How To Clean MMA Gloves In 8 Easy Steps & Why To Clean

MMA Gloves are an important equipment used when practicing mixed martial arts. So how to clean MMA gloves is an important thing to learn.

MMA Gloves are thick, padded gloves worn by MMA fighters when practicing or in competition.

How To Clean MMA Gloves In 8 Easy Steps

The gloves protect the fighter from injury and infection caused by contact with an opponent.

It is important to keep them clean and well-maintained. It ensures optimal performance and safety.

Steps to clean MMA gloves include:

1. Put On Plastic Gloves:

Wear plastic gloves to avoid any contact with the gloves while cleaning. This helps prevent any cross–contamination and keeps your skin clean.

Also, the soap and water will not damage your hands. You can get disposable gloves from a local store or purchase reusable ones online.

2. Fill A Basin With Warm Water and Soap:

Fill a basin with warm water and some gentle soap. Choose one that is approved for use in MMA gloves.

Alternatives like bleach or strong cleansers may cause the material to wear out over time.

Some soaps may also contain chemicals that can irritate your skin. So make sure to read the label carefully.

3. Soak The Gloves:

Soak the gloves for about 10 minutes in the basin before attempting any further cleaning. This will loosen up all the dirt, sweat, and bacteria built up in the material of your MMA gloves.

Something you can use to help the dirt come out a little easier is a soft brush. Soaking is essential as it helps to break down the dirt and sweat inside the gloves.

4. Wash With Soap and Water:

Fill a bucket with warm water and add some detergent or soap. Then, gently scrub the gloves using a soft-bristled brush.

Or, using a soft cloth, gently scrub the gloves with small circular motions. Pay particular attention to areas around the fingers, as these tend to be dirtiest.

And remember the inside of the gloves, which needs to be cleaned too. You may find it easier to turn the gloves inside out when cleaning.

5. Rinse Off:

Once you’ve finished washing, rinse off the gloves with cold water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to make sure all the soap is removed.

Like a washcloth, you may need to rinse and repeat several times to get rid of all the soap.

Sometimes, you may still find soap and dirt inside the gloves after rinsing. To eliminate these remaining particles, fill a bowl with warm water.

Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol and soak the gloves for at least an hour before rinsing again.

Once the gloves are completely rinsed, turn them inside out and use a towel to dry off the excess moisture.

6. Dry Out:

Once rinsed off, you’ll need to dry out your gloves. The best way to accomplish this is by hanging them up somewhere with good airflow.

If you can’t hang them up, laying them down on a towel and allowing them to air dry is also an option.

Ensure your gloves are completely dry before storing them away or wearing them again.

7. Store Away:

Once the gloves are completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place with plenty of ventilation.

Make sure that the gloves are evenly packed together. This way, they won’t end up getting moldy or attracting bacteria.

You can also use a glove deodorizer or anti-bacterial spray to help keep them fresh and clean.

Ensure they are completely dry before placing them in the storage container.

8. Sanitize Your Gear:

There are also sanitizing products specially designed for MMA gear. This will help keep your gloves free from bacteria and germs.

Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully before use. And make sure to rinse off any excess sanitizer before storing your gloves.

Following these steps will ensure that your MMA Gloves remain clean and sanitary for as long as possible.

So take a few extra minutes after training to take care of your gear properly and extend its life.

How Not To Clean MMA Gloves

Now that you know how to clean MMA Gloves, let’s go over a few things you should NOT do when cleaning them.

1. No Bleach:

Never use bleach on your MMA Gloves, as these can damage the material and cause it to break down.

Some other harsh chemicals can also damage the material, so it’s best to avoid them.

Also, the strong smell of bleach can be very unpleasant. And it may cause discomfort when wearing gloves.

2. No Washing Machine:

Do not put your MMA Gloves in the washing machine or dryer.

The heat and tumbling motion of the machines can cause serious damage to the gloves. In addition, it can shorten their lifespan significantly.

Some materials are more durable than others. So it’s important to check instructions before putting them in the washing machine.

3. Don’t Over-Clean:

Over-cleaning your gloves with water and soap is not a good idea either. This will strip away the natural oils found in the gloves, making them dry and brittle.

It’s best to spot clean dirty areas with a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap. Rinse the gloves thoroughly with clean water afterward and dry them completely.

So these are some tips on how to clean MMA gloves properly. It’s important to take care of your gloves so that they last for a long time.

Characteristics Of MMA Gloves To Keep In Mind

Let’s find out some of the important characteristics to keep in mind when cleaning MMA gloves.

1. Material:

MMA gloves are usually made from high-quality synthetic leather or vinyl. These materials may be easier to clean, but they still need special care when cleaning them.

And when using soap, be sure to use a mild variety that won’t damage the material.

2. Padding:

The padding in MMA gloves is usually made up of foam or gel. It’s important to ensure you’re cleaning these materials properly to avoid damaging them.

Using too harsh of a cleaner can cause the padding to break down and render the gloves unusable.

3. Stitching:

The stitching on MMA gloves is often made from heavy-duty thread that won’t easily break.

But, if it needs to be properly taken care of, the thread can stay strong.

It can lead to tears in the material. So be sure to inspect your gloves regularly for any signs of fraying.

Why Are Cleaning Gloves Important?

Cleaning your MMA gloves is an important part of taking care of them and prolonging their life:

1. Hygiene:

It’s important to keep your gloves clean for hygiene reasons.

Sweat and dirt can gather in the gloves. It can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to skin infections.

2. Odor:

Another reason to keep your gloves clean is to avoid any unpleasant odors.

MMA gloves can get quite smelly if not kept clean and aired out regularly.

Also, some MMA gyms may not allow you to train with dirty gloves, so it’s best to take the time to clean them.

3. Durability:

Cleaning your MMA gloves also helps maintain their durability. Dirt and sweat may weaken the material, making them more prone to wear and tear.

Taking the time to clean your gloves will help them last longer. And it will provide you with a better fighting experience.

4. Overall Health:

Finally, keeping your gloves clean for overall health reasons is important. Dirt and bacteria that build up in your gloves can get transferred to your skin.

And over time, this could lead to various infections. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your gloves are clean to protect your health.

Conclusion:

So cleaning MMA gloves is important for several reasons. It is preserving the material and protecting your health.

It’s important to take the time to clean your gloves after each use. This will help them last longer and provide you with a better fighting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are MMA Gloves Machine Washable?

No, MMA gloves are not machine washable. Machine washing can damage the material and stitching of the gloves.

Handwashing is always recommended when cleaning MMA gloves. It will ensure they stay in good condition for as long as possible.

Also, make sure to use only mild detergents and warm water. Harsh chemicals can damage the gloves.

2. How To Handwash MMA Gloves?

When handwashing MMA gloves, you should remove any dirt or debris.

Lightly brush away dirt particles or using a damp cloth to wipe away grime.

You must then fill a sink or bucket with warm water and add a mild detergent. Finally, submerge the gloves in soapy water.

And use your hands or a soft brush to scrub any remaining dirt gently. After you have finished cleaning, rinse off the gloves with clean water.

Once done, dry them off with a towel and air-dry the gloves away from direct sunlight. When your gloves have dried, it’s time to apply some leather conditioner or oil to keep them in top shape.

Apply a few drops of conditioner over the gloves. And gently rub it in using the palm of your hand or a soft brush.

This will help protect the material and keep your gloves looking newer and longer.

Finally, give your gloves a final inspection. Ensure that no dirt remains and that the conditioner has been evenly applied. Now you can enjoy your clean MMA gloves!

Are you looking for an even deeper clean? If so, it’s best to take your gloves to a professional cleaner.

They will have the necessary tools and products. They will make sure your gloves are thoroughly cleaned and look like new.