Last updated on : January 17th, 2023 at 03:08 pm
Knowing how to air out boxing gloves is essential so that you will experience having a stinky glove.
Fitness enthusiasts and pro athletes frequently complain about smelly gloves. You know those hand gears can smell bad after a heavy workout or vigorous boxing.
The bacteria in your gloves is one of the primary reasons why they stink. Since you can sweat a lot during training, it can foster the growth of bacteria.
Remember that moisture is the main reason your gloves become a breeding ground for bacteria.
That is especially true when you put them inside your bag right after training when your gloves are still wet with your perspiration.
But if you know what to do with your boxing gloves after each session, you can maintain the freshness of your gloves.
Take note that your gloves are among the most vital equipment you need to bring in the ring, so it is crucial to care for them properly so they will last longer.
On average, a pair of boxing gloves can last for about 6 months. It can be up for 50 to 100 uses. But without proper care, you will have to replace them sooner.
Read below as we tell the importance of keeping your boxing gloves dry and the proper way of doing it.
How To Air Dry Boxing Gloves Quickly?
You need to allow your boxing gloves to fully dry after each use. This is vital in keeping your boxing gear clean.
As mentioned earlier, germs and bacteria need moisture for growth and survival.
So we do not want that to happen, which is why we need to dry moisture from the gloves.
To air out your boxing gloves, you must first take them off. Then, leave them in an area that is well-ventilated.
For instance, you can hang them in a room and open the windows. Place them in front or near the window to speed up the drying process.
You might as well air-dry your boxing gloves under the sun. But make sure that there is a low chance of rain. Check the forecast!
How To Air Out Boxing Gloves That Smell?
If you fail to dry your gloves after each use, they can become smelly. Again, that is due to the microorganisms present there.
So when you notice that your gloves begin to smell, you can spot clean your gloves using water and mild soap.
Then, air-dry the gloves following the tips provided in the previous section. You should also know how to clean smelly boxing gloves.
As soon as the boxing gloves become completely dry, you can sprinkle a small amount of baking soda in your gloves.
This product has a property that is capable of absorbing the lingering odors present in your gloves.
You can also prevent having musty gloves in the first place.
One way to do this is to store them in a cool and dry place when they are not in use.
Also, try to put a dryer sheet inside your gloves if the smell persists. This item is very helpful in keeping the gloves fresh.
Typically, boxing gloves are made of leather. They are also filled with foam or horsehair.
For your leather gloves, you will need leather to consider to preserve the material. Make sure to clean them regularly to maintain their good condition.
This is also helpful in preventing the bad smell from developing.
Tips To Air Out Boxing Gloves In The Winter
Typically, a pair of boxing gloves have a thumb loop that prevents the entire glove from slipping off the hands of the boxer.
It also has four finger loops that keep the glove securely in place.
With that construction, cleaning boxing gloves can be time-consuming. But if you know to care for it properly, you will be able to reduce the cleaning efforts needed.
This is particularly important during winter when you cannot air dry your gloves quickly.
Tip #1. Wiping the boxing gloves
After each use, make it a habit to wipe your boxing gloves. Do the same with your MMA gloves.
This is a good practice if you want to keep your gear fresh. Do not only wipe the outside of the gloves but do the same with the inside.
After a match or workout, get some paper towels and wipe your gloves. This will remove the moisture from the gloves.
As such, it can minimize bacterial growth, which is the root cause of the stinky smell.
Tip #2. Avoid putting the gloves in the gym bag right away
Many fighters and boxers are guilty of this wrong practice. They often toss their used gloves inside their bag during the training.
Most of them won’t even remember their gloves until the next training. As a result, they have stinky gloves.
By doing this, you are essentially giving a chance for the bacteria to grow and reproduce. So after your training, allow them to dry first.
Tip #3. Using hand wraps
With the use of a hand wrap, you can keep your boxing gloves fresh.
Basically, the hand wraps will serve as a sponge that will absorb the moisture in the padding of the gloves.
Other than that, it provides another layer of protection to your hands. But of course, you also need to keep your hand wrap clean. Otherwise, it will stink.
Tip #4. Using deodorizer or disinfectant spray
Most people spray deodorizers or disinfectant sprays into their boxing gloves to keep them fresh and clean.
They also do the same with their other equipment used for fighting in Muay Thai or kickboxing.
There is a variety of disinfectants available. You can find those that are intentionally formulated for boxing gloves.
Spraying these products in your gloves can help stop the buildup of bacteria which also means not having a stinky glove.
You can also use apple cider vinegar as an alternative if you do not have a deodorizer at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, we will answer the most commonly asked questions about boxing gloves. Read along to have more knowledge about your boxing gear.
#1. How often to air out your boxing gloves?
It is crucial that you allow your gloves to properly dry between boxing sessions. This is to reduce bad odors.
Just air dry your gloves enough when you are training twice or thrice every week. If your box is more often, you also need the drying process to be a bit faster.
Ideally, you need to air dry your gloves after each training session.
#2. Why do you need to air out your gloves?
You need to air dry your gloves between uses so that the bacteria and germs will not reproduce and grow in them.
Even though you do not clean and sanitize your gloves after each use, you can prevent bacterial growth as long as you air the glove out.e
#3. What are the tips to remember when storing boxing gloves?
As a boxing enthusiast, you want your gloves to last long.
Although high-quality gloves tend to stand the test of time, they can still wear out quickly if you are not careful.
Some tips for maintaining your gloves in good condition include the following:
- Ensure that your boxing gloves are always clean to prevent fungus and bacteria growth.
- Store your boxing gloves in a cool and dry place. It is ideal for putting them in a controlled temperature environment.
- Your gloves must not be left somewhere direct sunlight can reach them.
- If you have no choice but to put your gloves in an environment with humid conditions, at least ensure that the area is well-ventilated.
- When you are not using your gloves, put them inside a glove bag or any container.
#4. What can happen if you fail to air out your boxing gloves?
We have to emphasize again and again that bacteria grow when there is moisture, and when you train or fight, your hands sweat.
Imagine blowing out those uppercuts, cross punches, job, and hook. Of course, your body will produce so much sweat.
As a result, your gloves become wet. Suppose you do not air dry your gloves after using them. In that case, it will serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms.
This, in turn, will make your glove smells funky. It can also damage the gloves.
#5. How to clean boxing gloves?
When cleaning your boxing gloves, it is not recommended to wash them in your washing machine.
Machine wash is not ideal for leather boxing gloves, unlike other gloves made of cloth. That is because they become wet and will begin to smell even more.
So when cleaning your gloves, you can simply wipe them down after every boxing match or training session.
This will keep them odorless and fresh. Always pack alcohol or baby wipes inside your gym bag.
Use these wipes to rub the gloves’ dirt from the outside and inside once the training is over.
Wipes are among the must-have things in your gym bag, as you can also use them to clean some other training gear, such as your gym mat.
Furthermore, using wipes is the best way to clean boxing gloves.
With this cleaning solution, moisture will not penetrate inside the gloves.
But it can help get rid of the bacteria from the surface before they make their way into the padding.
It’s A Wrap!
After knowing how to air out boxing gloves, you can surely maximize the life expectancy of your gloves as you keep them clean and fresh.
When the time comes that you need to replace your boxing gloves, you can get a glove from the most popular brands like Ringside, Title, and Everlast.
Commonly, gloves would weigh between 10 to 20 ounces. You can choose the size depending on your weight.
The price of boxing gloves could range from 30 dollars to 50 dollars.
You can also choose from a variety of colors, such as blue, red, and black.
Fun fact: most boxing gloves are made in Mexico, China, and Pakistan.
So that’s all for today. I guess I did run through you all of the information you need.
But if I missed out on anything, you can let me know in the comments section.
Thank you for reading, and have a good day!