GENERAL PRODUCT CARE & MAINTENANCE:

Damascus Gear® products are built with the highest quality materials and engineered for reliable performance when properly maintained. While our gear is exceptionally durable, proper care is essential to maximize its service life. Following the recommended cleaning and maintenance guidelines will help preserve both the integrity and performance of your equipment.

TACTICAL AND RIOT GEAR CLEANING & CARE:

To keep your Damascus Gear® tactical and riot gear performing at its best, we recommend proper cleaning after use. Always hand wash your gear with mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly in cool to lukewarm water. Pat dry with a towel and allow the equipment to finish drying naturally by hanging or laying it flat in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid machine washing, machine drying, bleach, harsh chemicals, or exposing your gear to heat or direct sunlight, as these can break down the materials and shorten the life of the product. With regular, careful cleaning and proper drying, your gear will stay fresh, functional, and reliable for years of service.

    • Hand wash with mild soap and water.
    • Rinse thoroughly in cool to lukewarm water.
    • Pat dry with a towel, then hang or lay flat to air dry.
    • Do not machine wash, machine dry, use bleach, heat, or direct sunlight.

CLEANING & CARING FOR YOUR GLOVES

Damascus gloves are purpose-built for tactical and protective applications and are not intended for use as general work gloves. Exposing them to rough manual labor (such as stacking lumber or changing tires), extreme heat, harsh or caustic chemicals, or prolonged direct sunlight (for example, leaving them on a vehicle dashboard) will significantly reduce their lifespan.

The longevity of your gloves will depend on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and proper care. While some users experience years of reliable performance, others may see natural wear occur within a shorter timeframe.

Leather or Leather-Palmed Gloves

    • Brush or wipe away dirt and grit before washing.
    • Hand wash gently in cool to lukewarm water with a mild, pH-balanced detergent (a gentle shampoo also works well).
    • Wash separately, dyes may bleed.
    • Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water.
    • For conditioning: apply a light coat of pH-balanced hair conditioner inside and out. Let stand for 1 minute, then rinse again. This helps replace natural oils.
    • Pat dry with a towel, reshape, and lay flat to air dry.
    • Do not machine dry, use direct heat, bleach, or dry in sunlight.

Cut-Resistant Gloves

    • Cut-resistant liners provide added protection, but the outer leather shells are not cut-resistant on their own.
    • While these gloves improve safety against sharp or abrasive surfaces, heavy contact may permanently damage the shells—this is preferable to serious injury to your hands.
    • Liners are knitted products and should be cared for like all other leather gloves.
    • Hand or machine wash in warm water with soap or detergent.
    • Air dry at temperatures below 120°F.

DISINFECTING GUIDELINES

According to OSHA and CDC guidelines, leather and other porous materials cannot be reliably disinfected against infectious pathogens. If gloves or gear are exposed to bloodborne pathogens or hazardous biological materials, they must be safely discarded or incinerated.

For routine disinfection (non-bloodborne exposure):

    • Add a small amount of liquid disinfectant (such as Lysol®) to wash water during cleaning, or
    • Lightly spray the exterior with an approved disinfectant, allow it to dry, and repeat as needed.
    • Interior areas may be treated by carefully turning gloves inside out.
    • Always follow up with the recommended washing and air-drying process to maintain material integrity.

BASIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS (ALL DAMASCUS PRODUCTS)

    • Hand wash with mild soap
    • Do not bleach
    • Do not machine dry
    • Do not dry clean
    • Do not use if damaged
    • Do not store in direct sunlight

SUPPORT:

For any product care details or questions not answered on this page, you may contact us directly.