove is a responsibility that comes with being a committed player. By following these guidelines, you'll have a well-maintained glove that performs at its best, giving you the confidence to make those incredible catches and fielding plays. Good luck, and let's go out there and win some games!

Mink, Neatsfoot or Olive Oil on Baseball Gloves --- Here's Why Not.

Mink oil comes from the skin of a mink.   Neatsfoot come from the hoof of a cow and other animals. Olive oil from, well olives. Animal or vegetable oils are never good for leather because of the potential of rancidity.  The oil can turn rancid.

To understand why, here's a short chemistry lesson.   There are two ends of the animal or vegetable oil spectrum: There is Saturated oils on one end and Unsaturated oils on the other.   Saturated oils are really stable, whereas unsaturated oils can be unstable.

There is a scientific method for testing this.  It’s called the Iodine Value (sometimes referred to as Iodine Index).  The higher the iodine value of an oil, the less stable it is, which means more sensitive to oxidation.   Simply put, the more likely to go rancid.  

The Iodine Value of mink oil is between 80 and 95.  Neatsfoot oil runs between 69 - 75. Olive oil is way up there as well at around 85. These are pretty far up that scale. Mitt-Spit glove oil is about 1. The same low rancidity potential exists for Mitt-Spit Break-in. That means virtually no chance of rancidity with Mitt-Spit products.

Mink, olive and neatsfoot oils all have fairly high Iodine Values.  There are 3 other factors necessary.  Exposure to air (oxygen), heat and light. This is why olive oil bottles are generally green (not clear glass), are stored with the cap on tight and supposed to be stored in a dark cool place.

Your baseball glove however is outside in the sun, exposed to air and gets plenty warm.  So your mitt is exposed to all three factors: Air, Heat and Light.  If it's loaded with olive, mink or neatsfoot oil, It doesn't take long for the oil in the glove to go rancid. What does this mean to you?  Anything going rancid in the leather will help deteriorate that leather.  It will make your glove smell and is generally unhealthy. Yuk!

Mitt-Spit products on the other hand is made from an oil that is often found in cosmetics, or even as a food additive.  It's very safe for your mitt too.  As mentioned, Mitt-Spit glove oil and Mitt-Spit Break-in have an iodine value of about 1.  For the sake of your glove,use Mitt-Spit products. If you invest in the correct care products, you’ll never be sorry. Go here to buy Mitt-Spit Products.

Does glove oil plug up the pores of baseball glove leather?

There is a lot written on the internet about baseball glove care.  Much of it is wrong, for example, the clogging of leather pores with conditioning agents.  The general theme is that the "conditioner" blocks the ability of the leather to breath.  So let's take a look at the science of it.  

To answer the question directly --- the right glove oil chemistry does not clog leather pores.  However, a heavy, viscous chemistry can.  For example, Vaseline slathered across a piece of leather will NOT soak in, but just sit on the surface.  All it does is add weight to the glove and block the leather (skin) from breathing.  So,  you end up with a greasy, gloppy mess that does in fact block pores.

A good starting point is to ask: Why does leather need regular glove oil anyway?

Here's some background:  Leather has natural moisturizing agents that have been infused into the leather at the tannery.  This is what makes the leather pliable, not stiff as wood.  A average of 25% of the leather's mass is moisture.  Because leather is porous, it breathes.  So, it loses moisture through evaporation.  As leather loses moisture, it stiffens and actually can shrink (loses mass).  Therefore, it's important for the long term life of glove leather, to keep the leather moisture content at the proper level.  This is accomplished by using a properly chemically engineered glove oil.

What then is the right chemistry for a leather glove?  

A baseball glove oil should have the following attributes:

1.  A softening agent that the leather will absorb is essential.  If it doesn't soak in then it's useless. The glove oil should be absorbed deeply, migrate into the internal leather fibers, not just the surface.

2. Baseball glove oil should be engineered specifically for baseball glove leather, not cross marketed from other intended uses.  There are many different types of leather.  How the leather is tanned (processed) at a tannery determines its characteristics.  The products developed for treating that leather, once in the hands of a consumer, should take that into consideration.

3. It should be made with quality ingredients that will have long lasting, positive effects on leather.

4. Glove oil should be pH balanced to the leather.  If it isn't, then it can actually be harmful, (i.e. saddle soap) break down the leather, shortening the life of the leather.  More on this point in another post.

5. It should be easy to apply and creamy in texture so you can see it as you apply it.  

6. It should NOT leave a sticky or oily residue on the leather.

7. A thin coating of glove oil should dissipate into the leather rapidly.

8. It should leave a smooth, leather-like feel to the glove after it has been applied.

9. It should have a pleasant, new leather aroma. 

These are the attributes Advanced Leather Solutions engineered into Mitt-Spit Glove oil.  With 35 years experience working with leather as a leather restoration company, Advanced Leather Solutions know what's good for leather and what can be harmful.  We understand the chemical engineering behind quality leather care products and have applied this knowledge to Mitt-Spit Solutions, a whole class of products that you can count on for the long term vitality of your baseball glove. Go to Mitt-Spit Products to buy the correct products for your glove.