What happens if I put my boxing gloves in the washing machine?
At some point in your boxing career, you’ve probably asked: can you put boxing gloves in the washing machine? This is a common question, but the answer remains disputed in many circles.
Read on to get an idea of how cleaning your boxing gloves works.
What happens if I put my boxing gloves in the washing machine?
In short, putting your gloves in the washing machine is a surefire way to destroy them. Even on a gentle cycle, you can expect damage. This ranges from ruined padding to major shrinkage and tattered lining. It might take just a single wash to permanently damage your gloves, depending on their quality.
No matter what anyone tells you, a slow cycle won’t necessarily avoid these problems. If you somehow don’t ruin your gloves, the water and detergent could still take days to dry. Once they’re finally moisture-free, don’t expect them to perform the same again.
Should you avoid surface damage, the internal layers could still lose their potency from excess water exposure. For example, EVA foam is a common material in these layers. It’s prone to shrinkage if it contacts too much water.
Ways to clean your boxing gloves
Instead of using a washing machine, you can take simple steps to keep your gloves smelling good without damage. You can consult our glove cleaning guide for more detail, but these are some of the most straightforward methods:
Use spray or sanitising wipes
Antibacterial spray and sanitising wipes take minutes to get the job done. They also don’t compromise the quality of your gloves. Ethanol spray is convenient because it does wonders for killing bacteria. Wipes, on the other hand, will often give your gloves a fresh smell.
Put your gloves in the freezer
Many veteran boxers will tell you this is the best way to keep gloves fresh, and they’re right. Bacteria need higher temperatures to thrive. Leaving your gloves in the freezer for about half a day staves them off. Just be sure to wrap them in a plastic bag to protect the outer leather and Velcro.
Wear quality wraps
If you find your gloves are getting too smelly despite cleaning them, you might need better wraps. High-quality wraps are good moisture absorbents. They also go a long way in keeping your hands safe while boxing.
Conclusion
So can you put boxing gloves in the washing machine? The answer is a resounding no. Many have naively tried this when starting out. Ultimately, you’ll likely just set yourself back the cost of a new pair of gloves.
Tired of being “that person” with the smelly gear? Our Fight Gear Care section is dedicated to helping you clean, deodorize, and properly maintain your equipment for a more hygienic training session. Learn how to stop the stink for good.