Sweaty gloves that never fully dry out are a fast track to bad smells, breakdown of the padding, and a shorter lifespan for a pair you paid good money for. A little regular care goes a long way. Here’s how to actually look after your workout gloves so they keep gripping well and don’t turn into a problem sitting in the bottom of your gym bag.
Rinse or Wipe Them Down After Every Session
The simplest habit is also the most effective one: give your gloves a quick rinse under cool water after training, or at least wipe down the palms with a damp cloth. This clears away sweat and surface bacteria before they have a chance to set in, which cuts down on odour and keeps the material from breaking down as quickly.
Let Them Air Dry Completely Before Storing Them
Never zip damp gloves straight into a closed gym bag. Trapped moisture is what causes that lingering smell and can encourage bacteria and mould to build up in the padding and stitching. Leave your gloves somewhere open and well-ventilated, away from direct heat or direct sun, and make sure they’re fully dry before you pack them away or wear them again.
Hand Wash Rather Than Machine Wash When Possible
Most workout gloves hold their shape and grip better with a hand wash. A mild soap or gentle detergent in cool or lukewarm water is usually enough to clean them without breaking down the padding, stitching, or any wrist support material. Give them a gentle scrub, rinse thoroughly, then squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting them.
If a machine wash is unavoidable, check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. Where machine washing is fine, use a gentle or delicate cycle in cold water, and consider placing the gloves inside a mesh laundry bag to protect them from friction and to stop any velcro straps snagging on other items.
Skip the Dryer
Heat is one of the fastest ways to damage gloves. Tumble dryers and direct heat sources like heaters or hair dryers can shrink the material, crack any padding, and weaken stitching or wrist support straps over time. Stick to air drying, ideally with the gloves laid flat or hung so air can reach both sides.
Keep an Eye on Wear and Tear
Regularly check the palms, seams, and any padded or wrist support sections for thinning material, fraying stitching, or padding that’s gone flat and stopped cushioning properly. Catching this early tells you when it’s time to retire a pair, rather than waiting until you’re mid-lift with no grip left.
A Few Extra Tips
- Rotate between two pairs if you train often, so each pair gets a full chance to air out and dry between sessions.
- Avoid leaving gloves balled up or folded while damp, as this traps moisture in the creases.
- Store them somewhere dry and ventilated rather than sealed in an airtight container.
Looking after your gloves properly means they stay comfortable, hygienic, and supportive for longer. If your current pair is past saving, you can browse TJ Sports’ range of gym and weightlifting gloves for a fresh pair built for regular training.