If you’re serious about MMA training, you know that keeping your gloves clean is a must. After all, they’re your most-used piece of gear, taking on sweat, dirt, and germs with every session. Whether you’re training for competition, self-defense, or fitness, maintaining your gloves not only helps them last longer but also ensures you stay healthy and comfortable.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to clean your MMA gloves, so they stay fresh, durable, and ready for your next fight or workout.
Why Clean Your MMA Gloves?
Before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s first talk about why it’s so important:
- Hygiene: Gloves collect sweat, bacteria, and oils from your hands. If left uncleaned, this can lead to unpleasant odors and skin infections, such as fungal growth or rashes.
- Durability: Over time, accumulated grime can degrade the materials of your gloves, causing the stitching to weaken or the padding to break down. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.
- Comfort: Nothing is worse than slipping your hand into a smelly, damp glove. Cleaning helps keep your gloves comfortable and ensures they fit well.
- Smell Control: MMA gloves often develop a strong odor after intense training sessions. Cleaning them helps eliminate unpleasant smells, leaving your gloves fresh and ready to go.
How Often Should You Clean MMA Gloves?
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you train. If you’re a daily user, cleaning your gloves every 1-2 weeks is recommended. For those who train less frequently, a monthly cleaning may suffice. However, if you notice a strong odor or visible dirt, don’t hesitate to clean them immediately.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning MMA Gloves
1. Dry Them After Each Use
After each session, make sure to dry your gloves thoroughly. This is the most important step in preventing bacteria and odor buildup.
- Remove the liners: If your gloves have removable liners, take them out to air dry. If not, turn the gloves inside out.
- Drying method: Place the gloves in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to heat can damage the materials.
- Stuff them with newspaper: If your gloves are very damp, stuff them with crumpled newspaper. This will help absorb moisture and speed up the drying process.
Pro Tip: You can use a specialized glove dryer (like a hand-shaped glove dryer) to gently dry them, but always avoid using a heater or a clothes dryer.
2. Wipe Down the Exterior
Once your gloves are dry, it’s time to wipe down the exterior. This helps remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria that can accumulate on the surface.
- Use a damp cloth: Dampen a soft cloth with warm water (make sure it’s not soaking wet). Wipe down the entire surface of the gloves, paying special attention to the palm and finger areas.
- Mild soap solution: If the gloves are especially dirty, mix a small amount of mild soap (like dish soap) with water and use the solution to gently clean them. Be sure to rinse the cloth frequently and avoid getting the gloves too wet.
Important: Avoid using harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the gloves’ material. Never use bleach, ammonia, or other strong chemicals.
3. Deep Clean with a Disinfectant Spray
To kill bacteria and remove odors, a disinfectant spray is an effective way to freshen up your MMA gloves.
- Choose a suitable disinfectant: Look for a disinfectant designed for sports gear or one that’s safe for leather and synthetic materials. Avoid harsh sprays that could irritate your skin.
- Spray the inside: Lightly spray the inside of the gloves, particularly the palm area, where sweat and bacteria tend to build up. Allow the spray to sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
- Let them air dry: After spraying the disinfectant, let your gloves dry completely before using them again. This ensures that the disinfectant doesn’t leave any residue.
Pro Tip: Some MMA practitioners use natural alternatives, like a mixture of water and vinegar or tea tree oil, to disinfect gloves. Just ensure that the scent isn’t overpowering and doesn’t linger.
4. Deodorize Your Gloves
Even after cleaning, MMA gloves can sometimes develop a lingering odor. Here are a few ways to freshen them up:
- Baking soda: Place a small amount of baking soda inside each glove and leave it overnight. This will absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Shake out any excess baking soda before you use the gloves again.
- Essential oils: A few drops of essential oils (like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon) can help give your gloves a pleasant scent. Just don’t overdo it—too much oil could affect the material.
- Commercial deodorizing sprays: There are also specialized sprays designed specifically to deodorize sports gear, including MMA gloves. Look for one that’s safe for the materials your gloves are made of.
5. Conditioning (For Leather Gloves)
If your MMA gloves are made of leather, they will require a bit of extra care to maintain their softness and flexibility.
- Use a leather conditioner: After cleaning, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a soft cloth. Gently rub it onto the leather to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
- Avoid over-conditioning: Too much conditioner can lead to greasy residue or affect the glove’s grip. Apply just enough to keep the leather moisturized.
Pro Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and conditioning to avoid damaging the gloves.
What Not to Do When Cleaning MMA Gloves
- Avoid soaking: Never soak your gloves in water or submerge them for prolonged periods. This can damage the padding, stitching, and leather.
- No heat sources: Never dry your gloves using a hair dryer, heater, or direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause the materials to warp, crack, or deteriorate.
- Don’t use bleach: Bleach and strong chemicals can break down the materials of your gloves and cause skin irritation when you wear them.
FAQ: Cleaning MMA Gloves
1. Can I wash my MMA gloves in a washing machine?
It’s not recommended. Washing machines can damage the gloves’ stitching, padding, and overall structure. Hand cleaning is the safest method.
2. How can I get rid of the bad smell in my gloves?
Try sprinkling baking soda inside your gloves or using a deodorizing spray. Make sure your gloves are dry before storing them to prevent bacteria buildup.
3. How often should I clean my MMA gloves?
At a minimum, you should clean your gloves once every 1-2 weeks. However, if they start to smell or appear dirty, it’s a good idea to clean them immediately.
4. What’s the best way to dry my MMA gloves after use?
Air-dry your gloves by placing them in a well-ventilated area. You can also stuff them with newspaper to speed up the drying process.
5. Are there any natural cleaning solutions I can use?
Yes! A mixture of water and vinegar or a few drops of tea tree oil in water can serve as natural disinfectants. Just be sure to test a small area before using it extensively.
6. Do MMA gloves need special care for longevity?
Yes, especially leather gloves. Conditioning them with a leather conditioner will help keep the material flexible and prevent cracking. Regular cleaning and drying also ensure that they last longer.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your MMA gloves may seem like a hassle, but it’s essential to maintaining both the hygiene and durability of your gear. A clean pair of gloves not only feels better to wear but also prevents potential health issues from bacteria and sweat buildup. By following the tips above and incorporating good hygiene practices into your routine, you can extend the lifespan of your gloves and keep them in top condition for all your training sessions.
So, remember to clean them regularly, dry them properly, and give them the care they deserve. Your hands will thank you!
