Boxing gloves definitely do not have an “eternal life.” Especially people with less experience in martial arts expect boxing gloves to last for years. However, this is absolutely not the case.
To explain it briefly and clearly, you can somewhat compare boxing gloves to sneakers. The better you take care of your sneakers, the longer they stay looking good, but even then they will not last for years.
The better you take care of your boxing gloves, the longer they will last and the longer they will continue to smell fresh.
The basic principles for maintaining and keeping your boxing gloves fresh:
- Always use clean handwraps, gelwraps or inner gloves
- Take them out of your bag immediately after training.
- Wipe the outside with a clean, dry cloth.
- Use a deodorizer to help your boxing gloves dry faster and more thoroughly on the inside.
- Store them in a cool, dry place with good natural ventilation.
- Optionally use an antibacterial spray.
- For leather boxing gloves: use leather grease/leather conditioner once a month to prevent cracks and drying out.
Use clean handwraps, gelwraps or inner gloves
This goes without saying: start every training session with fresh, washed handwraps. That is why it is always advisable to have several sets of handwraps. If your handwraps are clean, they will not transfer bacteria or odors to your boxing gloves.
Take your boxing gloves out of your gymbag immediately after arriving home
Nowadays, there are wonderfully designed gymbags with separate, ventilated compartments for your boxing gloves. This is especially useful if you are away for a little longer and your boxing gloves therefore need to remain in your bag for longer after use.
Once you get home, take your boxing gloves out of your gymbag and let them dry properly. It is best to wipe the outside with a simple dry cloth, such as a towel or microfiber cloth.
You can optionally use a very small amount of non-abrasive cleaning product. During training, the striking surface of your boxing gloves frequently comes into contact with your training partner or their clothing. Human sweat contains salt and organic substances such as amino acids; these can start to damage your boxing gloves if you do not wipe them off.
Use a deodorizer to let the inside of your boxing gloves dry properly
They did not exist in the past, but Deodorizers are truly a fantastic invention for your boxing gloves. In simple terms, they are “moisture absorbers.” Most Deodorizers are made from a combination of carbon and moso bamboo. Bamboo is resistant to bacteria (think of cutting boards in the kitchen), and carbon atoms can absorb enormous amounts of moisture.
Deodorizers help remove moisture and sweat from your boxing gloves more quickly. By putting a deodorizer inside your boxing gloves, the inside will dry much faster.
Store your boxing gloves in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place
This can simply be your room, assuming you air it out from time to time and it does not get extremely hot. NEVER place your boxing gloves (leather or synthetic leather) on a stove or radiator to dry.
Also NEVER place your boxing gloves in direct sunlight, because besides causing them to discolor, this is not good for the outer layer of boxing gloves. It is disastrous for leather boxing gloves, but hot sunlight is also harmful to synthetic leather boxing gloves.
Use a pleasantly fresh antibacterial spray to keep your boxing gloves hygienically clean
This is also a very useful invention that we can make grateful use of. Various manufacturers have developed sprays to keep boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves hygienically fresh.
Bad smells and unpleasant odors are caused by bacteria. Antibacterial products, such as sprays, ensure that these are removed from your boxing gloves or other sports equipment (such as headgear and shin guards).
These special sprays are not the same as regular deodorant, which will only temporarily mask the odor in a boxing glove without addressing it thoroughly!
Antibacterial sprays have rightly been bestsellers for years and are guaranteed to work if you start using them from the beginning.
Care for the outside of your leather boxing gloves with leather grease or Vaseline
If you want to train enthusiastically in (kick)boxing, you will usually naturally buy boxing gloves made of genuine leather. However, even though most types of leather are made from high-quality and durable material, leather boxing gloves will not last forever either. Do not forget that boxing gloves have to withstand hard punches and kicks time and time again.
It is important not to let the leather of your boxing gloves dry out. When leather dries out, it becomes stiff and cracks develop. As a result, the leather will tear more easily.
You can significantly slow down this process by using leather grease. Apply the leather grease thoroughly with a cloth or sponge and let it soak in for some time. Afterward, you can polish the boxing gloves nicely.
With regular use, the leather will remain wonderfully supple and water-repellent. Vaseline can also be used to treat your boxing gloves, helping prevent hairline cracks and keep the leather supple.
Care for boxing gloves and care products
Keeping your boxing gloves fresh and in good condition is therefore largely in your own hands. The cheapest solution is to always wear clean handwraps and let your gloves air out properly. If you do this consistently, you can continue training with wonderfully fresh boxing gloves for longer.
