Essential boxing equipment for a fighter is their hand wraps and gloves. Taking proper care of your hand wraps and gloves is the easiest and most effective approach to extending the lifespan of both items.
Once they begin to smell, only a little can be done to remedy the situation because the padding will likely be worn out well before the gloves begin to smell.
Therefore, it is vital to do what you can to avoid replacing a perfectly working set of gloves and discover the best way to clean boxing gloves. It is also important to do what you can to prevent having to replace a perfectly functional set of gloves.
If you want your boxing gloves to last as long as possible, the best way is to keep them clean and give them proper care. You may have invested significant money in your boxing gloves and would likely want that investment to go to waste. On the other hand, who would intentionally wear gloves that would cause the entire gym to smell? I doubt you would.
It is just as vital to maintaining the condition of your martial arts gear as it is to maintain your health. Not only will you be able to fight more effectively with clean and well-kept gloves, but you will also be able to avoid injury and maintain a higher level of health. The following is a list of the seven most effective ways to keep boxing gloves clean.
6 Best Ways To Look After And Clean Your Boxing Gloves
1. Wipe your gloves down
After a workout at the gym, grab a piece of fabric or some paper towels and wipe away any sweat that may have accumulated on your body.
This piece of advice is quite self-explanatory. If you let them stay damp for an excessive amount of time, the gloves may begin to disintegrate, which will cause the sweat to harm the leather or vinyl layer and leak into the padding underneath over time.
This piece of advice is something that many people fail to do after their workout, even though it can help you minimise the damage.
2. Buy some glove deodoriser
If you want to retain the condition of your boxing gloves, especially the padding on the inside, this is an incredibly essential step. During a workout, sweat from your palms and fingers can soak the interior, making it much more difficult to clean than the exterior. But, unfortunately, it is something that is common knowledge.
Purchasing some deodorisers, which do not cost much, is the most effective approach to ensure that your gloves continue to smell pleasant over time.
You may get more straightforward ones like the “No Stink Sports Glove Deodorizer” or these great glove-fitting Meister Glove Deodorizers for boxing on Amazon. Both of these products help absorb most of the sweat, leaving the gloves to smell nice and fresh after use.
3. Stuff the inside with a paper towel
Before you can get your hands on a deodoriser for your gloves, a quick and cheap solution is to stuff the inside of your glove with a paper towel. It will help mask any odours that may be there. Although this may not be the most effective solution in the long run, it will absorb most of the sweat accumulating in the glove.
But, there is a possibility that the odour will not be improved, and with time, sweat may still adhere to the glove from the paper towel, so you should only use this as a temporary remedy.
4. Air them out
After you finish your workout, remove your boxing gloves from your storage bag and put them back in your gym bag. By leaving them in your bag overnight, you risk allowing many bacteria to grow, which, over time, will result in a foul stench caused by sweat.
These bacteria can also begin to harm the padding from the inside, which could hurt your hand if you are not careful. Again, if you are not careful, your hand could be injured. It’s as easy as removing them from your gym bag the next time you use them, stretching them out, and letting the air circulate inside them.
5. Spray with air freshener
You may always use a fabric air freshener or odour-removing solution if you don’t have any deodorisers to freshen up your gloves. It is a perfectly acceptable alternative. You can pick some of them up at the supermarket close to you, and all you have to do to use them is give them a light misting.
You could also spray some deodorant on a cloth or paper towel to clean the inside and outside of your gloves.
6. Wear hand wraps
You should be wearing this regardless, but covering your hands will limit the amount of sweat and bacteria that could build up inside the glove. Again, it is because sweat and bacteria are attracted to warm, moist environments.
Certainly, having that layer between the skin of your hand and the glove can help limit the number of germs that builds up on the inside, which will help eliminate that awful stench.
Today, you can acquire various boxing hand wraps at affordable prices on Amazon. There is also a full spectrum of different boxing hand wraps.
How to Clean Your Boxing Gloves and Hand Wraps
CAN BOXING GLOVES BE WASHED IN THE WASHING MACHINE?
Boxing gloves should not be washed under any circumstances. The interior will inevitably become wet from sweat, the primary cause of unpleasant odours. It is an unavoidable consequence. If you keep reading, we will tell you how to clean boxing gloves effectively.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN AND SANITISE BOXING GLOVES?
Even if you can’t wash your boxing gloves in the washing machine, you can still do a few things to keep them in good condition. The three most important things are listed below.
1. USE FRESH WRAPS EVERY TIME
Always use a new pair of hand wraps whenever you exercise, regardless of whether you use traditional or quick wraps. It is recommended that you wash your wraps after each time they are used.
If you still need to, wash them thoroughly once every three to five minutes. It would help if you also thought about rinsing or disinfecting them in between washings as an additional measure of protection against the formation of bacteria.
2. USE DISINFECTANT/DEODORIZER SPRAY
After every exercise, many boxers spray disinfectant or deodoriser inside their gloves. Deodorisers and disinfectants on the market are designed expressly for boxing gloves; however, a fast spritz of any disinfectant should be sufficient to eliminate any bacteria that may be dormant or in the process of developing.
In addition, you can put a little bit of baking soda inside each glove and let them sit there for the whole night. But remember that you need to give the bag a good shake to remove any baking soda that may still be inside.
You can choose from the following disinfectants and deodorisers:
- Spray deodoriser included in the FightCamp Care Kit
- Vapor Fresh
- FunkAway Deodorizer Spray
Or, you may make your own by mixing equal parts vinegar and water:
- Vinegar Spray
3. USE GLOVE DOGS FOR STORAGE
Always leave your gloves out in the open after your workout rather than stuffing them back into your gym bag so they can get some fresh air and dry out properly.
A pair of glove dogs similar to our Care Pack can remove any remaining odours. Glove dogs are moisture-absorbing pouches made of breathable material and filled with cedar chips. They are placed inside the boxing gloves before they are stored.
The following are some of the most well-known brands and varieties of glove dogs:
- Care Package for FightCamp
- Everlast Glove Dogs
- Ringside Glove Dogs
To keep her gloves in good condition, FightCamp Trainer Shanie Smash suggests storing them in cedar or lavender sachet bags.
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR BOXING HAND WRAPS?
The boxing hand wraps you use as the first line of defence in battle keep the smell of your gloves in check. If you properly care for your boxing wraps, you can guarantee your gloves will remain pristine.
It is a good idea to have multiple sets of hand wraps on hand to replace a worn set with a clean one after each session. As soon as they become wet from sweat, they are at risk for the growth of bacteria, which can result in a foul odour. In addition, your gloves will become contaminated with this.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR BOXING WRAPS?
A washing machine is suitable for either the traditional hand wraps or rapid hand wraps you use.
If you use quick wraps, ensure the Velcro is properly fastened so it won’t get attached to any other fabric.
Use a garment bag while washing conventional and quick wraps; if you don’t have a garment bag, hand washing is the best option for cleaning wraps.
Use a low-effort setting with lukewarm water (Alternatively, Shanie washes hers with hot water to kill bacteria and throws some white rice vinegar to help naturally eliminate odours.)
Most boxing hand wraps are OK for use in a dryer set to a low heat setting. The elastic and the Velcro should be fine if you don’t dry them at a very high temperature, but most boxers prefer to let them air dry.
I wash them with dark colours once a week, then put them in a lingerie bag so that the Velcro won’t get caught on any of the other items in the wash. I used to dry them by setting them out in the sun, but these days I dry them in the dryer.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE BOXING WRAPS AND GLOVES?
It is time to replace your wraps when they no longer have any elastic or Velcro holding them together or if they develop any rips or tears. Because of this, we strongly advise that you always have numerous pairs of the necessary protective gear on hand so you are always caught with an adequate supply.
Depending on the quality of the glove and the amount of effort put into training, heavy-bag boxing gloves can last anywhere from one to two years.
To protect your hands from injury, you should consider getting new knuckles if they are beginning to take more impact. Naturally, if they start to stink, that is another indication that it is time to switch to a newer one.
If you take proper care of your gloves and learn how to wash your boxing wraps, you can keep them smelling fresher for longer. After you’ve finished working out, it’s easy to incorporate a few straightforward housekeeping measures into your regimen. Taking precautions to safeguard the boxing gear you consider the most essential is an expenditure of very little time.
7 Best Ways to Keep Your Boxing Gloves Clean & Enhance Their Life
1. Wipe Your Gloves Down
After your workout, grab a paper towel or a cloth that has been slightly dampened and use it to wipe down the accumulated sweat on your body. This piece of advice is quite self-explanatory.
If you let them stay wet for a longer period, the gloves may become damaged since the sweat will wear down the leather or vinyl covering, and it may even cause leakage into the padding below them over time. To remove the excess moisture from the gloves, use a hairdryer, adjust the temperature setting to high cool, and blow the air into the gloves for a few minutes.
In addition, do not store your wet workout clothing and gloves together in your gym bag; use a laundry bag for your sweaty workout clothes.
2. Use Disinfectant/Deodorizer Sprays
It is undoubtedly the most important element when keeping your gloves in good shape, especially on the interior. During a workout, the sweat from our hands and fingers can cause the inside of the glove to become moist. Unfortunately, cleaning the inside of the glove isn’t easy, so this can happen quite frequently.
So, the best action is to spend some money on deodoriser to ensure that your gloves continue to smell nice. The use of these disinfectants will assist in getting rid of the unpleasant scents and destroy most of the germs responsible for creating them.
When you buy the spray, you should consider what it contains. Instead of selecting something that contains harsh chemicals that could ruin your gloves, you should always purchase deodorisers that contain organic essential oils. Once a week, I give my gloves a little spray to maintain their pleasant aroma.
3. Air Them Out
After you have cleaned and deodorised your gloves, it is time to move on to the next step: to let them air out. After you’ve finished your boxing workout, please don’t put your gloves away in your gym bag; rather, leave them out where they may breathe freely in a well-ventilated area.
Placing your gloves back into the bag after your workout will, over time, cause a putrid sweat stench to develop inside the bag. You should do this, particularly if the palm of your gloves does not have a mesh pattern or if you use them relatively frequently.
4. Stuff Them With A Newspaper Or Glove Dogs
You can go for a much simpler and easier method by filling the interior side of your glove with a paper towel or a newspaper if you are not using any deodoriser or disinfection spray for your gloves. If you are not using these sprays, you can use this method.
Using a deodoriser may be more effective in the long term, but this method will absorb most of the sweat inside your gloves. Another option for stuffing your gloves is to employ what is known as “glove dogs.” It is a more effective method for extending your glove’s life and preventing bacteria formation.
5. Wear Hand Wraps
In addition to providing your hands with a cushion, wrapping your hands in a hand wrap can also help absorb some of the sweat that builds up on your hands during exercise.
Hand wraps are similar to sponges in that they can soak up a significant amount of moisture from the padding inside your gloves. On the other hand, the hand wraps need to be washed frequently; otherwise, your gloves will start to smell bad.
6. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can clean various items, including bags and shoes. It is an extremely efficient method for getting rid of stains, and it also gets rid of the smell. Using this material to give your boxing gloves a new look is a breeze because it is so simple.
A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar should be poured into your hand, and then your hand should be completely rinsed inside and out before being left to dry for the night. Surprise, surprise. I’ve brought you a new glove that doesn’t have any stains and doesn’t smell.
7. Avoid Leaving Your Gloves In The Sun
One of the most typical errors that most people make with their gloves is to do this. On the other hand, it is a standard procedure to leave one’s gloves and gym equipment out in the open air for around half an hour after finishing a workout.
It does work to some extent; however, the negative is that prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause the leather on your glove to deteriorate and fracture faster. So, this should be avoided, and the suggestions given should be used to clean and maintain your gloves so that they last as long as possible.
How To Clean Boxing Gloves
Preventive Care
Take precautions to protect your boxing gloves from becoming contaminated with bacteria and germs. As the saying goes, prevention is always preferable to treatment.
Let them dry out. It is essential to keep your gloves clean to let them dry out completely after each use. Bacteria and germs cannot live without moisture, and germs require moisture to proliferate. In addition, boxing gloves develop a foul odour if not thoroughly dried after each use.
It would help if you tried to hang your boxing gloves in a location with plenty of ventilation.
You might also let them air-dry in the sun, but before you do so, check the forecast and see if it will rain.
After each usage, clean your gloves with a damp cloth. Also, after each usage, it is a good idea to give your gloves a quick wipe down with a fresh towel, both on the inside and the outside, to prevent them from developing a foul odour. By doing this, the quantity of moisture contained within your gloves will be significantly reduced, preventing the growth of bacteria.
Avoid putting your gloves in your bag at any cost. Although this topic has already been discussed, we will review it again because it is vital: you should only put your boxing gloves back in your bag after using them.
- After using them, put your gloves in a plastic bag.
- Take your gloves to your home, take them from the plastic bag, and then allow them to dry naturally.
- After they have finished drying, you may place them in your backpack without worrying about them damaging.
Hand wraps should be used. Using hand wraps is one of the most effective ways to remove moisture from your gloves while also absorbing any sweat that may accumulate in them.
The padding on the inside of your boxing gloves produces moisture, which the hand wraps as a sponge will absorb would absorb liquid. This technique is effective; however, you must clean your hand wraps to maintain their effectiveness regularly. If you don’t, they’ll start to smell, transferring to your gloves and making them unpleasant to wear.
Please clean your hands. We know you don’t need us to tell you to wash your hands, but since it’s such a strong preventative action, we decided to include it.
We hope you don’t think this is a ridiculous suggestion! Always wash your hands and ensure they are completely dry before putting on your boxing gloves to avoid smelling like garbage from the day before.
Hands are notorious for harbouring an abundance of bacteria and germs. If you do not wash them, all of that bacteria will go directly into your gloves, and the moisture produced when you will cause that bacteria to multiply. So always give yourself a favour and wash your hands before wearing your boxing gloves. You owe it to yourself.
A handy piece of advice for boxers is to always have a bottle of hand sanitiser in a travel size with them. Not only will this help keep your hands clean, but it will also prevent your boxing gloves from smelling before you’ve even put them on.
Methods for Cleaning Your Gloves
Let’s face it: none of us is beyond the frailties and foibles inherent in being human. However, these cleaning procedures will undoubtedly be of assistance to you if you forget to dry your boxing gloves, and they subsequently become odorous.
To eliminate germs, use a spray that contains anti-bacterial agents. For example, using a good anti-bacterial spray on your boxing gloves will kill the germs and bacteria causing the odour and provide an easy solution to the problem.
- To begin, take off your gloves and unlace or unwrap them.
- Afterwards, a spray that kills bacteria should be applied to them.
- At long last, spread them out to dry in an area with plenty of air circulation.
You may give the saltwater soak method a shot. To remove the smell on your gloves, try soaking them in a saline solution overnight. It will kill any bacteria that could be present and eliminate the smell.
The bacteria will be broken down and dissolved by this solution, leaving you with gloves that have a clean scent. Be sure to conduct some research before using this method, as it may be harmful to gloves made of specific materials that do not react to salt water. If you want to use this method, do some prior study first.
- Put some saline water in a huge container that is otherwise empty.
- Please put on your gloves and submerge them in the solution.
- It would help if you put them aside for the night and then dry them in a well-ventilated area the following morning.
Freeze your gloves overnight. Putting your gloves in the freezer for the night is a very effective approach to eliminating bacteria. After placing your boxing gloves in a plastic bag and spending the night in the freezer, remove them the next day.
Take your gloves out of the freezer first thing in the morning and store them somewhere dry and well-ventilated. If your gloves have a strong odour, put them in the freezer for two nights rather than just one before letting them air dry.
The approach is known as stuffing. Some boxers like to stuff their gloves to air them out, which helps prevent the formation of bacteria. On the other hand, they get to choose what they put inside the gloves of their own will.
The majority of combatants will typically employ the usage of newspapers, paper towels, or even a simple bar of soap. There is also a device known as a glove dog, which consists of a little cotton bag stuffed with cedar chips that naturally attract bacteria.
Dryer sheets are another frequent component of the stuffing method; however, despite their widespread use, there is little evidence that they contribute meaningfully to eliminating bacteria during drying. Instead, they merely serve to cover up the odour with dryer sheets.
On the other hand, this method of odour reduction can be combined with any other suggestions to help protect your boxing gloves from developing a musty odour.
Use apple cider vinegar. Vinegar made from apple cider has to be one of the most adaptable products available today. In addition to assisting with weight loss and adding taste to well-known foods, it can also be used to clean a wide variety of goods, such as purses and shoes, among other things.
Cleaning boxing gloves with apple cider vinegar and eradicating unpleasant odours are two other helpful uses for this product. Try this very simple and effective solution to quickly and effectively deodorise your gloves in a pinch.
- Apple cider vinegar should be poured into your hand or onto a clean towel at the rate of roughly one tablespoon.
- Make sure to rub it all over the inside of your gloves.
- After that, put your boxing gloves in place with plenty of ventilation and leave them overnight to dry.
- In the morning, you should notice that your gloves do not smell unpleasant anymore; however, if you notice a stench, you must repeat the process.
Try baking soda. Baking soda is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it is renowned worldwide for its ability to eliminate odours. It would help if you sprinkled some of this potent substance into your dry gloves to assist in eliminating some of the offensive stenches.
- Put some baking soda in each glove by taking a small amount and sprinkling it in.
- Wait at least a couple of hours before using the powder.
- Baking soda can be extracted from the gloves by holding them with the open side facing down and vigorously shaking them.
How to Clean and Maintain Boxing Gloves?
For internal glove cleaning
- Use a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the sweat or moisture.
- Use a saline solution to get rid of the germs responsible for the smell. After soaking them for forty minutes in this solution of saltwater and water, rinse and dry your gloves.
- Last but not least, thorough disinfection can be accomplished by using baking soda or a solution of apple cider vinegar.
For external glove cleaning
- To clean your glove, use a warm, moist cloth to wipe it down.
- Wash them with soapy water or apply a vinegar solution to eliminate bacteria from the gloves.
- Let your gloves air dry. If you want your gloves to dry properly, you should not use the sun, a heater, or warm air.
How to Maintain Boxing Gloves
They are available in a wide number of configurations. Your sweat and the heat from your body can change the durability of such components. As a result, maintenance is quite important. Before covering your hands with gloves:
- Be sure to wash your hands and use hand sanitiser if possible.
- Wraps, much like socks, cut down on the amount of sweat accumulating on the feet and hands. In addition to this, wraps are simple to clean.
- It would help if you started by cleaning the inside of your gloves.
Other Maintenance Precautions
Take into consideration the boxing glove safety advice listed below.
- Do not store your boxing gloves in your car’s trunk or gym bag for an extended period.
- It would help if you used your hands to clean your gloves. However, it is not appropriate to use the machine in this manner.
- Take caution when selecting a disinfectant.
- After administering the disinfectant, you should immediately dry your gloves.
- Try not to lend or lend out your gloves.
Conclusion
You don’t need to put too much thought into properly caring for your boxing gloves because it’s not an exact science. After a strenuous workout, leaving your gloves out in the open to get some fresh air and thoroughly cleaning them with a towel is typically sufficient. It will ensure that they continue to have a pleasant aroma.
If you still need help cleaning your gloves after giving some of the outlined ways, you should consult with your coach to obtain some pointers.
You don’t need to put too much thought into the upkeep of your glove because it’s not exactly rocket science. After the training session, all that is required is to give your gloves a little air and wipe them clean. I hope you’ll find these ideas helpful in maintaining the quality of your boxing gloves.
Frequenly Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar to clean my boxing gloves?
Can I use vinegar to clean my boxing gloves?
Using vinegar diluted with water can be an effective natural cleaning solution for boxing gloves. The acidic properties of vinegar help kill bacteria and eliminate odour. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, dampen a cloth or sponge with the solution, and gently wipe the interior and exterior of the gloves. Afterwards, rinse the gloves with clean water and allow them to air dry thoroughly.
Are there any specific cleaning products recommended for boxing gloves?
Are there any specific cleaning products recommended for boxing gloves?
There are several specialized cleaning products available in the market that are specifically designed for cleaning boxing gloves. These products often come in the form of sprays or wipes that help sanitize the gloves, remove odour, and prolong their lifespan. It’s recommended to follow the instructions provided by the cleaning product manufacturer for the best results.
Can I put my boxing gloves in the freezer to remove the odour?
Can I put my boxing gloves in the freezer to remove the odour?
While it is a common belief that placing boxing gloves in the freezer can help eliminate odour, it is not the most effective method. Freezing may temporarily mask the smell but doesn’t address the underlying cause or kill bacteria. It’s best to focus on proper cleaning techniques and using deodorizing methods mentioned earlier for long-term odour control.
Can I use baking soda to clean my boxing gloves?
Can I use baking soda to clean my boxing gloves?
Yes, baking soda is a natural and effective option to clean and deodorize your boxing gloves. Here’s how you can use it:
- Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to a clean cloth or sponge and gently rub the inside and outside of the gloves.
- Allow the gloves to sit with the baking soda paste for a few hours to absorb any odours.
- Afterwards, wipe off the paste with a damp cloth and let the gloves air dry.
- Using baking soda not only helps eliminate odour but also acts as a mild disinfectant, making it a useful cleaning option for boxing gloves.
Can I wash my boxing gloves in a washing machine?
Can I wash my boxing gloves in a washing machine?
No, it is not advisable to wash your boxing gloves in a washing machine. The machine’s agitation and moisture can damage the gloves’ padding and overall structure. Instead, opt for hand-cleaning methods, which are more gentle and effective.
