How to Wash Hand Wraps for Boxing
If you spend a lot of time boxing and training, chances are that your hand wraps are sweaty and stinky. Dirty boxing hand wraps are something boxers know too well. You unzip your gym bag and get hit with a knockout punch of stinky glove smell.
Why do Hand Wraps Smell So Bad?
Hand wraps accumulate smell because they absorb sweat during your boxing or martial arts sessions. This moisture creates a cozy environment for bacteria to thrive, and where there’s bacteria, there’s usually an unpleasant odor.
Hand wraps tightly wound around your hands and restrict airflow. The tight wrapping accumulates moisture and exacerbates the problem. If you don’t clean your hand wraps regularly, the smell can become pretty persistent.
Storing your hand wraps in a gym bag or humid environment only adds to the issue. All that moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
To tackle the smell, clean your hand wraps often, let them air dry completely between uses, and store them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Rotating between multiple pairs of hand wraps can also help. Adding a spritz of antibacterial spray or powder occasionally can freshen things up too. Your nose – and your training partners – will thank you!
In this blog, we’re getting down and dirty to answer this simpler question “how to wash hand wraps for boxing?”
Suggested Read: How To Clean Boxing Gloves Naturally?
How to Wash Your Boxing Hand Wraps
Let’s talk about why and how to clean your hand wraps. Keeping your hand wraps clean is super important for staying fresh and hygienic during your boxing sessions.
Here’s a simple guide to help you out:
Step #1: Rinse Your Hand Wraps After Every Use
Boxing hand wraps accumulate sweat and grime during training, so it’s crucial to start cleaning them right after use.
- Warm Water Rinse in Shower or Sink: Rinse your hand wraps with lukewarm water, either in the sink or the shower. You can use a mild hand soap for a deeper clean, but make sure to rinse them thoroughly to avoid any soap residue that could irritate your skin next time.
- Hang or Lay on Towel and Allow to Air Dry: Avoid using the dryer, as it can damage the fabric and Velcro. Instead, air dry your hand wraps by hanging them over a shower door or laying them flat on a towel, flipping them every few hours until dry.
Step #2: Deep Clean Your Hand Wraps Every 3-5 Uses
Even with regular rinsing, your hand wraps will need a thorough wash every few uses to stay fresh and hygienic.
- Velcro the Strap Before Washing: Ensure the Velcro strap is closed to prevent it from catching on other items during the wash.
- Wash in a Delicate Garment Bag: Place your hand wraps in a delicate wash garment bag and put them in the dryer to prevent tangling during the wash cycle.
- Use a Free & Clear Detergent Safe for Sports Apparel: Wash your hand wraps with a cold cycle using a detergent designed for sports fabrics.
- Air Dry Only: Never use the dryer or other heat sources like hair dryers, as excessive heat can damage the fabric and Velcro. Air dry your hand wraps completely before storing them to prevent bacterial growth.
More Hacks to Clean Hand Wraps
Spray with Cheap Vodka:
Yep, you heard it right! Grab some cheap vodka from your nearest store and fill up a spray bottle. After your sweaty session, hang your hand wraps somewhere airy, like a clothes hanger or shower bar. Then, give them a good spritz with the vodka. It might sound odd, but vodka kills bacteria like a champ, leaving your wraps smelling fresh without any funky odours.
Baking Soda Soak:
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help eliminate unpleasant odours from your hand wraps. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Let your hand wraps soak in the mixture for a couple of hours or overnight. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly and hang them up to dry.
Vinegar Solution:
Vinegar is another excellent natural cleaner and deodorizer. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a basin or bucket. Submerge your hand wraps in the solution and let them soak for about an hour. After soaking, rinse them well to remove any vinegar smell and hang them up to dry.
Lemon Juice Spray:
Lemon juice is known for its fresh scent and antibacterial properties. Dilute lemon juice with water in a spray bottle and generously spritz your hand wraps after each use. The acidity of the lemon juice helps combat bacteria and leaves behind a refreshing citrus scent.
Essential Oil Infusion:
Essential oils not only add a pleasant fragrance but also possess antibacterial properties. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and spray your hand wraps after each workout to keep them smelling great and bacteria-free.
How do you take care of hand wraps?
- Rinse After Every Use:
Don’t procrastinate! As soon as you’re done with your boxing session, rinse your hand wraps in lukewarm water. This helps get rid of the sweat and grime that can make them stink.
- Air Dry Like a Pro:
After rinsing, hang your hand wraps somewhere with good airflow. Skip the dryer – it can mess up the fabric and Velcro. Just let them air dry completely, preferably outside if the weather permits.
- Spruce Up with a Cleaning Spray:
If your hand wraps need a little extra love between washes, consider using a sports cleaning spray made for boxing gear. It’ll help keep them smelling fresh until you can give them a proper wash.
- Deep Clean Every Few Sessions:
Even with regular rinsing, hand wraps need a deep clean every now and then.
Here’s the drill: close the Velcro, toss them in a delicate wash bag, and run them through a cold cycle with a detergent that’s gentle on sports fabrics. When they’re done, air dry them thoroughly before stashing them away.
- Steer Clear of Heat and Chemicals:
Avoid using heat to dry your hand wraps – it’s a recipe for disaster. Say no to the dryer and any other heat source, like hair dryers. Stick to air drying to keep your hand wraps in top shape.
- Store Smart:
When you’re not throwing punches, store your hand wraps in a clean, dry spot. Don’t leave them to marinate in your gym bag – that’s just asking for trouble.
Do you wash hand wraps after every use?
It’s best to wash your boxing hand wraps after every use to maintain hygiene and freshness. Frequent washing removes sweat, bacteria, and any lingering odours to keep your hand wraps clean and ready for your next session.
Should I iron my hand wraps?
It’s not recommended to iron hand wraps. These wraps are typically made of fabric and elastic materials, which can be sensitive to heat. Ironing them could lead to damage, such as melting certain components or causing the elastic to lose its elasticity.
Instead of ironing, focus on proper washing and air drying techniques to maintain the quality of your hand wraps. If they become wrinkled after washing, you can gently smooth them out with your hands. However, avoid using heat from an iron as it may compromise the integrity of the wraps.
Final Word
Used hand wraps are powerhouses of foul smell, sweat and bacteria. Wash your hand wraps regularly to avoid odors and enhance the lifetime of your hand wraps. Rinse the hand wraps after every use and air dry the hand wraps to retain their shape.
