Can You Wash Boxing Gloves? Tips and Tricks To Remember

If you’ve ever unzipped your gym bag and been hit with that smell, you already know—boxing gloves don’t stay fresh on their own. After a few solid training sessions, sweat builds up, bacteria settles in, and your gloves can become the stinkiest item you own. Naturally, you wonder: Can you wash boxing gloves?

The short answer is not in the way you wash your workout clothes. But don’t worry—keeping your gloves clean and odor-free is easier than you think. Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of boxing glove cleaning, along with simple tricks to help you extend their lifespan.

Why Boxing Gloves Start to Smell

Boxing gloves are like a mini sauna for your hands. You’re sweating, your hand wraps are soaked, and there’s limited airflow inside. Combine that with poor drying habits, and it becomes a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

Common causes of glove odor:

• Trapped sweat in the inner lining
• Bacteria buildup from repeated use
• Hand wraps not being cleaned regularly
• Gloves left in closed gym bags after training

Can You Wash Boxing Gloves? Here’s What You Need to Know

Never machine wash or soak your gloves

Boxing gloves—especially those made with real or synthetic leather—should never go in the washing machine or get soaked in water. It can:

• Break down the padding
• Damage stitching and materials
• Cause mold if gloves don’t dry completely
• Make gloves stiff and unusable

Yes, you can clean and deodorize them—here’s how

Proper glove care involves manual cleaning using safe products and drying techniques that won’t damage the structure of your gloves.

How to Clean Boxing Gloves: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Wipe them down after every session

• Use a clean, dry towel to absorb sweat inside and out
• Focus on the inner lining and around the wrist area

2. Disinfect with a gentle spray

• Use an alcohol-free disinfectant made for sports gear
• Or mix a solution with water, white vinegar, and tea tree oil
• Spray lightly and let it sit for a few minutes before drying

3. Air dry your gloves properly

• Open the wrist straps fully
• Insert glove dogs, newspaper, or cedar inserts to absorb moisture
• Let gloves dry in a cool, ventilated area (never in direct heat)

4. Use glove deodorizers

• Cedar chips, activated charcoal inserts, or glove dogs can absorb odor
• These can be stored in the gloves between uses to prevent moisture buildup

How to Prevent Boxing Glove Odor in the First Place

The best way to fight odor is to prevent it from starting. Here’s how:

Wear clean hand wraps

Always train with clean, dry wraps. Dirty wraps transfer bacteria and sweat into your gloves.
Check out our boxing hand wraps collection for wraps designed for female fighters.

Use breathable gloves

Choose gloves with ventilated mesh palms like the women’s hybrid boxing gloves, made to improve airflow and reduce interior sweat.

Rotate gloves if you train often

Alternate between two pairs if you’re training multiple times a week. This gives each pair time to fully dry between sessions.

Don’t leave gloves in your gym bag

After training, take your gloves out and let them breathe—even if you can’t clean them immediately.

Bonus: What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Gloves

Neglecting glove care won’t just make your gear stink. It can lead to:

• Irritated skin and rashes
• Faster glove breakdown (shorter lifespan)
• Bacterial transfer to your hands or other gear
• A gross, soggy glove you don’t want to put your hand in again

When It’s Time to Replace Your Gloves

Even with proper care, gloves won’t last forever. Here are signs it’s time for a new pair:

• Padding feels flat or uneven
• Odor persists despite cleaning
• Inside lining is cracked or stiff
• Stitching is coming loose

Looking for a new pair? Browse our full women’s boxing gloves collection or upgrade with a boxing bundle that includes gloves and wraps.

You can also explore:

• Women’s sparring gloves
• Ladies boxing mitts
• Fitness gloves for cross-training

Final Tips for Boxing Glove Care

• Never machine wash your gloves
• Use glove inserts or newspaper to help dry them
• Disinfect and deodorize regularly
• Don’t store gloves wet or zipped in your bag
• Make glove care part of your post-workout routine

Conclusion: Protect Your Gloves, Protect Your Training

Your gloves are an investment in your performance—and your hygiene. Taking just a few minutes after each session to clean and air them out can keep them fresh, safe, and durable for many rounds to come.

Want gloves built for hard training and easy care? Explore Tussle Gear's women’s boxing gloves and find a pair that works as hard as you do.