You don’t need fancy gear to box well. But you do need to look after the gear you’ve got, especially your gloves.

Because nothing kills the vibe faster than opening your gym bag and being hit with a smell that feels… personal.

Here’s how to keep your gloves clean, dry, and actually usable for longer than a few months without turning this into a high maintenance ritual.

Why Glove Care Matters (More Than You Think)

Boxing gloves don’t stink because they’re cheap.
They stink because they’re dark, damp, warm environments  basically a luxury Airbnb for bacteria.

If you:

• leave them zipped in your bag

• throw them in the boot after training

• or “deal with it later” (you won’t)

you’re shortening their lifespan and training with a hygiene hazard.

Good glove care means:

• less smell

• healthier hands

• longer lasting gear

• no awkward moments when someone else has to hold pads for you

Rule #1: Air Them Out Immediately

This one rule does most of the work.

As soon as you’re done training:

• Take your gloves out of your bag

• Open them wide

• Let air circulate inside

Do not:

• leave them in a closed bag

• leave them in the car

• leave them zipped up “just for tonight”

Sweat + darkness + time = chaos.

Rule #2: Wipe the Inside (Yes, the Inside)

After training, quickly wipe the inside of your gloves with:

• a clean cloth

• or a slightly damp cloth with mild soap

You’re not scrubbing them like dishes.
You’re removing the sweat film bacteria love.

Let them dry fully before storing them again.

Rule #3: Dry Is Non Negotiable

If your gloves are even slightly damp, they’re not done yet.

Best options:

• air dry in a ventilated space

• place near a fan

• use glove deodorisers or charcoal inserts

Avoid:

• direct sunlight for hours

• heaters

• hair dryers

• tumble dryers (absolutely not)

Heat cracks the padding and destroys the lining.

Rule #4: Deodorisers Are a Tool, Not a Fix

Glove deodorisers are great if you’re already drying your gloves properly.

They help:

• absorb moisture

• neutralise odour

They do not:

• fix gloves that live wet in your bag

• undo months of neglect

Use them after airing and wiping, not instead of it.

Rule #5: Don’t Share Gloves (Seriously)

This isn’t a bonding exercise.

Shared gloves = shared sweat = shared bacteria.

At Geelong Boxing Club, we strongly recommend:

• your own gloves

• your own wraps

• your own responsibility for them

Your hands will thank you.

What About Washing Gloves?

Short answer: don’t.

Longer answer:

• Never put boxing gloves in the washing machine

• Never soak them

• Never submerge them in water

It breaks down padding, ruins stitching, and guarantees they’ll never dry properly again.

If gloves are beyond saving, it’s time to replace them — not resuscitate them.

The Real Standard We Care About

We don’t expect perfection. We do expect care.

Looking after your gloves is part of:

• respecting your training

• respecting your body

• respecting the space and people around you

It’s a small habit that says, “I take this seriously.”

Need Help Choosing Gloves or Gear?

If you’re unsure what gloves to buy, how to break them in, or how to keep them in good shape ask us in the gym.

Geelong Boxing Club
Not a fight gym.
A place where people learn to train properly, and look after their gear while they’re at it.