How to Clean Boxing Gloves and Stop the Smell for Good
Quick answer: After every session, wipe the outside, open the gloves fully and let them air-dry for 24 hours away from direct heat. Once a week, wipe the inside lining with a mild disinfectant. Never soak leather gloves or put them in a washing machine or dryer.
Sweat soaks into the padding every round. Left in a closed gym bag, that moisture becomes the perfect home for bacteria, which causes the smell and slowly breaks down the leather. The good news: keeping gloves fresh takes about five minutes.
The after-every-session routine
- Remove your wraps first and hang them to dry separately.
- Wipe the outside with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water. Dry metallic finishes with a dry cloth only.
- Open the gloves wide. Undo velcro fully or loosen laces so air can reach the inside.
- Air-dry for 24 hours in a ventilated room, never on a radiator, heater or in direct sun.
The weekly deep clean
- Mix water with a little mild disinfectant or white vinegar (about 1:1).
- Lightly mist or wipe the inner lining; do not soak it.
- Wipe the outside with the same cloth.
- Stuff the gloves with newspaper or cedar inserts to pull out moisture, and dry for a full day.
Mistakes that ruin gloves
| Mistake | What it does |
|---|---|
| Leaving gloves in a closed bag | Traps moisture and breeds bacteria |
| Washing machine or soaking | Breaks down foam and cracks leather |
| Radiator or hair dryer | Dries leather out and causes cracking |
| Training without wraps | Sweat goes straight into the padding |
| Strong chemical sprays | Dulls metallic finishes and dries leather |
Already smelly? Rescue plan
Sprinkle baking soda inside, leave overnight, then shake it out. Follow with the weekly deep clean and two full days of drying. If the smell returns quickly, the padding is saturated and it may be time for a new pair; see how long boxing gloves last.
Leather conditioning
Every one to two months, rub a small amount of leather conditioner into the outside of non-metallic gloves. It keeps the leather supple and prevents cracks at the knuckles and thumb.
Looking for a fresh pair? Shop all boxing gloves, or light colours like the Cleto Reyes White if you are ready for the upkeep.
Keep reading
- How to break in new leather boxing gloves
- How long do boxing gloves last?
- How to wrap your hands for boxing
Cleaning Boxing Gloves FAQ
Can I put boxing gloves in the washing machine?
No. Washing machines soak the padding and crack the leather. Clean them by hand with a damp cloth and let them air-dry.
How do I get the smell out of boxing gloves?
Dry them fully after every session, use baking soda overnight, then wipe the lining with a mild disinfectant and dry again.
How long should gloves dry between sessions?
Around 24 hours open in a ventilated room. If you train daily, rotate two pairs.
Can I use antibacterial wipes on leather gloves?
Gentle, alcohol-free wipes are fine occasionally. Avoid harsh chemicals on metallic finishes.
