Your boxing gloves take a beating – both literally and in the form of sweat and wear. But with a few simple habits, you can easily keep them fresher for longer. Here are our top tips on how to avoid bad odors and extend the life of your gloves.
1. Wipe them down after every workout
This is probably the most important tip. Wipe your boxing gloves with paper or a dry cloth as soon as you finish your workout. The faster you get the sweat off, the harder it will be for bacteria to create that nasty smell we all know.
2. Give them some air!
Don't throw your gloves in your gym bag and leave them lying around. This creates a humid environment where bacteria thrive. Instead: Open them completely and put them somewhere they can get air – preferably somewhere with a little draft or near a fan.
3. Use scented sachets or a good spray
If you want to take it a step further, use scented sachets or an odor eliminator spray in your gloves. They help keep them dry and remove the worst odor. At Badrshop, we have both scented sachets from SmellWell and NoStink , and effective sprays from, among others, Booster .
4. Have more than one pair of gloves
Do you train often? Consider having two sets of boxing gloves – for example, one pair for sparring and another for punching bags and pads. This gives your gloves time to dry properly between workouts and protects the material.
5. Use hand sanitizer – every time
Hand wraps are not just for protection – they also absorb some of the sweat so your gloves don't get completely soaked. But remember: hand wraps also need to be washed! Preferably after every workout – and at least after 3-5 times, if it's to be reasonably healthy.
Also remember to avoid this:
- Avoid overspraying. A few sprays are enough – more doesn't necessarily do any good and can actually damage the material.
- Don't leave them in the sun. It dries out and can ruin the leather of your gloves.
Briefly summarized
Do you want to avoid sour smells and worn-out gloves?
→ Wipe them down, let them air out, use scented sachets, keep the handkerchiefs clean and consider having multiple pairs.
At Badrshop , we have everything you need to keep your equipment in top shape – whether you're a beginner or a regular trainer several times a week.
