How to Clean Muay Thai Gloves: Prevent Odours & Extend Glove Life

Muay Thai gloves are exposed to sweat, bacteria, and moisture every training session. Without regular care, odours can build up quickly, making gloves smell bad and degrading padding and lining faster than necessary.

This guide teaches you how to clean Muay Thai gloves properly, including preventative care, safe cleaning methods, storage tips, and how often you should clean them to keep them fresh and prolong lifespan.

Preventative Care: Keep Muay Thai Gloves Clean Between Sessions

Taking preventative steps after every session helps avoid bad smells and reduces the frequency of deeper cleaning sessions.

Wear Clean Hand Wraps

Hand wraps absorb sweat and help reduce moisture inside the gloves. Wash them regularly — dirty wraps will transfer odours and bacteria straight into your gloves.

Shop quality wraps: Muay Thai hand wraps.

Don’t Put Gloves Straight in Your Bag

Gym bags trap heat, sweat, and bacteria. Hanging gloves or placing them somewhere ventilated prevents bacteria from multiplying.

Wipe Down After Every Session

Use a paper towel or antibacterial wipe to remove surface sweat, dirt and bacteria — both inside and outside the gloves.

Deep Cleaning: How to Remove Odours from Muay Thai Gloves

Even with preventative care, gloves need deeper cleaning after repeated use. These methods can help eliminate bacteria and lingering smells.

Antibacterial Spray or Wipes

Spray the outside of the gloves and wipe with a clean towel. Open the gloves fully and spray the inside too. Leave them to air dry completely in a cool, ventilated space.

Scrub Folds, Creases & Seams

Dirt, sweat, and sweat residue lodge into stitching and folds. Use gentle force with a cloth or soft brush to clean these areas thoroughly.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial properties. Dab a small amount on a cloth and wipe over the gloves’ exterior. Leave overnight for odour neutralization. Baking soda works similarly.

Freeze Gloves Overnight (Optional)

Place gloves in a sealed plastic bag and freeze for 1–2 nights to help kill bacteria. This method is most effective when combined with other cleaning steps.

Do Not Boil Your Gloves

Boiling gloves damages padding, glue and leather. If smells persist despite cleaning, consider replacing your gloves instead of steam or boil methods.

How Often to Clean Muay Thai Gloves

Wipe and air out gloves after every training session. Plan a deeper clean every few sessions, especially after heavy sweating or intense training days.

How to Keep Gloves Fresh Between Sessions

After drying, stuffing gloves helps absorb moisture and maintain shape. Newspaper, soap, potpourri or deodorizer pouches are all effective options.

Using activated charcoal or cedar deodorizer inserts draws out moisture and neutralizes odours naturally, keeping gloves fresh for longer.

Keep Gloves Out of Direct Sunlight

Leather gloves dry, fade, and crack faster when exposed to direct sunlight. Store gloves in a cool, dry place instead of your gym bag.

Conclusion: Clean Gloves Last Longer

With consistent preventative care and periodic deep cleaning, you can keep your Muay Thai gloves fresh, hygienic, and functional for much longer. Proper cleaning not only stops odours but also protects your investment.

Need a new pair? Shop Muay Thai gloves and learn what gloves are the best to avoid stink in the first place.