How To Clean Boxing Gloves?
Have you ever been in the middle of a workout, only to catch a whiff of something so disgusting that you can hardly stand it? Do you know what can be worse than that sort of smell? The fact that it's coming from your very own, high-quality, quite expensive pair of gloves.
Gloves start to smell after a few intense sessions. There is nothing you can do to prevent that smell; only washing your gloves works. And let’s be real—cleaning those gloves isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s fun list. It’s more like tackling a mystery novel where the villain isn’t revealed until your nose is already in too deep.
You might think you can just throw them in the wash and call it a day, but that’s a rookie mistake. Washing machines are the silent assassins of good boxing gloves, tearing them apart like a dog with a new chew toy. Washing boxing gloves in a machine is never a great idea. So, what’s the secret to keeping your gloves fresh without destroying them? Stick around, because we’re about to break it down, step by step.
Why Is It Necessary to Clean Boxing Gloves?
One of the biggest reasons that compels you to clean boxing gloves is the “STENCH”. Yes, they are going to stink so bad, you will not have any other option left but to get them all cleaned up somehow.
It is not just the stench that compels but it also becomes indispensable to get them cleaned because our sweat leaves all sorts of nasty bacteria inside the gloves. This bacteria can get really comfortable in there and bloom in no time, leading to rash, itching and even skin infections.
In addition to the above mentioned reasons, the fact that your boxing gloves will start looking bad without getting cleaned also forces one to keep them clean and fresh so that the investment made therein remains safe.
How to Prevent that Bad Smell?
They say prevention is better than cure, and when it comes to keeping your boxing gloves fresh, that couldn't be more true. By taking a few simple steps, you can stop bacteria and germs from turning your gloves into a breeding ground for foul odors.
Let Them Breathe
First and foremost, make sure your gloves dry out completely after each training session. Clean boxing gloves are dry boxing gloves. Moisture is a playground for bacteria, and without proper drying, your gloves are bound to develop an unpleasant smell. Hang them in a well-ventilated area, or even better, let them soak up some sunshine—just keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid any unexpected rain showers!
Wipe Them Down
Another easy way to keep the stink at bay is to give your gloves a quick wipe-down after every use. Using a clean towel, wipe both the inside and outside of your gloves. This simple step will help reduce moisture buildup, making it harder for bacteria to take hold.
Avoid the Bag Trap
It’s tempting to toss your gloves straight into your gym bag after a session, but resist the urge! Trapping them in a confined space is a surefire way to lock in moisture and invite odor-causing bacteria. Instead, place your gloves in a plastic bag for the journey home, then remove them as soon as you arrive and let them air out. Once they're fully dry, it's safe to store them away. Cleaning boxing gloves simply means keeping them dry and properly aired.
Wrap It Up
Bxoing hand wraps are a fighter's best friend—not only for protecting your knuckles and stabilizing your wrists but also for soaking up a sweat before it reaches your gloves. Think of them as the first line of defense against moisture. Just remember, while your wraps are doing their job, they need regular cleaning too. If not, they'll start to smell, which can transfer that funk to your gloves.
Wash Those Hands
It might seem like a no-brainer, but washing your hands before putting on your gloves is a crucial step towards clean boxing gloves. Our hands carry loads of bacteria, and without a wash, all that grime goes straight into your gloves, especially when you start to sweat. So, do yourself a favor and give your hands a good wash—and dry—before every session.
Pro Tip: Keep a travel-sized hand sanitizer in your gym bag for those times when soap and water aren’t readily available. A quick squirt can help keep your hands clean and your gloves smelling fresh before the first punch is thrown.
Different Methods of Cleaning Boxing Gloves
As bad as the smell may be from your gloves, there are many ways of cleaning boxing gloves too. There are quick fixes as well as very natural and organic ways of deep cleaning too. The best part is that they are all quite easy too.
# Anti-Bacterial Spray: Quick and Effective
When your gloves start to smell like last week’s laundry, an anti-bacterial spray can be your best friend. Just unlatch or unwrap your gloves, give them a good spray inside, and let them dry in a well-ventilated spot. This method is a simple, no-fuss way to eliminate germs and bacteria. Clean boxing gloves are just a spray away!
# The Freezer Trick: Kill Bacteria Cold
It might sound unusual, but freezing your gloves can effectively kill bacteria. Place your gloves in a plastic bag and pop them in the freezer overnight. By morning, most of the bacteria will be gone. If the smell persists, you can repeat this for a couple of nights.
# The Stuffing Method: Old-School Odor Control
An old-school approach to keeping your gloves fresh is to stuff them with absorbent materials like newspaper, paper towels, or even dryer sheets. Some fighters also use glove dogs—small cotton bags filled with cedar chips—to draw out moisture and prevent bacteria from growing. Dryer sheets don’t dry out your gloves but can help mask any remaining odors.
# Apple Cider Vinegar: Natural Freshness
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile, natural solution for many cleaning tasks, including deodorizing boxing gloves. Pour a small amount onto a clean towel, rub it inside your gloves, and let them dry overnight in a well-ventilated area. If the smell lingers, you can repeat the process until your gloves are odor-free.
How to Clean Inside of Boxing Gloves?
The methods given above clean your boxing gloves by eliminating bacteria. Here are two ways you can effectively clean the insides of your gloves.
# Saltwater Soak: A Deep Clean
For thoroughly cleaning boxing gloves, soaking your gloves in a saltwater solution overnight can work wonders. Salt naturally fights bacteria and helps neutralize odors. Just make sure your gloves can handle the saltwater without damage—otherwise, this method might do more harm than good. After the soak, leave your gloves out to dry in a ventilated area.
There are special cleaners on the market too. You can buy a cleaner for boxing gloves and give your boxing gloves a soak in that cleaner for a safe deep cleaning session.
# Baking Soda: The Classic Odor Neutralizer
Baking soda is a tried-and-true remedy for absorbing unpleasant smells. Simply sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into each glove, let it sit for a few hours, and then shake out the powder. This method can help keep your gloves smelling fresh without much effort. It effectively cleans the insides of your gloves.
Buy a boxing glove deodorizer for a quick fix if everything else seems too much sometimes.
Conclusion
Keeping your boxing gloves clean doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little care and the right methods, you can keep them fresh, extend their lifespan, and focus on what really matters—your training. Whether you’re using anti-bacterial spray, a saltwater soak, or even the freezer, there’s a solution that fits your routine. So, take a few minutes after each session to care for your gloves, and they’ll keep protecting you punch after punch. Happy training!