How to Clean Boxing Equipment: Keep Your Gear Fresh and Lasting

Combat sports equipment takes a beating — and it absorbs an enormous amount of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Without proper cleaning, your gear becomes a breeding ground for staph infections, ringworm, and MRSA. Plus, it'll clear the locker room when you open your bag. Here's how to keep everything clean and long-lasting.

Boxing Gloves

After every session: Wipe the inside and outside with antibacterial wipes or a spray solution (equal parts water and white vinegar, or a commercial antibacterial spray). Open the gloves wide and stuff them with newspaper or cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture.

Weekly: Spray the interior with a tea tree oil solution (10 drops in a spray bottle of water). Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial. Let the gloves air dry completely — never use a hair dryer or put them in direct sunlight, which can crack leather.

Never do: Put gloves in the washing machine, submerge them in water, or store them in your gym bag overnight.

Hand Wraps

After every session: Hang to air dry immediately. Don't ball them up in your bag.

Weekly: Machine wash in a mesh laundry bag on cold/warm cycle with mild detergent. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat. Wash after every 2-3 uses maximum.

Headgear

After every use: Wipe inside and outside with antibacterial wipes. Pay special attention to the forehead padding and chin strap — these areas accumulate the most sweat.

Monthly: Hand wash with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry completely before storing. Headgear with removable liners should have the liners washed separately.

Shin Guards

After every session: Wipe down with antibacterial spray. Stand them up or hang them to dry — never store wet.

Weekly: Wash with mild soap and water if needed. Fabric-covered shin guards can develop odor faster than leather ones and may need more frequent deep cleaning.

Mouthguard

After every use: Rinse with cold water immediately. Brush gently with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Store in a ventilated case — never in a sealed container while wet.

Weekly: Soak in mouthguard cleaning solution or diluted hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes.

Gym Bag

Your gym bag itself needs cleaning. Empty it completely weekly and wipe down the interior with antibacterial spray. Wash machine-washable bags monthly. Consider using a bag with ventilation panels or mesh pockets to prevent moisture buildup. Throw a dryer sheet or cedar block in the bag between sessions.

General Tips

Buy a designated gear drying rack for your home. Let everything air out immediately after training. Never store wet gear in a closed bag or locker. Invest in antimicrobial gear spray — it's inexpensive insurance against infections. Replace gear when cleaning no longer eliminates odor — persistent smell indicates bacterial penetration into the padding.