Caring for your boxing gloves
You decided to take up some form of boxing, whether as a
fitness workout or a competitive sport. You took the time to select the perfect
pair of boxing gloves for the type of boxing you perform, and you are putting
them through a fair amount of work. If you do not take proper care of your
gloves, they will quickly become grimy, smelly and dull-looking. Fortunately, handling
your boxing gloves correctly is neither
difficult nor time consuming. The key is knowing the right way to go about doing
so.
Wipe the gloves down after every use. Use a soft, clean
clothto rub the exterior of your gloves following a workout or match
to remove dirt, sweat and even blood from the leather or vinyl. Use
appropriate leather or vinyl cleaner to remove particularly
stubborn stains. Applying leather conditioner into
leather gloves every few months will help your boxing gloves stay supple
to prevent cracking and maintain a lustrous appearance. Storing boxing
gloves properly following and between uses will go a long way towards
keeping them smelling fresh and looking good. Open the gloves wide after
wearing them and avoid stashing them in your duffle bag or other confined
space. Carry them in a breathable cloth bag that will allow them to air out while
protecting them from scuffs and scratches instead. Keep your gloves in a cool,
dry place that is out of direct sunlight (may
cause cracking or discoloration) but allows adequate ventilation.
If your gloves have not been properly maintained and emit a foul smell,
there are steps you can take to remove the odor. One method is to fill clean
cotton socks with cedar chips or sawdust. Tie the ends of the socks or close
them using a rubber band and then stuff a sock into each
glove. Filling your boxing gloves with crumpled newspaper can also absorb
sweat and odors. If your gloves are particularly stinky, combine equal parts of
water, rubbing alcohol and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution
inside of the gloves and then stuff with newspaper or woodfilled
socks. The solution will help kill germs that cause odors.
