How to Clean Boxing Gloves & Hand Wraps
If you've spent a considerable amount of time in boxing training, you know that eventually, your boxing gloves are going to stink. This is because the gloves absorb sweat and bacteria from your hands during training. When left unchecked, it can become a breeding ground for unpleasant smells that can suck for you and your training partners.
"How to clean your boxing gloves" is a question that seems to come up time and time again regardless of the gym you train at. Unfortunately, many people don't have a clear answer, and coaches may simply dismiss the issue as a fact of life in boxing. However, we have some great hacks to help you keep your gloves clean, rather than smelling like a week-old roadkill.
What causes your boxing gloves and wraps to smell?
The foul odor emanating from your gloves is the result of bacteria growth. Due to the copious sweating that occurs during training sessions, your gloves create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
In addition to the sweat, most people compound the issue by stuffing their moist gloves into a bag after use, providing an ideal space for bacteria to flourish. Dark, warm environments are a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful germs. To combat smelly gloves, it's crucial to keep them clean and dry to deter bacteria growth and eliminate foul odors.
Handwraps
Cleaning your boxing hand wraps is crucial to maintaining proper hygiene during training. Regular cleaning not only keeps your hand wraps looking and smelling fresh, but it also removes any harmful bacteria that may be present. Additionally, cleaning your hand wraps can help extend their lifespan, saving you money in the long run. Neglecting to clean your boxing hand wraps can have unpleasant consequences, so make sure it's part of your post-training routine.
Spray cheap vodka on hand wraps
I know this might come as a shock, but spraying cheap vodka from a spray bottle might be our favorite method. It's a very quick and common technique dancers use for many costumes, especially when they are performing on a daily basis.
The alcohol will kill the bacteria and it doesn't have a scent like most cleaners on the market. You don't need to get fancy expensive vodka. In fact, you can buy really cheap, supermarket-brand vodka for the same amount you'd spend on Clorox bleach spray.
Following your training session, hang your wraps on a clothes hanger or from your shower bar and give them a thorough spray-down. Be sure to cover them evenly and allow them to air dry. In a few hours, your wraps will be odor-free and without cleaner residue that could irritate your skin when you wear them again.
Wash them in the sink
This method is a very manual process if you're training every day. Start by rinsing them with lukewarm water in either the sink or shower.
While it's not mandatory, using mild hand soap can be helpful. It's important to thoroughly rinse the wraps after using soap to prevent any residue from causing skin irritation during the next use. Be sure to wring them out thoroughly before you hang them up to dry.
Throw your wraps in the washing machine
When it comes to washing your wraps in a washing machine, there are two options available:
Place your wraps inside a delicate garment bag to protect them during the wash cycle.
Alternatively, you can roll your wraps, starting with the velcro side in the center, and secure them with a rubber band to prevent unrolling.
Once you're done washing, dry them on a low heat setting in the dryer. Remember, it's crucial to avoid tossing them directly into the wash without a bag or leaving them unrolled, as they can tangle easily and cause the velcro to melt during the drying process.
Boxing Gloves
Properly maintaining and cleaning your boxing gloves is essential for prolonging their lifespan. If you've spent a pretty penny on your gloves, it's important to protect that investment by keeping them in good condition. Here's our favorite method to clean your gloves.
Wipe your gloves down
Immediately after each use, be sure to wipe down your gloves both inside and out. You can use a dry clean towel though we recommend using disinfecting sanitary wipes. This will make an immediate impact by removing bacteria and dirt immediately. In addition, leaving your gloves wet for an extended period of time can lead to damage, as sweat can harm the leather or vinyl layer of the gloves and even cause the padding below to become saturated.
Dry your gloves
Once your gloves have been cleaned and sanitized, it's important to dry or air them out. Resist the urge to toss them into your gym bag after a training session. It's easy to forget that they are in the bag once you get home and it will result in an unpleasant buildup of sweat odor over time, particularly if your gloves lack a mesh palm or if you frequently use them.
While some boxers opt to use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process for their gloves, it's a time-consuming task that most would rather avoid after every training session. Others hang their gloves outside in the sun, but this can actually do more harm than good. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the leather exterior, leading to cracking or breakdown of the material over time.
Our favorite hack is to use a shoe or boot dryer to quickly dry out your gloves. Using a boot dryer like the Dryguy 2207, which makes it super simple to dry your boxing gloves. After sanitation, wipe your gloves with a dry towel and stuff scented dryer sheets into the top of the gloves. Then put the inside of the gloves in both of the vents and set the timer on for an hour or two.
It's an easy way to set up and forget about them until you train again. The dryer sheets will add a fresh scent to the gloves although it's not required.
Final thoughts
Caring for your boxing gloves isn't complicated. Just like boxing, cleaning your boxing gear is all about repetition and discipline. These simple steps will help you keep your gear lasting longer and let you train without smelling like your opponent's outhouse. 😂
