Stay fresh - how to clean and maintain your boxing gloves

Let’s be honest - pour yourself into your boxing, and there is going to be a lot of sweat pouring into your boxing gloves. As the sweat dries over time, your boxing gloves will become a breeding ground for bacteria, something you definitely do not want to be contending with. If the bacteria is allowed to grow it will soon only be natural for your boxing gloves to start to smell. However you would choose to describe it – whiffy, funky, a little bit like something crawled inside your boxing gloves and died – before you know it your boxing gloves will develop the sort of odour we all recognise from unclean boxing equipment. So it’s no surprise to hear how common an issue it is for boxers to be able to keep their boxing gloves smelling fresh as daisies. You don’t need to worry though, because here at Bravose we have got you covered. The simple key to all this is to minimise the amount of moisture and dirt that enables bacteria to thrive and create those nasty smells. Below we share some cleaning and maintenance tips to keep your boxing gloves clean, fresh and odour-free. But don’t forget - as bacteria doubles every half an hour, it only takes a short time for it to come back with a vengeance. To this end it is important to make sure you consistently apply our tips to maximise the lifespan of your boxing gloves.   

All wrapped up

Start off right and make sure the first thing you do is put clean wraps on clean hands before slipping into your boxing gloves. As well as providing comfort and protection, hand wraps create a barrier between your skin and your boxing gloves, soaking up a good amount of sweat and stopping the stink.  

Total wipeout

After every session – yes, that’s every session – get those boxing gloves wiped out inside with a towel. This will help soak up any excess moisture that has amassed in the boxing gloves. Then give your boxing gloves a spritz with a gentle homemade disinfectant of one-part vinegar to one-part water.  

Air time

Airing out your boxing gloves after every session is key. Leaving your boxing gloves in your gym bag is a sure-fire way to encourage bacteria. Hopefully the weather is warm and your boxing gloves can dry naturally, out of direct sunlight. If not, direct a hairdryer on a cool setting inside your boxing gloves.  

Clean freak

One product many boxers swear by for nixing any nasty smells in their boxing gloves is baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate. It is a natural deodoriser so is super-effective at leaving boxing gloves odour-free. Take a few pinches and sprinkle inside your dry boxing gloves, then tap out after a couple of hours.  

Everybody freeze

The freezer may not sound like the most obvious place to leave your boxing gloves. However the freezer method is one certain way to kill bacteria and get your boxing gloves feeling fresh again. Pop your boxing gloves inside a freezer bag, or any plastic bag, and leave in the freezer for 24 hours.