Most boxers tend to overlook the importance of glove care. However, cleaning your gloves is as important as choosing the right ones. After all, you wouldn’t want to return to your training session and realise your training gear or gloves stink.
They carry on their training and go about their boxing matches with the same old sweaty and dirty gloves, holding a breeding ground for bacteria in their hands. That’s why we’ve decided to come forward with this brief guide on cleaning boxing gloves.
We’ll begin with a few tips on cleaning them and then highlight the things one should refrain from doing during the cleaning process. Also, don’t forget to go through a few other care tips we’ve highlighted at the end of the guide.
So, without further ado, let’s find out how to avoid smelly gloves and keep your gloves clean!
Tips To Clean Boxing Gloves
There are so many ways you can clean your pair of boxing gloves. There are many boxing gloves, so ensure you read the care instructions before cleaning yours. Here are the best tips to help you clean them thoroughly. Let’s take a look.
1. Wipe With Damp Towel
Make it a point to wipe down your pair of gloves as soon as you finish boxing. This will prevent the sweat from getting absorbed.
2. Use Antibacterial Spray
The best way to keep gloves clean while eliminating bacteria and germs is by spraying an antibacterial solution directly on them. You could also use an anti bacterial spray to wipe down sweaty gloves and kill bacteria.
3. Mix Water And Apple Cider Vinegar
Next, we have an all-natural way to clean your pair of gloves. All you have to do is mix water and apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Then wipe them down with this solution.
4. Air Them Out
Make sure you set your gloves out to air outside or in a spacious, airy room. This will help them dry, preventing the growth of bacteria (which usually thrives in damp clothes and gloves). You may also use a deodoriser to eliminate bacteria, germs, and foul odours.
5. Use Glove Dogs
For those unaware, glove dogs are small cotton bags filled with cedar chips. You can place them inside your gloves to draw out bacteria. This, in turn, will make the gloves more long-lasting.
6. Soak Them In Soapy Water
Make a soap and water solution in a bucket and allow the gloves to soak in the soapy solution for some time. Just make sure you check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using this cleaning technique.
Things To Avoid Doing While Cleaning Gloves
1. Avoid Dryers And Machine-Wash
You might be tempted to throw the gloves into your washer and dryer to save time and ensure thorough cleaning. But this will only damage and rip them up.
2. Don’t Freeze Them
Never freeze boxing gloves; it might help eliminate the foul odour, but instead of removing bacteria, it will cause them to lie dormant.
3. Refrain From Drying Them In The Sun
It’s better to dry gloves in a spacious and airy room. Leaving them in the sun for long durations will damage the material and lead to cracks.
4. Avoid Using Strong Chemicals
We wouldn’t recommend using chemicals to clean gloves as they will only cause damage, reducing longevity.
Other Care Tips To Keep In Mind
1. Use Hand Wraps
Try to use hand wraps while boxing to absorb the sweat and prevent build-up inside the gloves. Also, wash the wraps after every use.
2. Sanitise Or Wash Hands
Always make it a point to sanitise or wash your hands thoroughly before wearing the boxing glove. This will help minimise the transmission of bacteria from your hands to the gloves.
3. Keep An Extra Pair In Hand
It’s better to have an extra pair of boxing gloves for alternate use. This will give you ample time to allow the gloves to dry and air out thoroughly before use.
4. Check The Glove Material
Before using wipes, antibacterial sprays, or any other cleaning solution, consider the material of the gloves. Also, follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of the pair. After all, not all cleaning agents will be safe to use.
Time To Clean Your Gloves!
Dirty and sweaty boxing gloves might indicate the effort and time you’ve put into your training. But the foul smell and thriving bacteria will not do you any favours. Also, take a plastic bag to put in your gym bag for your smelly boxing gloves and any other boxing equipment.
It will only lead to skin infections and irritation, affecting your concentration during the match. So, ensure you follow our tips to clean your gloves after every use.
And, if you are ready to take the next step in your boxing journey, check out our article on choosing the right punching bag.
That’s all for now, but we’ll be back soon. Let us know if you have any questions about the topic by leaving a comment below. You can also speak to our team for further assistance or tips on keeping boxing gloves clean and smelling fresh!
Till next time!
