How to Take Care of Boxing Gloves

Boxing gloves require regular care and maintenance. To prevent unpleasant odors and extend their lifespan, always wear hand wraps, clean your gloves after every workout, and air-dry them in a well-ventilated space. Never wash them in a washing machine! Instead, use moisture absorbers, such as glove deodorizers or inserts.

How to Prevent Boxing Gloves From Smelling

First and foremost, wash your hands before every workout and take good care of your skin. This step is crucial! It removes bacteria and dirt, which are major contributors to bad odors inside your gloves. Next, always wrap your hands. Hand wraps not only protect your hands and wrists from injuries, but they also absorb sweat. Remember to wash them after every single session.

For the exterior of your gloves, clean them regularly using a cloth or towel dampened with soapy water or a small amount of antibacterial solution. Before applying any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden area first to make sure it won't damage the material.

Just as you wouldn't share your toothbrush or shoes, you shouldn't lend out your boxing gloves either. First off, gloves come into direct contact with skin and sweat (and everyone has their own unique skin flora), so sharing them isn't very hygienic and can lead to skin infections. Second, boxing gloves break in and mold to the shape of the owner's hands. Passing them around can cause them to lose that personal fit, putting both of you at risk for unnecessary injuries.

How to Wash Boxing Gloves? Don't.

If you want your gloves to keep their proper shape, never wash them under any circumstances. Machine washing or soaking them can ruin the padding and even lead to mold growth. Instead, after every workout, let your boxing gloves air-dry at room temperature. Open the velcro straps or undo the laces fully to leave them open and ventilated.

Optionally, you can insert a small pouch filled with rice or baking soda, some crumpled paper, or dedicated moisture-absorbing inserts into each glove. If you follow the care rules mentioned above, this simple drying routine is all you need.

How to Remove Odors From Boxing Gloves

You will find plenty of odor-eliminating sprays on the market, but most fresheners merely mask the smell rather than solving the issue. You can try home remedies to kill bacteria and fungi—such as freezing your gloves for a few hours (make sure they are completely dry and sealed inside a plastic bag). If you still can't get rid of the stubborn stink, it might be time to invest in a new pair of boxing gloves.