Cleaning is a very healthy habit. Nobody regrets being such a clean freak or fanatic.
A gym and workout obsessed person needs many accessories such as the right clothing, the perfect sneakers and well-fitting gloves. But after a day at the gym, the stuff gets dirty and smelly.
As a fitness enthusiast, you know that weightlifting gloves are a must-have item for almost everyone who works out or lifts weights. Without gloves, it is very common to get calluses, blisters, or injuries while lifting weights. It helps minimize the stress on your hands when lifting weights. This cute pair of gloves will not only hold your hands tightly, but also prevent your hands from getting calluses.
But here's the thing - those gloves need proper care to stay effective and hygienic. This complete guide will show you exactly how to wash and maintain your workout gloves for maximum freshness and longevity.
Why your gloves need regular cleaning
The hidden danger in your gym bag
Just imagine putting your gloves back in your gym bag when you're done exercising. You've arrived home with a fresh feel to your activewear and socks.
Perfect!!
But have you ever wondered what you're missing close to your mouth or what you can't ignore while exercising? Yep...they're nothing more than gloves that get so close to you.
The bacteria breeding ground
Gloves are small or don't sweat all the time. You don't wash them as often as you do your gym clothes until they get smelly or soaked through.
Correct!
You practice this stuff your whole life. Let me let you in on a little-kept secret, the dark, damp environment in your gym bag is breeding the bad bacteria in your gloves.
What's really happening:
Every time you put on these gloves, you're touching bacteria-infested, dusty, and greasy gym equipment. So yes, you are doing yourself a disservice by not washing your gloves regularly. Don't worry if you think they are thicker than other clothes.
Health risks of dirty gloves
• Bacterial infections: Staph and other bacteria thrive in sweaty gloves
• Fungal growth: Moisture creates perfect conditions for fungi
• Skin irritation: Accumulated dirt and sweat cause rashes
• Unpleasant odor: Bacteria produce terrible smells
• Reduced grip: Buildup affects glove performance
• Premature wear: Dirt and sweat break down materials faster
How often should you wash workout gloves?
Washing frequency guidelines
After every intense workout:
If you've used your gloves during light workouts, you don't need to wash them every day. You can simply rinse them with water and place them in the sun. Never expose them to direct sunlight as this can crack the leather or rubber parts. However, gloves need to be properly sanitized.
Recommended schedule:
Heavy workouts (lots of sweating):
• Wash after every use
• At minimum, rinse thoroughly
• Air dry completely before storing
Light workouts (minimal sweating):
• Rinse with water after each use
• Full wash every 2-3 uses
• Air out between workouts
Occasional use:
• Wash after each use
• Store properly when clean
• Check for odor before next use
Quick refresh between washes
• Rinse with cool water
• Wring out excess water
• Air dry in shaded, ventilated area
• Spray with antibacterial spray (optional)
• Never put away damp
What is the proper way to clean gym gloves?
Before you start
Before you start washing your gloves like any other garment, you need to follow the steps outlined below to keep them in good condition. It is always helpful to consult the manufacturer for information on washing guidelines. This not only avoids premature aging of the product, but also saves your hard-earned money.
Here, we jotted down some useful methods. Take a look.
Method 1: Hand washing (preferred method)
Why hand washing is best
Hand wash is preferred. All you need to do is add some mild detergent to warm water and soak the gloves in the water. Then gently scrub with your hands to clean any dirt and bacteria that may have accumulated on the glove. Finally, rinse the gloves thoroughly with water to remove any residue and dry in the shade.
Step-by-step hand washing
Step 1: Prepare the wash
• Fill sink or basin with warm water (not hot!)
• Add small amount of mild detergent
• Mix until slightly sudsy
• Temperature: lukewarm, comfortable to touch
Step 2: Soak the gloves
• Submerge gloves completely
• Let soak for 5-10 minutes
• Allows detergent to penetrate
• Loosens dirt and bacteria
Step 3: Gently scrub
• Rub gloves together gently
• Pay attention to palm areas (most contact)
• Clean between fingers
• Don't scrub too vigorously
• Focus on heavily soiled areas
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
• Rinse under cool running water
• Squeeze gently to remove soap
• Continue until water runs clear
• No soap residue should remain
• Residue can cause skin irritation
Step 5: Remove excess water
• Gently squeeze (don't wring!)
• Press between towels
• Roll in towel to absorb water
• Don't twist or pull
• Maintain glove shape
Method 2: Machine washing
When machine washing is okay
If machine washable, well, washing clothes in a washing machine is a good idea. This is a less time-consuming and energy-intensive process. In this age of technology, no one can deny the usefulness of this device. However, it is best to put the gloves in a laundry bag when machine washing to reduce the possibility of deformation.
Machine washing guidelines
Step 1: Check the label
• Verify gloves are machine washable
• Check manufacturer recommendations
• Some materials can't handle machine washing
• When in doubt, hand wash
Step 2: Prepare for washing
• Place gloves in mesh laundry bag (essential!)
• Close bag securely
• Prevents stretching and damage
• Protects from getting caught in machine
Step 3: Select settings
• Cycle: Delicate or gentle
• Temperature: Cold or warm (never hot)
• Spin: Low speed
• Detergent: Mild, small amount
• Avoid: Fabric softener (reduces grip)
Step 4: Wash with similar items
• Wash with other gym gear
• Avoid washing with heavy items
• Don't overload machine
• Ensures thorough cleaning
Proper drying techniques
The right way to dry
Air drying (only method recommended):
• Lay flat on clean towel
• Or hang in well-ventilated area
• Keep in shade (never direct sunlight)
• Ensure good air circulation
• May take 12-24 hours to fully dry
Shape maintenance:
• Reshape gloves while damp
• Stuff with paper towels if needed
• Maintains proper fit
• Prevents shrinkage
• Keeps fingers straight
What to avoid when drying
❌ Never use dryer: Heat damages materials
❌ No direct sunlight: Cracks leather/rubber, fades colors
❌ Avoid radiators/heaters: Causes shrinkage and damage
❌ Don't hang by clips: Stretches material
❌ Never put away damp: Breeds bacteria and mold
What to avoid: common washing mistakes
Never do these things
Never wash with boiling water, bleach and other strong acids, these will damage your hands and gloves. Do not expose to the sun, because the material organization is easily damaged, resulting in pilling, loose fabric, deformation of gloves, and discoloration.
Detailed don'ts:
Temperature mistakes:
❌ Hot or boiling water
❌ High heat drying
✓ Use lukewarm water only
✓ Air dry at room temperature
Chemical mistakes:
❌ Bleach or harsh chemicals
❌ Strong acids or alkalis
❌ Fabric softener (reduces grip)
✓ Mild detergent only
✓ Natural cleaning solutions
Drying mistakes:
❌ Direct sunlight exposure
❌ Machine drying
❌ Hanging on radiators
✓ Shade drying
✓ Good ventilation
Storage mistakes:
❌ Storing while damp
❌ Keeping in sealed bag
❌ Leaving in gym bag
✓ Completely dry first
✓ Store in ventilated space
Material-specific care tips
Different gloves, different care
Leather gloves:
• Hand wash only
• Use leather-safe cleaner
• Condition after washing
• Never soak for long periods
• Air dry away from heat
Synthetic/neoprene gloves:
• Can machine wash (in bag)
• More durable to washing
• Dry quickly
• Resistant to most detergents
• Still avoid high heat
Mesh/breathable gloves:
• Gentle hand wash preferred
• Delicate material
• Dry quickly
• Be careful not to snag
• Low-impact cleaning
Padded gloves:
• Hand wash recommended
• Ensure padding dries completely
• May take longer to dry
• Squeeze gently, don't wring
• Maintain padding shape
Extending glove lifespan
Maintenance beyond washing
Regular care routine:
• Air out after every use
• Wipe down between washes
• Check for wear and tear
• Repair small issues promptly
• Replace when necessary
Storage best practices:
• Store in cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Don't compress or fold tightly
• Allow air circulation
• Separate from dirty gym clothes
Signs it's time to replace:
• Persistent odor despite washing
• Visible holes or tears
• Worn-out padding
• Loss of grip
• Stitching coming apart
• Material degradation
Quick cleaning hacks
Between-workout freshening
Antibacterial spray:
• Spray inside and out
• Let air dry
• Kills bacteria
• Reduces odor
• Not a replacement for washing
Baking soda method:
• Sprinkle inside gloves
• Let sit overnight
• Shake out in morning
• Absorbs odors
• Natural deodorizer
Freezer trick:
• Place in sealed bag
• Freeze overnight
• Kills odor-causing bacteria
• Emergency freshening only
• Still need regular washing
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent?
A: Yes, but use a mild one and only a small amount. Avoid detergents with strong fragrances or additives that might irritate skin.
Q: How long do workout gloves take to dry?
A: Typically 12-24 hours when air dried properly. Thicker, padded gloves may take longer. Never use them while still damp.
Q: Can I use fabric softener on workout gloves?
A: No! Fabric softener reduces the grip and can damage the material. It also leaves residue that affects performance.
Q: What if my gloves still smell after washing?
A: Try soaking in vinegar solution (1:4 vinegar to water) for 30 minutes before washing. If odor persists, it may be time to replace them.
Q: Is it okay to wash gloves with my regular gym clothes?
A: Yes, if machine washing in a laundry bag. Use the same gentle cycle and cold water you'd use for activewear.
Q: Can I use hand sanitizer to clean my gloves?
A: Hand sanitizer can be used for quick freshening but isn't a substitute for proper washing. It doesn't remove dirt and sweat buildup.
Q: How do I remove stubborn stains from workout gloves?
A: Pre-treat with mild stain remover, let sit for 10 minutes, then wash as normal. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage materials.
Q: Should I wash new gloves before first use?
A: It's a good idea! New gloves may have manufacturing residue. A quick wash ensures they're clean and ready for use.
Your glove care routine
Daily maintenance
✓ Air out immediately after workout
✓ Wipe down if visibly dirty
✓ Check for damage
✓ Never store damp
Weekly care
✓ Full wash (hand or machine)
✓ Thorough drying
✓ Inspect for wear
✓ Proper storage
Monthly check
✓ Deep clean if needed
✓ Assess overall condition
✓ Consider replacement if worn
✓ Refresh storage area
Conclusion
It's a good idea to wash your fitness accessories regularly. Gloves are without a doubt the most neglected item. Washing them now and then will allow you to use them comfortably while exercising. The refreshing detergent scent keeps you fresh all day long.
Careful washing and drying will also prolong the life of your gloves before you need to replace them.
Key takeaways:
• Wash gloves regularly (after every intense workout)
• Hand washing is preferred for longevity
• Always air dry in shade, never use heat
• Avoid harsh chemicals and hot water
• Store properly when completely dry
• Replace when showing signs of wear
Ready to keep your workout gear fresh? Proper glove care is just one part of maintaining your fitness equipment. With these simple washing and care techniques, your workout gloves will stay fresh, hygienic, and effective for much longer.
Clean gloves = better grip, better hygiene, better workouts! 💪🧤✨
Disclaimer: This article provides general care guidelines for workout gloves. Always check manufacturer instructions for your specific gloves, as materials and care requirements may vary. When in doubt, hand wash with mild detergent and air dry.
