Last updated on : January 17th, 2023 at 03:39 pm
If you know how to wash workout gloves properly, then you can ensure they will last longer. The best way to do it is by hand using mild detergent and warm water. Also, ensure to rinse your workout gloves thoroughly before drying.
Take note that if you fail to wash your gloves after use, then you will face a higher risk of skin infections since fungi and bacteria can build up on your gloves.
When you work out, your body can produce up to 1.4 liters of sweat; with sweat, there come bacteria. Read below to avoid having contaminated workout gloves for your next trip to the gym.
Steps To Wash Your Workout Gloves
Typically, workout gloves are made of synthetic materials such as spandex, nylon, and polyester. Those materials cannot absorb sweat properly. They are also non-biodegradable, so you need to maximize the use of your gloves which means you need to practice proper care.
Otherwise, you will need to buy another pair of gloves every now and then, which means more environmental pollution. For your information, people tend to generate laundry waste of around 1.3 kilograms per year.
Washing your gloves can be done the same way you wash your other garments. But to ensure that your fitness equipment will last long, you need to wash it the right way. You can check the washing instruction provided by the manufacturer or refer to the steps below on how to wash workout gloves:
Step #1. Machine washing your gloves
One of the best ways to clean your workout gloves is through a machine wash. It would require less effort to wash any garment using a washing machine. Indeed, technology made it easier for us to do certain things, such as washing clothes.
All you have to do is throw your used workout gloves inside the washing machine along with other garments you need to wash. If your gloves have straps, ensure to fasten the Velcro straps so they will not latch to the other clothes later.
Step #2. Hand wash your gloves
It is also handy to wash your gloves in your sink. Simply fill the sink with cold water. Then, add a mild detergent before you soak your workout gloves.
Begin rubbing your workout gloves gently using your hands to remove all the dirt and grime that has accumulated onto the gloves.
Keep in mind that fabric softener or bleach is not advisable to use on gloves. Also, note that warm water cannot be used for your gym equipment as it can damage your gloves and your hands.
Step #3. Inside out
After cleaning the outside of your workout gloves, you should flip them and clean the inside. Do the same process you did earlier with the other side. It is also inevitable that your gloves will have an awful and stinky smell.
If that is the case, soak your gloves in soapy water for 60 minutes or more or remove the foul odor. Then, rinse it thoroughly, ensuring that no residue is left.
Step #4. Drying your gloves
After rinsing your workout gloves, you should now dry your gloves by hanging them somewhere.
Avoid putting your gloves inside the tumble dryer as it can damage them. But if you want to rush the drying process, you can machine dry them but ensure to use the low setting.
Also, remember not to hang your dryer under direct sunlight as it can lead to discoloration and damage. Its rubbing padding can be damaged by the sun’s heat.
Once they are completely dried out, you can already put your clean workout gloves into your closet or drawer.
You may also want to toss them directly inside your gym bag to prepare for your next workout routine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section will read the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding workout gloves. The information that will be provided below might or might not be relevant to you. But keeping them in mind can help you at some point.
So what are you waiting for? Scroll down and learn some more.
#1. How many times should you wash your gloves?
The frequency of wash will depend on various factors, including how dirty your hands get when working out, if you are sick, or if you have been around another ill person.
You will need to wash your gloves more frequently so the illness will not spread to other people. If you see that your gloves are already dirty, then it might also be time to wash your gloves.
#2. What can happen if you don’t wash your gloves?
Some consequences come with not washing your workout gloves when needed, and it can get serious.
For one thing, bacteria and germs can be spread to other people, leading to sickness.
You can also suffer from skin infections like impetigo. This kind of skin infection is contagious. It can cause blisters and sores.
Washing your gloves should be a part of your hygiene. This is not only for your health but also for the people around you.
#3. How to extend the lifespan of your workout gloves?
Assuming we are talking about a pair of leather gloves here, regular cleaning and conditioning is the best way to prolong your use.
Leather needs hydration for it to remain supple. This will also prevent cracks.
So ensure to wipe your gloves using a damp cloth. Then, apply leather cream and conditioner.
A waterproofing spray can also be used to repel stains and water. Know how to care for your leather gloves!
#4. What are the consequences of washing gloves?
Some problems can occur when you wash your gloves. For one thing, washing can distort the shape of your gloves, which means they will not correctly fit your hands anymore. This will affect your grip as you carry some weights at the gym.
Some gloves may also shrink after making it uncomfortable for you when wearing them.
But knowing how to wash wool gloves to prevent shrinking can help. Lastly, your gloves may develop tears or holes.
#5. What types of workout gloves can be washed?
Whether you should wash your gloves or not depends on various factors. This includes your personal preference, the water temperature, the type of detergent you use, and the glove material. But take note to use gloves when washing by hand, notwithstanding the glove material.
It’s A Wrap!
Workout gloves are essential since they protect against blisters and calluses as you exercise. Of course, you want to ensure it is always in good condition. Hopefully, this post on how to wash workout gloves can help you maintain the state of your gloves. That’s it for today. Thank you for being here, and have a blast on your fitness journey.