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How to Wash Boxing & MMA Gloves
April 4, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
Boxing is a popular combat sport in which athletes throw punches at each other with padded gloves. Not only is it an Olympic sport but it also has its own World Championships that take place every year.
Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is similar in that it’s also a combat sport in which two competitors compete against each other in a ring or a cage. The difference is that boxing uses a variety of punches while MMA incorporates an array of martial arts.
They’re both intense workouts, however, and can cause you to work out a sweat. That’s why it’s so important to clean your boxing and MMA gear on a regular basis. At the end of the day, no one wants to be associated with odors.
How to Wash Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves play a large role in both sports since you use them to throw punches at your opponents. And the fact that they’re thick and padded means they tend to retain odor.
Now you might be wondering, ”can you clean your boxing gloves by throwing them in the machine’? The answer is no.
The tumbling action would cause the leather gloves to dry and crack. But don’t worry there are other ways to clean boxing gloves. Let’s take a look.
Soaking Your Boxing Gloves in Salt Water
Did you know that you can sanitize your boxing gloves by soaking them in salt water? The saline will break down the contaminants in the smelly boxing gloves, leaving them fresh and clean.
Step 1: Prepare a Saline Solution
Fill a large tub with cool water and add a couple of tablespoons of salt. Agitate the water to help it dissolve.
Step 2: Submerge the Gloves
Once the salt has dissolved, place your boxing gloves into the solution and let them soak.
Step 3: Rinse With Water
Rinse the gloves thoroughly with cool water, then let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
Supply:
- Water
- Salt
For the best results, leave the gloves overnight in the saline solution – that will give the salt plenty of time to do its job.
Freezing Your Boxing Gloves
Another way to clean boxing gloves is by putting them in the freezer. The low temperature will help kill off most of the odor-causing agents.
Supplies:
- Large plastic bag
Step 1:
Place the boxing gloves in a large plastic bag; it will seal them off from the rest of the items in your freezer.
Step 2:
Leave the gloves in the freezer overnight (up to two days, if necessary), then take them out.
The gloves might be a little wet once you take them out. If that’s the case, let them air dry before using.
Using an Anti-Bacterial Spray
Anti-bacterial sprays will effectively kill the bacteria in your sparring gloves.
Supplies:
- Anti-bacterial spray
Step 1:
Place the gloves on a flat surface and apply a generous amount of anti-bacterial spray.
Step 2:
Make sure the gloves are completely dry before wearing them again.
Don’t forget to spray the inside of the gloves as well.
Cleaning Boxing Gloves With Apple Cider Vinegar
You’ve probably heard this before but apple cider vinegar can be a great cleaning agent.
Supplies:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Clean cloth
Step 1:
Dampen a clean cloth with apple cider vinegar and use it to wipe the inside and outside of the gloves.
The vinegar will not only clean them but will also remove odors.
Step 2:
Lay them out and allow them to air dry overnight.
Depending on how dirty your gloves are, you might have to apply the vinegar more than once.
Using Cedar Chips
Cedar chips can be used to draw contaminants and moisture out of the boxing gloves.
Supplies:
- Cotton socks
- Cedar chips
Step 1:
Fill a pair of clean cotton socks with a handful of cedar chips.
Step 2:
Place one sock inside each of the boxing gloves and leave them there overnight.
The Best Way to Clean Boxing/MMA Headgear
It’s not uncommon for headgear to develop an odor, especially if you’ve used it for a while. If yours is made out of leather, you’ll want to avoid putting it in the laundry as that can cause it to crack.
Supplies:
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Paper towels
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Mesh laundry bag
Step 1:
Clean the surface of the headgear with a few anti-bacterial wipes, then wipe dry with a paper towel.
Step 2:
If your headgear is not made of leather, you may be able to put it in the washing machine.
Add a bit of gentle cleaner such as ACTIVE Detergent and set it to a delicate cycle. Put your headgear in a mesh laundry bag and place it in the machine.
Step 3:
Let it air dry after washing in a well-ventilated space. Do not put it in the dryer as that can damage the fabric.
Always double check the care instructions for your headgear before putting it in the washing machine.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Stinky boxing gloves are no match for our laundry detergent.
How to Deodorize Boxing & MMA Pads
Ideally, you want to wipe down the pads after each use; that will help prevent odors from developing.
Supplies:
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Deodorizing spray
Step 1:
Wipe down the pads with anti-bacterial wipes.
Step 2:
If necessary, you can also apply a deodorizing spray; that will remove any odors that are present.
Avoid putting your boxing pads in the washing machine – there’s a high chance they will get damaged during the wash cycle.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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