Gloves Care: Do's & Don'ts
Muay Thai gloves are a significant investment for anyone who is even the tiniest bit committed to their training.. or just anyone who wants to avoid the dreaded and usually smelly communal gloves. A decent pair of gloves (sorry Kmart) will last you and your training years, but also will cost a bit of money. Meaning that you’d be wise in wanting to properly care for your gloves, to maintain their quality and extend their lifespan. In this guide, we'll outline some quick tips to help you maximise the value and lifespan of your gloves.
Wipe Down Your Gloves After Every Use
Sweat can build up in your gloves and cause them to stink. To prevent this, always wipe down the inside and outside of your gloves after each use with a dry cloth. This will help to remove any excess sweat and moisture.
You can simply wipe down with warm water, but it's recommended to use baby wipes, alcohol wipes, or any anti-bacterial spray/wipes to take the best care of your gloves.
Air Out Your Gloves
After wiping down your gloves, allow them to air out in a cool, dry place. Do not leave them in a gym bag or other confined space, as this can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Use Glove Deodorisers
Glove deodorisers are specially designed to remove odours and keep your gloves smelling fresh. You can purchase these online or at your local sporting goods store. Simply insert the deodorisers into your gloves after each use, and they will absorb any lingering moisture and neutralise any odours.
Quick tip: Scrunching up newspaper into your gloves is a budget alternative.
Don't Store Your Gloves Wet
If your gloves are wet, do not leave them in your gym bag! Instead, leave them out to air dry in a cool, dry place. This will prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew, which can cause your gloves to smell.
Use Hand Wraps
Wearing hand wraps under your gloves not only helps to give your hands an extra layer of protection, but can also help to absorb sweat and protect your gloves from sweat stains. Make sure to wash your hand wraps too! Smell them always before use.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight (especially in countries such as Thailand) can actually cause your gloves to fade and become brittle over time. Although leaving your gloves out to dry in the sun is a good idea – leaving them out too long is a bad idea. If you must, leave them out for a day, but it’s recommended to store your gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Quick tip: You can even dry your gloves by the fan! Fan drying your gloves is a great 'set it and forget it' way to effectively air out your gloves. And you don't have to worry about damaging your gloves either.
Use Leather Conditioner
If you have leather gloves, use a leather conditioner to keep them soft and supple. This will prevent cracking and extend the lifespan of your gloves. Simply apply the conditioner to your gloves every few months, or as needed, and watch the magic at work!
Don't Share Your Gloves
Sharing gloves with others can spread bacteria and other germs. There’s no harm in the rare or occasional try-before-you-buy for some of your mates. But - Don’t let your gloves become the new communal gloves!
Don't Leave Your Gloves in a Hot Car
We get it – sometimes it’s just easier to leave your gear in the car, so that you don’t forget to bring your gear, and that you’re always ready to train at any time. The issue with doing this in the Aussie summer? Extreme heat can cause your gloves to become brittle and crack. Do not leave your gloves in a hot car, as this can damage the leather and shorten the lifespan of your gloves – or worse, leave your car smelling.
Rotate Your Gloves
If you use the same gloves every day, they can become worn out more quickly. To extend the lifespan of your gloves, rotate them with a second pair. Some days your 16oz, other days your 12oz, etc. This will also give your gloves time to air out and prevent the buildup of sweat and bacteria. Variety is the spice of life after all!
If you already invest $$$ into your gloves, it’s highly recommended to try your best to take the best care of your gloves too! We hope these tips have helped you & your precious gloves out for your training needs.