Are your boxing gloves starting to smell or wear out on the inside? This is probably due to the sweat you are producing during your grueling boxing sessions. Take a look at this article which will help you discover different ways to clean your boxing gloves quickly and safely.
Why do you need to clean your boxing gloves?
Keeping your boxing gear clean is important and learning how to clean boxing gloves can be simple. Maintaining a good standard of gloves helps you during train, not to mention, that it keeps away that nasty smell and bacteria that is being produced.
Because of the tight space and lack of air, your gloves can start to smell quickly. The inside of a boxing glove is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which also makes it a good reason to clean them regularly and maintain good hygiene.
Unclean boxing gloves can damage human skin, especially if you are prone to skin conditions such as eczema like I am.
What are the quickest and safest ways to clean your boxing gloves?
There are various simple ways to clean your boxing gloves. I have tried and tested many ways and compiled them into a short list to make it easier for you to get your gloves smelling and looking fresh.
1. Quick Wipe Down After Each Use
Wiping down your gloves after your boxing sessions is a simple yet effective way to keep your gloves fresh. You can do this by buying an antibacterial spray bottle or using antibacterial wipes, both methods are fairly cost-effective. Try to avoid harsh cleaning sprays as these can damage your gloves. You can clean them safely by following these steps;
- Step 1: Begin by using a clean, damp cloth to wipe the inside and outside of your gloves.
- Step 2: Apply a disinfectant spray lightly on the inside or use wipes.
- Step 3: Wipe down with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Neutralize bad smells with baking soda
If you are dealing with persistent odors in your boxing gloves, baking soda can be another quick solution. Sprinkle baking soda inside each glove after your workout. This natural deodorizer absorbs moisture and neutralizes bad smells effectively. Let the baking soda sit overnight, then shake out any excess the next day, or use a skinny vacuum cleaner nozzle to get rid of the excess baking soda.
This method keeps your gloves fresh and prevents them from smelling like unclean gym equipment. Regular use ensures you clean boxing gloves that are always ready for action. You can take it a step further by applying anti-fungal essential oils to your gloves after you have cleaned them.
Check out this article showing the may uses and benefits of baking soda.
3. Freeze your gloves overnight
Freezing your gloves is another safe way to help clean them. First, ensure your gloves are thoroughly air-dried to prevent ice buildup. Place your dry gloves in a plastic bag to protect them from moisture and odors in the freezer. Leave them overnight; the cold temperature kills bacteria and neutralizes odors. For an added touch of freshness, you can include a few drops of your preferred essential oil on a cotton ball inside the bag.
This method not only keeps your gloves bacteria-free but also imparts a pleasant scent, making them ready for your next training session.
4. Use salt water
Using salt water is an effective way to kill bacteria in your boxing gloves. Mix a solution of warm water and a few tablespoons of salt. Submerge a clean cloth in the mixture and use it to wipe the inside and outside of your gloves thoroughly.
After cleaning, make sure to air dry your gloves for a few hours. Avoid direct sunlight as too much sun can damage the material.
Instead, place your gloves propped open in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally, or use a blow dryer on a cool setting for short intervals. This method not only disinfects but also prevents odors, ensuring your gloves are fresh and hygienic for your next workout.
*Be sure to check if the material of your boxing gloves is appropriate for this method of cleaning*
5. Stuffing your gloves
Keeping your boxing gloves fresh between sessions is easy with proper stuffing. After each use, stuff your gloves with paper towels or a lint-free cloth. This helps absorb moisture and keeps the gloves’ shape intact.
For optimal results, replace the stuffing material daily to ensure thorough drying and freshness. This simple method helps maintain clean boxing gloves by preventing the build-up of bacteria and odors.
Consistent stuffing, combined with regular cleaning, extends the life of your gloves and ensures they’re always ready for your next workout.
6. Use apple cider vinegar
You might have heard of people using apple cider vinegar for many different things. Luckily, it works just as well for traditional leather gloves as it does for cleaning clothes.
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to create a vinegar and water solution. Dampen a clean cloth with this mixture and gently wipe the inside and outside of your gloves. The vinegar’s natural antibacterial properties help eliminate odors and bacteria.
After wiping, ensure your gloves dry thoroughly by leaving them in a well-ventilated area. Proper airflow inside the gloves is crucial to prevent mold and mildew.
Key considerations to successfully cleaning your boxing gloves
- Let them air dry after each cleaning method. This is important because if you use your gloves again straight after cleaning them, the smells and bacteria will be just as bad as before.
- Use good products. As you know, not all cleaning products turn out to be great. Try to use a product with no alcohol to avoid damaging your gloves. You can also use scented products.
Ways to prevent your gloves from getting smelly and dirty
Don’t store your gloves in your gym bag straight away
Throwing your boxing gloves straight into the gym bag after you use them is a mistake that many make. This is guaranteed to make your gloves stink the next time you use them.
Instead, try to let your gloves have some air flow to dry. When they are trapped inside your gym bag, they can be more prone to absorbing excess moisture.
Using wrist straps/hand wraps
Most boxers use hand wraps to protect their hands however, they can also prevent excessive moisture from going into your boxing gloves. Your wrist wraps (also known as hand wraps), will absorb a lot of the sweat from your hands.
Many boxing gloves for beginners can come with a set of wrist wraps however, if you don’t have any, you can pick them up for an affordable price at most boxing gloves retailers.
Wash your hands
Washing your hands is a basic procedure. I’m sure most of you do this anyway! Before your boxing session, wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of any existing bacteria, and then dry them with a clean towel. This basic tip can help bacteria from spreading throughout your gloves.
Use the right size boxing gloves
Make sure you are using the right size boxing gloves. Using a size too small can make your hands tight and sweat excessively. Instead, find the right size gloves so your hands are comfortable and able to breath.
Wrapping up and my experience with cleaning boxing gloves
Cleaning your boxing gloves can be done in many simple and easy ways. Whether it is sprinkling a few pinches of baking soda or putting your gloves in the freezer overnight. None of the methods take an extremely long amount of time.
In my experience, the easiest methods that work for me are; keeping a set of antibacterial wipes in my gym bag and wiping my boxing gloves down after each session along with giving them a deep clean in salt water.
I tend to throw in a few drops of tea tree oil after each deep clean but this isn’t essential. My other key tip is to let your gloves air dry after each use. Keeping your boxing gloves dry is a good way to prevent them from getting dirty and smelly in the first place.
Also be sure to wear hand wraps each time you use your boxing gloves.
With our 7+ years of experience, we have created articles that cover many of the basics and advanced areas of boxing, check out our beginner’s guide to boxing if you are looking for other areas to improve on your journey.
FAQs
Can I wash my boxing gloves in the washing machine?
The short answer to this is, no. The washing machine can damage your boxing gloves, even if you try to protect them in a plastic bag or a dryer sheet. The power of the washing machine could result in the material peeling from your boxing gloves.
Can I use alcohol to clean my boxing gloves?
Alcohol isn’t recommended to clean your boxing gloves, this is because it can cause them to dry out and crack, especially if they are full leather. Instead, follow one of the tips we spoke about above to keep your gloves clean.
