How to Clean and Care for Leather Boxing Gloves

Leather boxing gloves can last for years — if you look after them. Most gloves are ruined not by punching, but by sweat left inside them. Here's a simple routine that keeps them fresh.

After every session

1. Take them out of your bag straight away. A closed bag traps moisture and bacteria.
2. Open the cuffs wide and stand the gloves upright so air can flow inside.
3. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dust.
4. Let them dry naturally — never on a heater, in direct sun or with a hair dryer, which cracks leather.

Every week

• Wipe the lining with a cloth lightly dampened with diluted antibacterial solution, then air-dry.
• Use glove deodorisers or cedar inserts between sessions to absorb moisture.

Every month

Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the outside with a soft cloth to keep the leather supple and stop cracking. Avoid soaking the leather or putting gloves in a washing machine.

Always wear hand wraps

Wraps protect your hands — and they absorb most of the sweat before it reaches the glove lining. Wash them after every use.

When to replace your gloves

Replace gloves when the padding feels flat over the knuckles, the inner lining tears, or the cuff no longer supports your wrist. If you spar, keep a dedicated sparring pair so the padding stays fresh.

Ready for a new pair?

Browse Winning gloves, No Boxing No Life gloves and Racing Series gloves, or check our size guide first.