How To Take Care Of Boxing Gloves – 7 Best Ways

It is essential to know how to take care of boxing gloves properly to prolong their lifespan. Let’s discuss some of the best tips below.

Your boxing gloves are your best friend in the ring. You rely on them to protect your hands and help you land punches with power.

7 Ways To Take Care Of Boxing Gloves

That’s why it’s essential to take care of them properly. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

1. Store Them Properly:

When you’re not using your gloves, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place.

An excellent dry place is essential because it will prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures:

Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near any heat source. Also, do not store in extremely cold temperatures such as freezer, which can damage the leather.

Moreover, do not store in extremely hot and humid conditions as this will cause the gloves to smell.

You can also use a glove dryer to help circulate air inside the gloves.

Likewise, do not store them while they are wet. This will cause the leather to deteriorate. It can shorten the lifespan and affect the performance of your gloves.

Avoid Plastic Bags:

Also, do not store your gloves in a plastic bag. This will cause the leather to become brittle.

Instead, store them in breathable bags. These bags will allow the gloves to air out and prevent mold or mildew growth.

Try Hanging Them:

Another way is to hang them so that the air can circulate inside the gloves.

It is important to hang them in a place where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight or heat.

Usually, a closet or similar storage space will suffice.

Try Folding Them:

If you don’t have enough space to hang your gloves, folding them is the best option.

When folding them, make sure to do so along the seams. This will help prevent the leather from cracking.

Do not fold them too tightly as this can also damage the gloves.

Use Glove Savers:

You can also use glove savers. These are devices that help prolong the life of your gloves by preventing the leather from drying out. 

You can also use gloves wraps or similar products to keep your gloves in good condition.

They work by circulating air inside the gloves and keeping them properly aerated.

2. Clean And Wash Them Regularly:

It is important to clean and wash your boxing gloves regularly. This will help remove dirt, sweat, and grime that can build up over time.

Moreover, it will also help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Use A Cleaning Solution:

To clean and wash your gloves, you will need to use a cleaning solution.

You can either buy a commercial cleaning solution or make your own.

Once you have mixed the cleaning solution, soak a soft cloth in it and then wring it out so that it’s not too wet.

Gently wipe down the outside and inside of your gloves with the cloth. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

To make your cleaning solution, you can choose any of the following methods:

1. Water + Soap Solution:

The simplest way is to mix water and soap. You can use any soap, but a mild dishwashing soap is ideal.

Avoid using harsh detergents as they can damage the leather.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Another option is to use apple cider vinegar. This is a natural disinfectant and will help remove any bad smells from your gloves.

To use it, mix equal parts of water and vinegar.

3. Baking Soda:

Baking soda is another good option for cleaning boxing gloves. It is a natural deodorizer and will also help remove any bad smells.

Mix baking soda with water to form a paste to use it. Apply the paste to your gloves and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Afterward, rinse it off with water.

4. Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice is another natural option for cleaning boxing gloves. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It will also help remove any bad smells.

Mix lemon juice with water in a 1:1 ratio to use it. Apply the mixture to your gloves and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Afterward, rinse it off with water.

5. Stuffing Method:

If you don’t have any cleaning solutions on hand, you can also use the stuffing method.

This is a good option if your gloves are not too dirty.

Put a towel or newspaper inside the glove and close it up to use this method.

Leave it for a few hours or overnight. This will help absorb any sweat or dirt inside the glove.

Afterward, remove the towel or newspaper and allow the gloves to dry completely.

6. Professionally Cleaned:

You can also have your gloves professionally cleaned. This is ideal if you don’t want to do it yourself or don’t have the time.

However, this option can be pretty expensive.

The average cost of having your gloves professionally cleaned is $30-$40. 

After you have washed them with any of the methods, here’s what to do:

Rinse Them Off:

After you have cleaned the gloves, rinse them off with clean water.

Use a soft cloth to remove any soap residue. Ensure that you remove all the cleaning solutions as it can irritate if left on the skin.

Pat Them Dry:

Once you have rinsed the gloves, pat them dry with a clean towel.

Do not rub the gloves as this can damage the leather. Instead, gently pat them until they are mostly dry.

Let Them Air Dry:

After patting them dry, let them air dry in a cool, dry place.

Avoid direct sunlight or heat as this can damage the leather.

It is best to let them air dry overnight to dry before using them again completely.

3. Take Care Of Your Hands:

While taking care of your boxing gloves, take care of your hands.

Therefore, it is also essential to clean your hands before putting on gloves. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria and other microorganisms.

If you have any cuts or open wounds on your hands, it is best to cover them with a bandage before putting on the gloves.

It is also essential to trim your nails before putting on the gloves. Long nails can cause cuts and scrapes on your hands and damage the gloves.

4. Use Glove Deodorizer To Remove Bad Smells:

If your gloves start to develop bad smells, you can use a glove deodorizer to remove them.

There are many different types of glove deodorizers available on the market.

You can find them at most sporting goods stores or online.

5. Use Hand Wraps To Prolong Their Life:

To prolong the life of your gloves, it is important to use hand wraps.

Hand wraps help protect the gloves from dirt and other debris. They also help absorb sweat and keep your hands dry.

Hand wraps are of different materials like cotton, cloth, and gel. 

Wrap them around your hands before putting on the gloves to use hand wraps.

Ensure that you don’t wrap them too tight, which can restrict blood flow to your hands.

6. Break Them In Before Heavy Training:

When you first get your gloves, it is essential to break them in before using them for heavy training.

This will help the gloves form on your hands and allow the leather to become more pliable.

Wear them around the house for a few hours or days to break in the gloves.

You can also hit a punching bag or shadow box while wearing them.

After a few days, the gloves should be broken in and ready for use.

The gloves will be stiff and uncomfortable if you do not break them in.

They will also not provide the same level of protection.

7 Keep Different Pairs For Training And Sparring:

If you are serious about boxing, it is vital to have different pairs of gloves for training and sparring.

Training gloves are usually made of softer materials and have more padding. This helps protect your hands during training.

Sparring gloves are usually made of harder materials and have less padding. This helps you deliver more powerful punches.

If you want to take care of your gloves, do not try using them in all types of training. It can damage the gloves and also decrease their lifespan.

Things To Never Do With Boxing Gloves:

Here are some things that you should never do with your boxing gloves:

1. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals On Them:

Never use harsh chemicals or detergents on your boxing gloves. These can damage the leather and the padding.

Instead, use a mild soap or cleaning solution. Harsh chemicals can also irritate your hands.

2. Don’t Put Them In Washing Machine:

Never put your boxing gloves in the washing machine. The washing machine can damage the leather and the padding.

The intensity of the spin cycle can also cause the gloves to lose their shape.

Handwashing them using a mild soap or cleaning solution is best.

3. Avoid Using Silica Gel:

Silica gel is often used to absorb moisture. However, it can also damage the leather of your gloves.

Moreover, it can also cause the gloves to irritate your hands.

Therefore, it is best to avoid using silica gel with your boxing gloves.

4. Don’t Use Heat To Dry Them:

Never use heat to dry your boxing gloves. Heat can damage the leather and cause it to become brittle.

Dryers can also cause the padding to become lumpy. It is best to air dry your gloves in a cool, dry place.

5. Do Not Share Gloves:

It is important never to share your boxing gloves with anyone. Sharing gloves can lead to the transfer of bacteria and viruses.

It can also cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is best to keep your gloves for personal use only.

Sharing is caring but not when it comes to boxing gloves!

By following the above tips, you can prolong the life of your boxing gloves. This will help you save money in the long run and keep your hands safe.

Conclusion:

Boxing gloves are an essential part of boxing. It is vital to take care of them to prolong their life.

You can do many things to take care of your gloves. These include breaking them in, using hand wraps, and glove deodorizers.

You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents on them. Moreover, don’t put them in the washing machine.

It is also important to keep different pairs of gloves for training and sparring. This will help prolong their life.

By following these tips, you can take care of your boxing gloves and use them for a long time.