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.

Prepare Your Glove for the Off-Season

Fall is here in the United States.  It’s time to think about doing what’s best to prepare your glove for its winter “hibernation.”  Here are some tips.

1      After a season’s use, it’s a good idea to give your glove a thorough cleaning.  With the Mitt-Spit glove cleaner, generously apply to all surfaces.  If you have the Mitt-Spit cleaning glove, use it.  It’s an excellent way to apply the cleaner as it gives you good finger dexterity to get into all the nook and crannies.  Let the cleaner sit on the glove for a minute or two.  Then, use a soft dry cloth to wipe away to soapy residue.  This will remove the potential for mold or mildew developing.  The Mitt-Split cleaning glove can be reused many times over.  Simply throw it into the washing machine and it will be ready for next season.

2      Apply Mitt-Spit Glove Oil to the glove using a soft cloth, like a micro-fiber towel.  A light coating is all that is necessary.  Be sure to use the right oil.  Products like mink oil or coconut oil have a potential for turning rancid --- Yuck!  Mitt-Spit glove oil will not turn rancid.

3      Put a baseball into the glove pocket and wrap the glove in a soft cloth, or cloth bag. Lightly secure with a rubber-band or the like.

4      Store the glove in a location which is protected from freezing.  So that means, keep the glove indoors for the winter in the northern states.  An inside closet works great.

Do this and your glove with sleep well all winter long and when spring season comes along, you’ll be ready to play ball with a glove the looks and feel fresh and supple. Go to Mitt-Spit Products to buy the correct products for your glove.