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How to Wash Boxing Gloves the Right Way

How to Wash Boxing Gloves the Right Way

2nd Sep 2025

You're not the only one who has opened their gym bag and almost passed out from the scent of their gloves. Knowing how to wash boxing gloves the right way is a game-changer for your nose, your health, and the longevity of your gear.

We will show you how to wash your boxing gloves and shin guards, how to clean the inside of your gloves, and other ideas from our own experience that will help you keep your gear in good shape and keep your friends at the gym.

keynotes

  1. To keep bacteria and smells from building up, always wipe and air out your gloves after each training session.
  2. Use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to clean the inside once a week. This will destroy germs and get rid of smells
  3. Never wash your boxing gloves in the washing machine; it can harm the material and make them last less long.
  4. Keep your gloves dry, fresh, and safe by using hand wraps and glove deodorizers
  5. You should clean your shin guards in the same way: wipe them down, spot clean them, and let them air dry after each usage.

Why You Should Wash Your Boxing Gloves Regularly

Every time you train, your boxing gloves soak up sweat. Bacteria and mold can easily grow in that warm, damp place. If you don't wash your gloves, you could:

A bad smell that won't go away

  • Infections of the skin, such staph
  • Padding that is damaged and wears out faster
  • That's why it's important to know how to wash boxing gloves inside and out.

How to Wash Boxing Gloves (Step-by-Step)

Here's a simple and safe way to keep your gloves fresh without hurting them:

1. After each use, wipe them down.

After working out, use a clean, dry towel to wipe off any extra sweat from the outside and inside of the gloves. This little habit goes a long way.

2. Let Them Breathe

Fully open the glove cuffs and put them in a position with good air flow. Don't just throw them back in your exercise bag. You can also use glove deodorizers or pack them with newspaper to help soak up moisture.

3. Give the inside a deep clean

This is where a lot of folks have trouble figuring out how to wash the insides of boxing gloves. Give this a shot:

  • Make a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water.
  • Spray the inside lightly (don't saturate it).
  • Use a clean cloth to wipe it down and let it air dry entirely.

You can do this once a week or anytime they start to smell bad.

4. Use a spray that kills bacteria

Use a spray that doesn't have alcohol in it and isn't harmful to kill bacteria that cause odors. Lightly spray after exercising and before putting things away.

5. Stay Away from Washing Machines

Don't ever put your gloves in the washing machine. It can damage the fabric, make the stitching weaker, and degrade the cushioning

What About Shin Guards?

The same rules apply if you want to know how to wash shin guards and boxing gloves:

  • Wipe it down after each usage.
  • Use a light detergent or vinegar solution to spot clean
  • Let them air dry all the way. Never leave them in a closed environment.
  • For shin guards made of cloth, wash them by hand or in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, then let them air dry..

 My Personal Experience

When I first started training, I put my gloves in a plastic bag after each session, which was a rookie mistake. The smell was too much to handle after a week, and no one wanted to spar with me.

After looking up how to clean the inside of boxing gloves, I sprayed them with a vinegar solution and let them dry overnight. It made a huge difference. My gloves smelled good, felt dry, and lasted longer. It's a tiny thing, but it revolutionized how I keep my training clean.

Quick Tips for Fresh Gloves

  • Use hand wraps because they soak up sweat and keep gloves from getting too full.
  • Keep your items in a cold, dry area.
  • Make sure you wash your hand wraps and shin guards often
  • If you train a lot, switch up your gear.
Clean gloves, better training. Get started now!

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Final Thoughts

Cleaning your gear for just a few minutes after training makes a tremendous effect. You can practice harder and smell better now that you know how to wash boxing gloves, how to wash boxing gloves inside, and even how to wash boxing gloves and shin guards.

Smart training and smart gear upkeep are what we do at FightSense. Stay sharp and smell good!

FAQs

  1. How often do I need to clean my boxing gloves?

After each usage, wipe them down. Deep clean them once a week or as needed.

  1. Is it okay to wash boxing gloves in the washing machine?

No. Always clean them by hand to keep them safe.

  1. What is the best way to clean the inside of gloves?

Use a vinegar-water solution to spray, wipe, and let air dry.

  1. How do I get rid of unwanted smells?

Use deodorant for gloves, anti-bacterial spray, or newspaper.

  1. Is it okay to clean shin guards the same way?

Yes. Wipe, clean, and let air dry; don't use a machine to dry.