Just as we all know, boxing gloves are important in the realms of boxing. Particularly, they give the fighters the necessary protection from superficial injuries during the fight. Apart from that, these are also used a lot during long hours of training. Hence, you can say that a boxing glove is pretty much just like the holy grail for them.
However, in all those hours of practice, boxing gloves can get really stinky and sweaty. And surely, you wouldn’t want your hand equipment to be dirty, right?
Needless to say, glove maintenance is often overlooked when it comes to martial arts training. Yet, a dirty pair of gloves may cause skin irritations or infections. That being so, it is important to know how to clean them in the proper way.
To-do Things to Prevent Dirt
1. Make Sure it’s Dry
This is a pretty obvious step. You need to let your boxing gloves dry before and after training. Scientifically speaking, bacteria and germs survive in moist or wet places. Hence, keeping your boxing gloves will hinder them from surviving in the first place.
Following this step, make sure you hang them in a well-ventilated area, under the sun, or in front of an electric fan just to make sure it’s dry.
2. Wipe it
The next thing is to wipe your gloves thoroughly inside and out. You can use your paper towel, or dry tissue to do this. And the most ideal time for this is before and after your training or fighting match.
For the same reason, this will definitely help in keeping your boxing gloves dry. And so, the extra moisture will be eliminated, therefore the growth of bacteria will be unlikely. Plus, it says goodbye to the stinky smell!
3. Disinfectant or Deodorizer is the Key
This has already become a traditional practice for boxers and fighters. Spraying disinfectant liquid and deodorizers inside and outside the boxing gloves will definitely keep them clean.
In fact, there is a specific disinfectant spray on the market that is specifically formulated for boxing gloves. In line with that, it will stop bacteria from thriving and increase the possibility of the gloves to stink.
Ways To Clean Your Gloves
1. The Anti-Bacterial Spray
First of all, the anti-bacterial spray is made for the very purpose of stopping germs and bacteria buildup. Hence, you can use this product to clean your boxing gloves.
Additionally, this will be a good option if your boxing gloves have already been covered with molds, dirt, and disturbing odor.
Afterwards, you can hang it under the sun or in a well-ventilated area. Surely, this will make it usable for your next practice or competition.
2. The Saltwater Soak
Another good method of stopping the bacteria growth and bad odor is to soak your boxing gloves in a basin of saltwater. And perhaps, this is the most practical and traditional way to clean your gloves.
However, there are certain boxing gloves that are made of materials that aren’t susceptible to saltwater. To be more specific, there are gloves that are easily damaged when soaked in a saline solution. Therefore, you might as well check your gloves first before proceeding with this step.
If not, then you can try soaking your boxing gloves overnight to clean it thoroughly.
3. The Apple Cider Vinegar
This might just be another household condiment for you, but surprise, it can also be used to clean your boxing gloves. In fact, not just your gloves, but also your shoes, gym bags, punching bags, etc.
All you have to do is to rub a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the inside and outside of the gloves. And then, you need to set the gloves overnight to dry. Typically, you can expect the foul odor to go away the next day you wake up.
If by chance, your boxing gloves are extra dirty and stinky, you might consider putting on more than just a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to wipe it out.
Final Words
Cleaning your boxing gloves doesn’t have to be a hardcore task, in fact, it is pretty smooth and easy. As long as you have the proper tools and products, getting rid of the germs and the foul odor can be as easy as one, two, three!
