How to Stop Your Boxing Gloves from Smelling
The Ultimate Leather Care Guide
You’ve invested in a pair of premium SANDEE Authentic Leather Gloves. They feel great, they look sharp, and they’re built to last. But there is one enemy that can destroy even the best cowhide leather from the inside out: Moisture.
Left unchecked, sweat becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to that "stale gym bag" smell and eventually causing the leather to crack.
Here is the professional way to clean and maintain your combat gear to ensure it stays "Unbreakable" for years.
1. The Golden Rule: Never "Bag It"
The worst thing you can do is leave your gloves in a zipped gym bag overnight.
Action: As soon as you get home, take your gloves out. Open the Velcro straps as wide as possible to let air circulate into the finger compartment.
Pro Tip: If you have a fan, place your gloves in front of it for 20 minutes. Airflow is the #1 killer of bacteria.
2. Wipe Down (Inside & Out)
After every session, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the salt and sweat from the exterior.
The Interior: Use a non-alcoholic disinfectant spray or a specialized "Glove Deodorizer" spray. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as these will strip the natural oils from the SANDEE leather, leading to premature peeling.
3. Use Deodorizers
Don't just mask the smell; absorb the moisture.
Cedar Chips/Charcoal Bags: Products like No Stink or cedar-filled "glove dogs" pull moisture out of the padding.
The DIY Fix: Stuffing your gloves with clean, dry newspaper or a sock filled with baking soda works wonders in a pinch.
4. Rehydrate Your Leather
Just like your skin, genuine leather needs moisture to stay supple. Every 2–3 months, apply a small amount of Leather Conditioner or even a tiny dab of Vaseline to the exterior.
This prevents the leather from becoming brittle and cracking under the impact of heavy bag work.
Warning: Never use a hairdryer or leave your gloves on a radiator to dry. Extreme heat will "cook" the leather, making it stiff and unusable.
5. Don't Forget Your Hand Wraps!
Think of hand wraps like socks. You wouldn’t wear the same socks to the gym five days in a row without washing them.
Dirty wraps transfer bacteria directly into the lining of your gloves.
Action: Wash your wraps after every session. Use a mesh laundry bag so they don't turn into a tangled "spaghetti" mess in your washing machine.
Need wraps? We got you! Buy our Sandee Handwraps here
Why SANDEE Leather is Different
Our "Unbreakable" reputation comes from using high-grade, thick-cut cowhide. While synthetic (PU) gloves are easier to wipe clean, they don't "breathe" like real leather. By following this 2-minute routine, you aren't just cleaning gear—you're protecting an investment that will see you through hundreds of rounds.
