A boxer’s training gear isn’t complete without boxing gloves, making them an important investment. Even if it’s not high on the excitement scale, cleaning and maintaining your boxing training gloves is essential.
Proper maintenance ensures the quality and efficacy of training sessions and their safety and effectiveness. Here’s how to do that.
1. Cleaning Your Gloves
Daily Cleaning
Boxing gloves must be cleaned regularly to maintain durability. After every use, wipe the gloves with a dry, clean towel to remove any remaining sweat or other residue. This will keep the gloves odor- and bacteria-free.
Thorough Cleaning
Sometimes, you just need to scrub it to eliminate all the grime and germs. Use a gentle soap and a moist cloth to clean the boxing gloves without harming the material. It’s best not to soak them, and you can always use an antibacterial spray for extra cleaning.
2. Keep Your Gloves Dry
Boxing gloves must be dried before each use. Air drying is the best way to keep them mold—and bacteria-free. As you wait for them to dry naturally, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Do not leave them in direct sunlight.
- Keep them away from heat sources.
- Don’t immediately put your gloves in your gym bag after washing. This can lead to the growth of bacteria, which could make the cleaning process useless.
3. Using A Deodorizer
Even though maintaining your boxing training gloves regularly is the only guaranteed method of keeping them in shape, it might not always be possible. A glove deodorizer can be a lifesaver when you don’t feel like washing your hands thoroughly after hitting the gym. All you have to do is put one end of the deodorant into the end of your glove. They are great for:
- Getting rid of unpleasant smell
- Stopping the growth of germs and mildew
- Removing excess moisture
4. Try Home Remedies To Prevent Odors
If soap and water no longer work, it might be worth a shot to try these DIY deodorants:
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your soap and water solution can destroy the lingering bacteria on the gloves.
Rubbing Alcohol:
In a spray container, mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with three parts water. Squirt this mixture into gloves, wipe, and dry. Use it once a month as a deep cleaning solution.
Baking Soda:
This tried-and-true deodorization method could work wonders on boxing gloves. After a workout, sprinkle baking soda inside your gloves and let them sit for an hour or overnight. In the morning, remove the baking soda.
Soaking In Salt:
Soaking gloves in saline overnight kills bacteria and eliminates odor. To prevent material damage, dry them thoroughly. Check whether this method is safe for your glove material.
5. Proper Storage
Proper storage is essential for boxing gloves to last as long as possible and maintain their efficacy. Keep them in a bag with mesh or ventilation holes for continuous airflow to ensure they stay dry and cool.
Avoid always putting them in your exercise bags, as the moisture can prevent them from drying.
6. Care Prevention
Wearing Gloves
To keep your boxing gloves dry, use a hand wrap as a sponge to line the interior of your gloves. You must clean your gloves often if you don’t want them to smell like hand wraps.
Proper Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands before wearing them to avoid spreading germs. A travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer can also keep your hands clean before applying them.
7. Keep It Out Of Water
Water can ruin your glove’s padding and outside fabric, so it’s best not to soak them. Spot cleaning with a moist cloth is the way to go, and be sure to use the cleaning chemicals advised for gloves.
8. Continuous Inspections
You should always check the condition of your gloves for damage. Look for cracks, tears, or rips that suggest the cushioning is becoming thin. Addressing these issues immediately can avoid bigger problems. Simply checking regularly will keep them in excellent condition.
Summing Up
Boxing training gloves have a dual purpose: extending their life and protecting you and your training partners from harm. If you maintain them well, your gloves will last much longer and continue to perform during training and competition.
Looking for top-rated boxing gloves, headgear, and more? Find the perfect gear at Hit N Move. Shop now!