Anyone that has ever trained in boxing gloves knows the importance of caring for the gloves. The leather on boxing gloves has to be carefully cared for so they are always ready to use. If you adhere to the following you will see your boxing gloves last longer and remain intact.
Here are some pro recommendations for glove maintenance.
– First and foremost NEVER place your gloves in a washing machine. The heat and the physical movements of the washer will break down the leather quicker than anything else.
– To clean the boxing gloves you want to dampen a cloth with warm water and then add some mild soap (i.e. hand soap) and wipe down both sides of your boxing gloves. Be concentrated in the areas where you perspire most (i.e. palm).
– Allow your boxing gloves to air dry. A blow dryer may speed up this process but be careful not to heat up the inside of the glove too much as it may break down materials in the lining or even shrink a training glove.
– Your boxing gloves will also need to be conditioned (like your skin). To condition the boxing gloves you want to prepare a separate bucket with warm water and get one of those towels that are made for washing cars. You can get these at any local grocery store. Wring out the excess water from the towel so it is not dripping but
– You can use a mild leather conditioner (i.e. Lexol) to strengthen the leather and absorb any excess water that remained after air drying. An alternative to store-bought leather conditioners is olive oil; it has been used for years by athletes to soften, preserve and restore leather objects such as boots, leather jackets, and baseball mitts.
– You can also purchase a spray conditioner that is easier to use but does not last as long as using a leather lotion.
– Store your boxing gloves in an airtight bag so they do not collect dust and dirt. If the training gloves are lace-up or have Velcro fasteners make sure they are tightly closed so that the Velcro does not come apart.
– It is a good idea to clean your gloves before you put them away, especially after a training session. When you pull them out of the bag to use again the next time they will feel and smell fresh!
A couple of things to be aware of
– Do not store your boxing gloves in the direct sunlight. The sun will deteriorate the leather.
– Do not store your boxing gloves in a humid area such as a bathroom, outdoors or near an air conditioning unit. Again this is to prevent the deterioration of the leather and/or lining of your training gloves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking a few simple steps will keep your boxing gloves in good shape. The most important thing to remember is not to put them in the washing machine and allow them time to air dry after training or practice sessions. A little bit of care goes a long way!
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