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You decided to take up some form of boxing, whether as a fitness workout or a competitive sport. You took the time to select the perfect pair of boxing gloves for the type of boxing you perform, and you are putting them through a fair amount of work. If you do not take proper care of your gloves, they will quickly become grimy, smelly and dull-looking. Fortunately, handling your boxing gloves correctly is neither difficult nor time consuming. The key is knowing the right way to go about doing so.

Wipe the gloves down after every use. Use a soft, clean cloth to rub the exterior of your gloves following a workout or match to remove dirt, sweat and even blood from the leather or vinyl. Use appropriate leather or vinyl cleaner to remove particularly stubborn stains. You can find these cleaners at most sporting goods or shoe stores. Massaging leather conditioner into leather gloves every few months will help your boxing gloves stay supple to prevent cracking and maintain a lustrous appearance.

Storing boxing gloves properly following and between uses will go a long way toward keeping them smelling fresh and looking good. Open the gloves wide after wearing them and avoid stashing them in your duffle bag or other confined space. Carry them in a breathable cloth bag that will allow them to air out while protecting them from scuffs and scratches instead. Keep your gloves in a cool, dry place that is out of direct sunlight, which may cause cracking or discoloration, but allows adequate ventilation.

If your gloves have not been properly maintained and emit a foul smell, there are steps you can take to remove the odor. One method is to fill clean cotton socks with cedar chips or sawdust. Tie the ends of the socks or close them using a rubber band and then stuff a sock into each glove. Filling your boxing gloves with crumpled newspaper can also absorb sweat and odors. If your gloves are particularly stinky, combine equal parts of water, rubbing alcohol and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution inside of the gloves and then stuff with newspaper or wood-filled socks. The solution will help kill germs that cause odors.