Boxing gloves go through heavy use and sweat during training, which can lead to bad odors, cracked leather and worn-out padding. With a little routine maintenance, you can dramatically increase their lifespan and keep them hygienic and comfortable. Here are five key care tips every boxer should follow.
1. Wipe Away Sweat After Every Use
After training, use a dry microfiber towel to wipe the inside and outside of your gloves. Removing surface moisture prevents bacteria buildup and protects stitching and padding from deteriorating. This quick habit is one of the easiest ways to keep gloves cleaner and longer-lasting.
2. Air Them Out Properly
Don’t leave your gloves trapped inside your gym bag. Open the wrist straps wide and place them in a cool, ventilated spot to dry completely. Good airflow stops molding, eliminates trapped moisture, and keeps the inner lining fresher between sessions.
3. Use Glove Deodorizers or Stuffing
Insert moisture-absorbing deodorizers filled with cedar chips or activated charcoal to pull sweat from inside the glove. Inexpensive options like newspaper also work when stuffed gently into the glove, reducing odor and helping the inner foam dry faster overnight.

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4. Disinfect Them Occasionally
Every couple of weeks, lightly spray a glove-safe antibacterial cleaner inside your gloves and wipe off excess residue. This helps kill lingering germs without soaking the padding. Avoid harsh chemicals or machine washing, as these damage the inner structure and reduce protection.
5. Store Them in the Right Place
Between sessions, store your gloves in a cool, dry environment — never in direct sunlight, hot car trunks, or damp basements. Extreme temperatures or humidity can crack leather, warp foam, and encourage bacterial growth, shortening the usable life of your gloves.
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