Smelly Boxing Gloves – How to Clean and Deodorize Your Smelly Boxing Gloves and Hand Wraps

Reasons Why Your Gloves and Hand Wraps Stink

Hand wraps and gloves are a must-have for any boxer or martial artist to protect their hands during tough training sessions and fights. But as time goes on, these gear can start to stink. The main reason for the foul odor coming from your gloves and hand wraps is all the sweat and bacteria that build up. During a workout, your hands sweat profusely, and this sweat can seep into your hand wraps and gloves, creating a moist environment that is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Clean boxing gloves are essential to maintain personal hygiene and if you do not clean your gloves and hand wraps regularly, the buildup of sweat, grime, and bacteria inside the gloves and hand wraps can intensify over time, making the smell even worse. Additionally, not allowing your gloves and hand wraps to thoroughly dry out after each use can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, further adding to the unpleasant odor.

What You Need to Know about Muay Thai Boxing Gloves

Muay Thai boxing gloves come in a variety of materials and designs. Some gloves are leather gloves, which is durable and provides excellent protection for your hands. Others are made of synthetic materials like microfiber, which can be more affordable and easier to clean. You’ll also find gloves with breathable mesh panels, which help keep your hands cool during long training sessions.

The gloves would also be different depending on the usage and your level. Beginner gloves are typically lighter and have less padding compared to sparring gloves, as they are designed for less intense training sessions or bag work. Sparring gloves, on the other hand, have more padding to provide additional protection for both you and your sparring partner during live training sessions as they can help absorb and distribute the impact of strikes, reducing the risk of injury. The extra padding on these gloves will absorb the moisture more and as a result, they don’t get damp easily.

Your Muay Thai gloves may also come with mesh or breathing holes to allow air to flow through the gloves, keeping your hands cool and comfortable during long training sessions. Additionally, some gloves also have moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties to help keep your hands dry and free from bacteria. This is especially important in preventing any unwanted odors or skin infections.
Therefore, it is crucial that you should take good care of your gloves by cleaning and storing them properly to ensure their longevity and performance.

Hand Wraps

Hand wraps are designed to protect the wearer from injuries during training and sparring by providing stability and compression to the hands and wrists. Hand wraps also add an extra layer of security when wearing boxing gloves, ensuring a snug fit and maximizing the impact of each strike.

These hand wraps also help absorb sweat and prevent friction that can cause blisters and chafing. Most of them are made of cotton or elastic material and come in various lengths, typically ranging from 120 inches to 180 inches. Longer wraps provide more support and protection for the hands and wrists.

Cleaning Your Hand Wraps

It’s important to regularly clean your hand wraps to ensure they stay fresh and free from bacteria. After use, you can put your used hand wraps in a mesh laundry bag to keep them together in the washing machine. Add a small amount of mild detergent to help remove any sweat and odor from the fabric. By cleaning your hand wraps regularly, you can prevent your boxing gloves from getting smelly and keep your overall boxing gear in top condition. This simple step can also help prevent bacteria build-up that can cause skin infections. After washing, be sure to let them air dry to ensure they maintain their shape and elasticity.

Different Ways to Clean Your Boxing Gloves and  Hand Wraps

Use Anti-Bacterial Spray To Kill Germs and Eliminate Bad Odor

Stinky gloves can be a real issue for any Muay Thai fighter. The sweat and bacteria that build up inside of your boxing gloves can not only make them unpleasant to wear, but also accelerate the breakdown of the materials. One of the best methods to get rid of bacteria and germs build-up is to use an odor and disinfectant spray specifically designed for sports (in this case, gloves)equipment. Regularly spraying your gloves will help remove the germs that cause bad odor and keep your gloves smelling fresh.

After each training session, simply spray the inside and outside of your gloves with the disinfectant spray. Then, place your gloves in a well-ventilated area(under the sun, if possible) to air dry them. This will help to keep them fresh for your next training session. Regularly cleaning your boxing gloves this way will not only help to keep your gloves clean and hygienic but also extends their lifespan by preventing the breakdown of materials caused by germ build-up.

Use Baking Soda

After each training session, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into each glove and shake them well to distribute the powder. Leave the gloves overnight to allow the baking soda to absorb any moisture and odors. In the morning, simply shake out the excess baking soda. For an extra fresh scent, you can also tuck a few dryer sheets inside the gloves before storing them. It’s a simple and affordable solution that can make a big difference in the longevity of your gloves. So, next time you notice your gloves starting to smell a little ripe, reach for the baking soda to prevent your gloves from stinking.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Another natural ingredient that you can use to keep your gloves fresh and clean is Apple Cider Vinegar. To do this, simply dilute the vinegar with water and use a clean towel to wipe down your gloves. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture for extra cleaning power in case there is a need to spot clean your gloves.

This method of cleaning is simple yet effective when you want to remove the bad smell from your gloves. Moreover, it  may also help get rid of bacteria that cause bad odor. After cleaning, be sure to dry your gloves thoroughly to prevent any mold or mildew from forming.

Use Glove Dogs (Glove Deodorizer)

If, by any chance, you can get yourself a pair of Glove Dogs, you can use them to help absorb moisture from your gloves. This is an essential product to keep unpleasant odors at bay. The outer layer is usually made of cotton flannel. The inside of these cotton bags are stuffed with red cedar chips. The chips can effectively soak up any moisture in your gloves, prolonging their lifespan while leaving behind a pleasant aroma.

However, don’t be discouraged if you can’t find these ‘Gloves dog’. You can use newspaper or other products that contain activated charcoal. Be sure to dry the inside of the gloves first before stuffing as the ink from the newspaper may bleed into other materials if it’s left too long.

Expose to Sun

One effective method is to put your boxing gear – gloves, hand-wraps, focus mitts, and training pads under the sun for about 5 to 10 minutes while you’re getting started with stretching and warming up, or cooling down after your training. This not only helps in eliminating odors but also aids in disinfection. Another useful method is to apply Vaseline to your gear if they feel hard, ensuring they get a little softer for better performance in the ring.

Things To Remember

1. Never wash your gloves in a washing machine as it can cause damage to the gloves and affect their durability. The padding would absorb a good amount of water which may not be dried completely. Also, the machine may cause wear and tear to the gloves, shortening its lifespan.

2. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning agents that may weaken the fabric or leather of the gloves. Instead, use one of the cleaning methods mentioned above to prevent premature deterioration of the materials.

3. Never put used gloves into the gym bag. The moisture trapped in them can increase bacteria growth that leads to foul odor. Always clean them after use, and dry them thoroughly before storing.

Taking care of your gloves is crucial since they are the most essential piece of equipment. By properly cleaning them, you are not only keeping them to smell good but also to increase their longevity. It’s also important to note that these cleaning tips can also be applied to your shin guards which is also one of the important gears for your Muay Thai experience.