Protect Your Gear, Protect Your Game
Your MMA gloves are more than just equipment — they’re an extension of your hands, your work ethic, and your hygiene.
Whether you’re training every day or just getting started, properly cleaning and maintaining your gloves will extend their life, prevent odor, and protect your health.
Sweat, bacteria, and humidity are a dangerous mix. Without care, your gloves can become breeding grounds for germs — leading to skin irritation or even infections.
Let’s break down how to keep your gloves clean, fresh, and fight-ready.
Why Cleaning Your Gloves Matters
After every training session, your gloves absorb sweat, oils, and bacteria from your hands and the gym environment. Over time, that buildup leads to:
- Odor caused by bacteria and mildew
- Material breakdown (cracking leather, peeling padding)
- Skin irritation and risk of infection
- Shorter glove lifespan
Proper cleaning prevents these issues and keeps your gloves looking and smelling like new.
Step 1: Wipe Down After Every Use
The first rule of glove care — don’t wait until they smell.
Immediately after training, wipe your gloves inside and out.
How to do it:
- Use a clean towel or microfiber cloth to remove surface sweat.
- Spray a light disinfectant or vinegar-water mix (1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water).
- Wipe again with a dry cloth.
- Never soak your gloves — moisture ruins padding.
This simple step prevents bacteria from settling in.
Step 2: Air Them Out
Sweaty gloves in a closed gym bag? That’s a recipe for disaster.
Instead:
- Open the gloves fully after every session.
- Place them in a cool, dry area with airflow.
- Use a fan or open window if needed.
Avoid direct sunlight or heaters — high heat can crack synthetic or leather material.
Pro tip: Use a glove drying rack or hang them on a hook to allow air circulation inside.
Step 3: Use Glove Deodorizers
Glove deodorizers (small inserts filled with moisture-absorbing material) help keep your gloves fresh between sessions.
Options include:
- Cedar-filled pouches (natural antibacterial properties)
- Activated charcoal inserts
- DIY solution: cotton socks filled with baking soda or cat litter
Insert them after each session to absorb leftover moisture and odor.
Step 4: Clean the Interior Weekly
Even if you wipe them down daily, the inside of your gloves still traps bacteria over time.
Once a week:
- Lightly dampen a cloth with disinfectant spray or vinegar mix.
- Wipe the inner lining gently — don’t oversaturate.
- Let the gloves dry completely before the next session.
If your gloves have removable inner padding, wash or replace it regularly.
Step 5: Keep Your Hands Clean
Clean gloves start with clean hands.
Before training:
- Wash hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer.
- Wear hand wraps — they absorb most sweat and protect the glove’s interior.
- Rotate wraps regularly and wash them after every use.
This simple habit drastically reduces glove odor and bacteria buildup.
Step 6: Deep Clean Every Month
For long-term maintenance, give your gloves a deeper cleaning once a month.
Here’s how:
- Mix mild soap with warm water.
- Use a soft cloth to gently clean the glove exterior.
- Wipe with a damp cloth to remove residue.
- Air dry thoroughly — at least 24 hours.
If your gloves are made of leather, apply a leather conditioner afterward to prevent cracking and maintain shine.
Step 7: Store Properly
Don’t toss your gloves into a closed gym bag after training — that traps moisture.
Instead:
- Use a breathable mesh bag or store them outside your main gym bag.
- Avoid damp or humid areas (like bathrooms or basements).
- Keep them out of direct sunlight for long periods.
Proper storage ensures longevity and freshness.
Step 8: Know When to Replace Them
Even with perfect care, gloves don’t last forever.
If you notice:
- Flattened padding
- Torn seams or cracking
- Persistent odor even after cleaning
…it’s time to retire them. Old gloves can cause injury due to lack of proper protection.
Recommended Maintenance Routine
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| After every session | Wipe down and air out |
| Weekly | Light interior cleaning |
| Monthly | Deep clean + condition |
| Ongoing | Use deodorizer inserts |
Following this simple schedule will extend your gloves’ life by months — even years.
Key Takeaways
- Wipe and air out your gloves after every session.
- Use deodorizers and wraps to prevent odor buildup.
- Deep clean monthly and condition leather regularly.
- Store gloves in a cool, ventilated area.
- Replace gloves once padding or odor becomes irreversible.
Your gloves protect your hands — take care of them like you do your body.
As Bas Rutten once said,
“If you take care of your tools, your tools take care of you.”