How To Clean Leather Boxing Gloves + Precautions

It is important to use the right materials and techniques to clean your boxing gloves. So let’s find out how to clean leather boxing gloves.

When cleaning leather boxing gloves, the most important thing is to use the correct materials.

How To Clean Leather Boxing Gloves

Let’s find out the proper way to clean your leather boxing gloves:

1. Gather The Right Materials:

Leather is a delicate material and requires special attention when cleaning. You will need a soft cloth, mild soap, water, a leather conditioner, and a brush or toothbrush.

Also, you may want to use a leather cleaner/conditioner. It must be specifically designed for boxing gloves.

Leather can not be cleaned with water alone as it can leave spots. So make sure you use mild soap when cleaning.

2. Prepare Your Gloves For Cleaning:

Before you clean your gloves, you will need to remove any dirt or debris from them. Use the brush or toothbrush and gently brush away any dirt particles.

This step is important as it will help prevent damage to the leather. When finished, you can proceed to the next step.

3. Soak Gloves In Soapy Water:

Once all debris gets removed from your gloves, you can soak them in soapy water. Again, make sure the water is not too hot or cold. The ideal temperature for soaking should be around lukewarm.

You can also add a small amount of mild soap to the water. This will help to break down any oils or dirt that may have been left behind.

Allow the gloves to soak for about 15 minutes before removing them from the water.

4. Cleaning The Gloves:

Now it’s time to start cleaning. Start by dampening the soft cloth with some mild soap and water. Next, gently wipe down the outside of the gloves in small circular motions.

Make sure to get into all of the grooves and crevices. This will help to ensure that all of the dirt gets removed.

Once you have finished cleaning, use a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.

5. Conditioning The Gloves:

At this point, you’ll need to condition your gloves to keep them in good shape for years to come. First, apply some leather conditioner and massage it into the glove. This will help to protect the leather and keep it supple.

Leave the conditioner for about 15 minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.

Some leather conditioners may also act as a water-repellent. It helps to keep your gloves dry and free of mold or mildew.

6. Air Dry The Gloves:

When you’ve finished conditioning the gloves, leave them out to air dry. Do not put them in the dryer or expose them to direct sunlight.

This could cause the leather to crack. Instead, just let them sit overnight, and they will be ready for you to use the following day again.

7. Storing Your Gloves:

It’s important to store your gloves in a cool, dry place when not in use. You can hang them on a hook or coat hanger if they are too large to store in a drawer. Check the gloves every few months for any signs of wear and tear.

And condition them regularly to keep them well-maintained. With proper care, your leather boxing gloves can last you many years of training and sparring sessions.

Direct sunlight is also damaging to leather. So, keep your gloves away from windows or other strong light sources.

Leather boxing gloves are a great investment if you spend time in the ring. Thus, maintaining them is necessary.

So just like any other boxing gloves, the process of cleaning leather gloves is important as well. It will help keep your gloves in good condition and safe for use.

Precautions When Cleaning Leather Boxing Gloves

When cleaning leather boxing gloves, you should take a few precautions.

1. Do Not Scrub Too Hard:

Always use a soft brush when cleaning your gloves. You should never scrub too hard, as this may cause damage to the leather.

Leather is a delicate material and must be carefully handled. Also, when cleaning the inside of your gloves, it is best to avoid using scrubbing brushes. They can cause damage to the delicate inner lining.

Instead, use a damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt or grime.

2. Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals:

Always avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach or detergents. This can damage the leather and make it less durable.

Some experts recommend using mild soap and water. But be sure to rinse off the soap afterward thoroughly.

You should also avoid using oils or waxes, which might cause discoloration.

3. Allow Gloves to Dry Thoroughly:

Once you have finished cleaning the gloves, allow them to air dry. Do not use a hairdryer or other heat source to speed up the drying process, as this can damage the leather.

Some find that stuffing the gloves with paper speeds up the drying process.

4. Protect The Padding:

When cleaning your gloves, it’s important to ensure you don’t damage the inner padding.

This is often made of a foam material, which can be easily damaged by too much water.

To prevent this from happening, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the gloves lightly.

If there is discoloration in the padding, use a gentle cleaner such as Woolite to remove it.

5. Avoid Sun Exposure:

Leather gloves should get stored away from direct sunlight and heat. This can cause the material to dry out and become brittle.

If you need to store the gloves outdoors, wrap them in a cloth. And place them in a shaded area.

It’s also important to keep your gloves away from moisture. Moisture can cause mold and mildew. Also, it is difficult to remove from leather.

6. Regular Maintenance:

No matter how often you use your gloves, regular maintenance is important. Make sure to clean and condition the leather after each use.

You can use a soft cloth to wipe away dust and dirt. Use leather conditioner to moisturize the leather and keep it looking its best.

7. Deep Cleaning:

If your gloves are heavily soiled, you may need to give them a deeper clean. This can be with mild soap, like dish soap or saddle soap.

Mix the soap and lukewarm water in a bowl, then dip a soft cloth. Gently rub the cloth onto your gloves until you have removed all dirt and grime.

Deep cleaning is only necessary every few months. Rinse off the soap with a damp cloth. And leave your gloves to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area.

Can Leather Gloves Be Washed?

No, leather gloves should not be directly in the washing machine. Doing so can cause them to shrink and lose their shape. If your leather boxing gloves have become very smelly, deodorize them. Sprinkle some baking soda on the inside.

Leave this for a few hours, then vacuum it off. Doing this regularly can help keep your gloves smelling fresh for longer.

If your leather gloves need an extra boost, use a leather cleaner. It can be leather milk or saddle soap. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the best results.

Why Is Leather Difficult To Dry?

Leather gloves absorb water and retain it. This makes them difficult to dry. However, even in humid climates, they can get dried successfully.

Start using a towel to blot away any moisture from the gloves. Wring out the towel as much as you can.

Lay the gloves flat on a dry towel. And roll them into it, again squeezing out excess moisture. Doing this prevents stretching and warping of the leather.

Leave the gloves to air dry on a towel in a well-ventilated area or in sunlight. But don’t let it be in direct sunlight, as this can damage the leather.

Importance Of Cleaning Leather Boxing Gloves

Cleaning your leather boxing gloves is important for several reasons:

1. Prolongs The Life Of The Gloves:

Proper maintenance of your gloves helps to ensure that they last longer. When you clean them regularly, you get rid of dirt and sweat that can accumulate in the fabric.

And you save them from rotting or wearing down over time.

2. Ensures That Your Gloves Stay Odor-Free:

Cleaning your gloves regularly helps to keep bad odors away. However, sweat and bacteria can become trapped in the material, leading to a foul smell.

But if you take the time to clean your gloves after each use, you can keep them smelling fresh.

3. Keeps Gloves In Good Condition:

Regular cleaning of your boxing gloves also helps to keep them in good condition. This is because cleaning removes dirt, grime, and other debris.

They can damage the material or make it look worn out. Instead, you are preserving their life span by taking care of your gloves and keeping them clean.

Final Word:

So how to clean leather boxing gloves? It’s always best to follow the instructions on the label. In general, use a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth.

Allow the gloves to air-dry and store them in a cool, dry place. Taking these steps will help keep your gloves looking great and smelling fresh.

With regular cleaning, you can extend your gloves’ life. And you can ensure they are always ready for your next boxing match.