Boxing gloves in perfectly maintained and optimized condition are a must-have, supporting you to become a better boxer, and they rejoice in your victories and setbacks. Boxers feel immense strength with their gloves and see them as an extension of their identity.
Considering this close relationship, the care and cleanliness of boxing gloves must be taken seriously. Boxing gloves are there to take care of your fingers, and since they helped you through the tough times, pamper them a little to repay the favor and keep them in excellent condition for the next fight.
Listed below are 5 steps each for cleaning and maintaining your gloves to continue serving you well in the long run.
Cleaning The Gloves
Follow these steps to clean the boxing gloves thoroughly.
Step 1: Let Them Air Out After Use
After each training session and fight, you must blow-dry your boxing gloves to air them out properly. Sweat nurtures bacterial colonization and fungus overgrowth, a liability to the glove’s functionality and pleasant smell. Leave the gloves outside under a shade after every gym session or fight so they can air-dey and stay fresh.
Step 2: Wipe The Exterior
The boxing gear often gets drenched in sweat, mud, and little particles after every training session and fight. One must regularly clean up the exterior to prevent the dirt from accumulating on the glove’s outer side and the glove material from fading out. Dampening a wet cloth and then using it to wipe off sweat, oil, and dirt can make a huge difference, with particular attention to the palms and cuffs of the boxing gloves.
Step 3: Clean The Inner Side
Most boxing gloves come standard with a moisture-wicking lining designed to prevent the palms of the boxer’s hands from getting too sweaty, especially during intense sessions. To sustain the efficiency of this lining and to prevent bacteria growth, clean it from time to time. Wash the interior lining by hand with mild soap and water, cleaning it thoroughly. Allow them to air dry completely before re-inserting into the gloves again.
Step 4: Deodorize with Odor Eliminators
With time, boxing gloves become smelly from sweat and bacteria accumulation. The best way to prevent this odor is by using specialized boxing glove deodorizers or natural options such as baking soda or activated charcoal. Such odor absorbers perform to absorb moisture and deactivate smells, making the gloves odorless between uses. Just place the deodorizers inside the gloves for the night and let them do their job.
Step 5: Close Attention to Thumb and Finger Areas
The thumb and finger areas of the gloves tend to get very hot and accumulate sweat due to the natural contours of the hands. Pay close attention to carefully wiping these areas to clean and prevent odor-causing bacteria. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently rub off sweat and debris from the glove. Try to access the folds or crevices where bacteria can hide. Achieve hygiene and freshness by keeping the gloves’ thumb and finger area clean. In this way, the gloves will always remain odor-free and comfortable.
Maintaining The Boxing Gloves
Follow these five steps to keep the boxing gloves in good condition.
Step 1: Use Leather Conditioner
For leather boxing gloves, ensure that you frequently apply a leather conditioner to retain the softness and prevent cracking of the gloves. Leather conditioner plays a vital role in binding the leather together by replacing natural oil and moisturizing the leather. It prevents leather drying as it can become brittle, crack, and peel with time. It must be put onto a dry and clean cloth to treat the leather glove conditioner.
The conditioner should be rubbed gently on the glove surface, using more pressure on areas prone to drying, like palms and cuffs. Wait until the leather glove absorbs the conditioner, then use the clean cloth to remove the leftover product. It is a good practice to oil the leather boxing gloves periodically to keep them in good condition and give them new life.
Step 2: Check and Tighten The Stitching
Inspecting the boxing gloves’ stitching is advisable to ensure their structural integrity and prevent them from unraveling. After extended use or vigorous exercises, some of the gloves can get loose stitches or even damage. Make sure the stitches are tight enough, and tie off any extra threads with the help of a needle. Pay special attention to the areas of high strain of sewing around the thumb and fingers because these places usually wear out first.
Step 3: Hang The Glove Upside Down
It is essential to keep the boxing gloves dry when not in use so they get completely dried and there is no moisture accumulation. Hanging the gloves upside down generates air circulation and promotes quicker drying. The humidity provides a good place for bacteria and mold to grow within the linings. They produce a terrible smell and destroy the fabric due to their buildup. Hanging the gloves upside down makes the air circulate evenly throughout them, thus letting moisture evaporate and preventing them from developing an unpleasant smell.
Step 4: Rotate Gloves
Switching between several pairs of boxing gloves is an intelligent method that lets each pair dry out during the interim. Custom Boxing gloves can retain moisture and sweat after training or a fight, allowing bacteria to reproduce and develop odors. By switching one pair of gloves and then again to the next one, you limit the bacteria growth and extend the durability of the gloves. You can switch out the gloves regularly to avoid excessive strain on any pair and maintain them well for an extended period.
Step 5: Replace the Gear when Necessary
When boxing gloves wear out with time, even with reasonable care and regular servicing, they must be replaced. Some signs that the boxing glove may need to be replaced are squashed padding, torn seams, or a drastic reduction in cushioning and support. If the gloves get too old and damaged and cannot be repaired, buy a new pair.
Conclusion
The boxing gloves are the equipment you use for training and performance, and proper maintenance is necessary to keep them in good shape. When you follow these few easy steps for cleaning and maintaining your gloves, you will not only prolong their useful life but also keep them smelling fresh and doing a good job all the time. Therefore, remember to repair, clean, and maintain your gloves, as they will help you during every jab, hook, and uppercut in the fight.
