Tips and tricks on how to wash and care for boxing gloves

Sportswear has a fairly high price, including boxing gloves.

Given their complex design (several layers of material, filler and outer upholstery made of leather, or in budget versions of a leather substitute), due attention should be paid to the peculiarities of caring for them.

In the article, we will consider in detail whether it is possible and how to wash boxing gloves in the washing machine and by hand, how to dry them properly, which detergent to choose for care, and also how to get rid of the unpleasant smell inside.

Is it possible?

Due to the design features, both hand and machine wash highly not recommended... The fact is that a large amount of water has a detrimental effect on the material from which they are made.

This is due to a number of factors:

1. A large amount of water, incorrect choice of the mode when washing in a washing machine, mistakes during hand washing, as well as violation of the drying rules can lead to the fact that natural leather hardens and loses its elasticity, and leatherette simply cracks.
2. The filler will absorb a lot of moisture and will clump together during the drying process.
3. As the drying process takes a long time, the fabric can start to rot during the drying process, and harmful bacteria can form on the inside of the upholstery, which can cause irritation, allergic reactions and an unpleasant odor.

If washing still cannot be avoided, you need to reduce its amount to a minimum, while observing certain rules.

Features of the choice of detergent

The main thing is not to use low-quality, cheap powders. It is better to refuse the powder altogether, because even choosing an expensive brand, when washing, the grains can clog in the filler or pores of the skin, and it will not be possible to rinse them thoroughly.

A good option for washing would be:

• shampoo;
• fabric softener;
• mild detergent;
• cream-gel for delicate fabrics.

In the washing machine

What you need to know if you decide to use a washing machine:

1. Each glove must be put in special bags. This minimizes the risk of damage to the drum cover.
2. After loading, you should select the most delicate wash cycle, we recommend the "Hand wash" function.
3. The temperature is not higher than 40 degrees. Optimum is 30 degrees Celsius.
4. It is strictly forbidden to use the spin mode.
5. It is also impossible to twist them: the water must drain on its own. To speed up this process, it is allowed to lightly squeeze the gloves several times.

This is an extreme measure, if there is a possibility not to do it - refrain. Washing in a washing machine may damage the product.

Manually

The process practically does not differ from the previous method:

• gloves must be soaked in warm, soapy water for several hours; it is not recommended to carry out this procedure for more than four hours;
• clean the outer part with the non-abrasive side of the sponge;
• the inside is cleaned using a soft brush;
• it is forbidden to twist them, the best option would be to let the water drain naturally or, to speed up the process, slightly squeeze it several times.

Wet processing

This method is the best of all. To maintain a neat appearance and overall service life, it is necessary to perform several actions after each training or fight:

1. Upon arrival home, immediately take out the gloves from the sports bag, and it is better to wear them separately. The more they are ventilated, the better.
2. Make a solution with two glasses of warm water and a teaspoon of detergent. Adding a couple of drops of ammonia will allow you to more effectively get rid of complex contaminants.
3. The outer part is wiped with a small piece of cloth slightly moistened with the solution. After that, the procedure is repeated, but using a soft, dry cloth.
4. To clean the inside, use a vinegar solution: for this you need to mix water and apple cider vinegar or ordinary table vinegar (1: 1 ratio). For a disinfecting effect, two to three drops of essential oil can be added to the mixture. Pour this liquid into a container and spray with a spray bottle, then wipe thoroughly with a dry towel.

Dry cleaning

Using this method is noticeably better than the previous two, but it also has some risks.... This method will not remove tough dirt, but is good for regular maintenance:

1. After training, you need to remove the gloves from the bag as soon as possible.
2. Using a clean, dry towel, carefully wipe the outside of each of them, removing all moisture.
3. The same must be done with the inside. To achieve the best effect, you need to wrap your hand in a towel, insert it into the glove and move it well inside. This will help the towel absorb any accumulated moisture and perspiration.
4. To eliminate bacteria, gloves can be placed in a cold room overnight.

Temperatures below zero Celsius negatively affect the outer coating of the product.

How to dry?

Whether the gloves were washed or not, after class, they must be dried.

There are also several rules for this procedure. The main thing is not to leave them to dry on heaters, and also to minimize their exposure to the open sun.

It is not forbidden to dry the product in the sun completely, but it is recommended to leave it for 30 minutesas the sun's rays have a negative effect on the skin.

Here are 3 common ways to dry boxing gloves:

Using newspapers

This effective folk method will remove excess moisture inside the product.

This will require:

• open gloves as much as possible;
• crumple the newspaper into a small ball and place it inside each glove, you can also use toilet paper;
• leave for a while and check periodically;
• if the newspaper has absorbed moisture, replace the layer with a dry one;
• repeat this procedure until completely dry.

On the shoe dryer

This method involves self-drying the product. It is necessary to open the base of the gloves as wide as possible, and fasten the Velcro or lacing. After hang or simply put on top of the dryer and wait for drying.

Using a hair dryer

If you need to dry your gloves very quickly, a regular hairdryer will come to the rescue, if you have one at hand.

The main thing is to turn it on in the cold air supply mode.as warm gloves may be harmful.

Point the hair dryer inside the glove and dry it for a while, about 3-5 minutes, then check the result.

If necessary, continue the procedure until completely dry... Then you can move on to another glove.

How to wash bandages?

The main rule to follow is to wash them separately. The difference between washing gloves is that the bandages carry it in any mode and at any temperature.

Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to place them in a special bag. The same detergents are used as for gloves.

How to eliminate an unpleasant smell inside?

To reduce the amount of effort to eliminate odor, follow 3 rules:

1. Wear gloves outside of your duffel bag so they get more fresh air and odor won't linger.
2. Wrap the bandages first and then wear gloves. This will reduce the amount of moisture inside the product.
3. Do not neglect the rules of care after each use.

Folk ways

In every home there are many tools at hand that can be used to eliminate third-party odors, for example:

1. After completing the initial processing, place one tea bag inside the gloves. They will absorb sweat and refresh the product.
2. The vinegar compress will help get rid of bacteria and remove odors. Simply soak a piece of cotton wool in vinegar and place it inside each glove. After that, the product must be well ventilated.
3. If the previous two can be used daily, then this method is more radical and suitable for heavy pollution. Pour a bottle of hydrogen peroxide inside the gloves, shake the gloves well and let stand for a couple of minutes. Then dry them and ventilate them in the fresh air for 3 days.

Chemicals

If you do not trust folk methods, you can go to the nearest household goods store and buy the following products:

1. Salamander antibacterial spray... Eliminates and prevents unpleasant odors for a long time. Recommended to use 2-3 hours before training.
2. NoStink Pillow Deodorant... An alternative to the folk method using tea bags. Just place one pad inside each glove.
3. Collonil spray... It will get rid of the smell for a long time. Among all, it has the highest price.

How to minimize the frequency of washing?

To wash your gloves as little or not to wash them at all, follow a few simple steps to keep your gloves looking good and overall useful.

The rules are simple:

• provide adequate access to fresh air;
• process them after class;
• dry in ventilated areas or use newspapers;
• Wear boxing bandages before fighting or training.

Related Videos

How to Care for Boxing Gloves Video Tips:

Conclusion

That's all, we have considered all the nuances associated with washing and caring for boxing gloves. All methods are more or less effective. The best option would be to take care of them regularly..

The instructions above will help you make your choice. This will minimize the discomfort from exercising and extend the overall service time.