There’s no two ways about it, boxing is one of the messiest sports there is. From dodging and blocking a flurry of punches to landing as many as you can yourself, you’re guaranteed to work up a sweat and mess up your gear. That’s why it’s important to learn how to clean your boxing gloves on a regular basis.
The hard part of all this is that you can’t treat boxing gloves like a regular piece of clothing. Sticking them in the washing machine won’t cut it, so it takes a bit of finesse to figure out the maintenance process.
That’s why we’re here to teach you how to keep your boxing gloves clean and set yourself up for a productive training session.
Ways to keep your boxing gloves from smelling
Sure, knowing how to clean boxing gloves is essential, but you should also learn how to keep them from getting dirty in the first place. Here are some useful pointers to get you started:
Make sure you get the sizing right
If you find yourself sweating more than anyone else at your boxing gym, it may be the case that your gloves don’t fit you right. Making sure you have the correct size could make a huge difference, and it would drastically improve your performance too.
For example, if your gloves are too heavy for you and have way too much padding, you may need to go down a size or two. Conversely, if you’re finding that the fit is a bit too snug, you can also size up.
Invest in boxing wraps
When it comes to boxing glove hygiene, sweat and bloody knuckles are your number one enemy. If you wrap your hands in bandages or a good pair of wraps, though, this quickly becomes a non-issue.
An extra layer between your hands and glove lining can help soak in any unwanted moisture. Just be sure to replace or clean the wraps on a regular basis.
Air out your gloves
Sometimes, the simplest measures can make the biggest difference for your gloves. As soon as you’re done using your gloves, you can leave them to air in a well-ventilated room.
Keep your hands clean
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s something that a lot of people genuinely forget about. Whatever’s mucking up your gloves is also all over your hands after a workout, so double down on scrubbing them clean once you’re done boxing for the day.
Best ways to clean boxing gloves
If you’ve got the hang of basic maintenance but are still having issues with your gloves, it may be time for a thorough cleaning. Here are some simple hygiene measures you can take at home:
Hand-wash your gloves
If you’re serious about being a boxer, prepare to do this a lot. First, you clean out your sink or empty out a small container. Next, fill it with warm or lukewarm water and slowly rinse your gloves in it. Then, gently start applying liquid soap before dousing them again.
Afterwards, you can give them some time to dry before giving them a wipe-down. It’s recommended that you sit them upright for a while first to allow excess water to glide out of the glove.
You may have heard of people sticking their gloves in the washing machine and setting it to a low speed, but that’s not the way to go. More often than not, this does more harm than good, as it can shrink the gloves and compromise the shape of the padding.
Use antibacterial spray
There are loads of quality sprays on the market, and every boxer should have some in his gym bag at all times. The best alcohol-based disinfectants can kill the majority of germs residing in your gloves, and they do it at a very reasonable price.
It’s as simple as spraying the inside of the glove and leaving them out to dry. Even if you don’t have the time to wash your gloves on a daily basis, there’s no reason not to take a few seconds to apply spray.
Use baking soda
Everyone has baking soda somewhere in their home, and it’s a time-tested way of cleaning boxing gloves. Simply open up your glove, add two to three teaspoons, and shake the gloves for about ten to fifteen seconds. It should start doing its magic within hours flat.
Be sure to remember to shake out the baking soda once you’re done. It wouldn’t hurt to run through them with a wipe to get the excess out, just in case.
Apply apple cider vinegar
This is another DIY method for cleaning out your gloves, and it can be very effective. If you find that simply washing the gloves with soap doesn’t work, add some vinegar to the mix as an antibacterial measure.
Put your gloves in the freezer
This one may seem a bit unorthodox, but it’s a surprisingly common approach to cleaning boxing gloves. Like any other living creature, bacteria can only thrive in ideal conditions, and temperature has a lot to do with that.
We recommend wrapping your gloves in a bag and then sticking them in the freezer for the duration of your work shift. Alternatively, you can keep them in there while you sleep. It’s important to keep them wrapped to prevent external damage caused by low temperatures or the other contents of your freezer.
Use disinfectant wipes
This is another simple trick, but it does deliver consistent results. A thorough wipe with disinfectant wipes can help you get every nook and cranny of the inside of your glove.
The cool thing about wipes is that you can also leave them inside your gloves for an hour or two. On top of disinfecting them, this should help keep them smelling good. Just don’t forget to take them out if you don’t want too much of the moisture to leak out.
FAQs on how to clean boxing gloves
When should I replace my dirty boxing gloves?
More often than not, a combination of the methods outlined above should help you clean out your boxing gloves. That said, if you find that nothing is working, it might be the case that you waited too long. In cases like these, there may be no other choice but to buy new ones.
Think of it this way – if you don’t keep your gloves fresh, you have to make a big investment in another pair. Between doing that and the occasional use of spray or soap, the choice is obvious.
Why do my boxing gloves always smell?
If you keep having trouble keeping your boxing gloves clean, even when they’re relatively new, chances are you’re forgetting something pretty straightforward.
For starters, if you leave them in your gym bag for too long, your gloves can take in the smell and moisture from your sweaty clothes. Another possibility is you aren’t letting them dry off properly before you put them on again.
How often should I clean my boxing gloves?
Everyone’s body works a little differently, and you may not work up as much of a sweat as other boxers. Still, it’s highly recommended that you clean your gloves after each workout.
You don’t necessarily have to douse them each time – antibacterial wipes or spray can get the job done in a pinch. Still, it’s best to get ahead of the situation and do whatever you can for your gloves.
Why do my boxing gloves feel different after washing?
Even if you don’t use a washing machine, it’s best not to leave your gloves in water for extended periods of time. If you find that they aren’t fitting you the way they used to, chances are you left them in for too long or the water was too cold.
Should I clean my boxing gloves even if they don’t smell?
There’s more to hygiene than just ensuring there’s no bad odour, and that’s especially important in sports. Just because your gloves don’t smell after a workout, that doesn’t mean you should stay complacent and avoid maintenance altogether.
As a boxer, your hands are your greatest asset, and you’re liable to get a few wounds on your knuckles. The last thing you want is an infection that renders you unable to box.
Conclusion
And there you have it, our big tips on how to clean your boxing gloves. To summarise, you need a mix of good maintenance and commitment to a regular cleansing regimen.
At the end of the day, your responsibilities as a boxer don’t end when you leave the gym or boxing ring. From diet and lifestyle to keeping your equipment clean, every little bit counts toward becoming the best boxer you can be.
Are your gis shrinking and your gloves cracking? You might be cleaning them wrong. Our easy-to-follow guides show you the correct way to wash and care for all your essential equipment. Find all our Fight Gear Care tips here.