Our Best Ways To Keep Your Gear Clean

By Pari “Cherry” Aryafar

You love Muay Thai… but don’t love the smell you’re left with post-training. Don’t worry, we get it! It can be hard to get that sweaty funky smell out of your gear and clothes, which can make you “the guy no one wants to train with.” Additionally, it’s important to maintain proper hygiene to prevent any infections or unpleasant odors associated with sweaty training gear. That’s why we’ve broken down the best ways to keep your Muay Thai clothes and equipment clean, fresh, and hygienic.

Wash Your Stuff Regularly

Washing your Muay Thai clothes, such as shorts, hand wraps, ankle guards, and t-shirts, on a regular basis, should be a top priority. We recommend washing immediately after training – and if you can’t, keeping it separate from the rest of your clothes. Sweat, bacteria, and body oils tend to collect on these fabrics, resulting in an unpleasant odor and the possibility of infection. You should also throw your gym bag in the wash at least once a week. We also recommend that you wipe down your equipment after each session with anti-bacterial wipes or an alcohol spray. 

Use a mild detergent and cold water to ensure thorough cleaning. High heat can damage the fabric and cause the colors to fade. Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as these may degrade the quality of the materials. Remember that keeping your clothes clean is critical to their longevity.

Air Drying Is A Good Way To Go

It's essential to properly dry your Muay Thai clothes and equipment after washing them. The best way to keep their quality is to air dry them. Avoid using the dryer because it can weaken fabrics and potentially shrink or damage certain items. 

Hang your gear in a well-ventilated area with adequate air circulation. Because of its natural sanitizing properties, direct sunlight can aid in the elimination of any residual bacteria. Avoid leaving your equipment in a damp or humid environment, as this can promote the growth of mildew or unpleasant odors.

Don’t Forget Your Hand Wraps!

Hand wraps are an important training accessory that protects your hands and wrists. They require special care and attention due to their proximity to sweat and body oils. Follow these steps to clean your hand wraps:

1. Unwrap your hand wraps immediately after training to allow them to air dry fully.
2. Hand wash them using mild detergent and cold water. Squeeze out any excess water gently.
3. Hang them to dry, ensuring proper air circulation.
4. If odors persist, you can consider a vinegar-water solution soak or adding some baking soda to neutralize smells.

Keep Your Gloves Fresh

Muay Thai gloves can cause odors and bacteria growth due to excessive sweating (not to mention touching your face and the faces of your training partners). Here's how you can keep them clean and sanitary:

1. Wipe the inside and outside of your gloves with a clean cloth or antibacterial wipes after each training session to remove any surface sweat.
2. Allow your gloves to properly air dry before storing them. Consider using glove deodorizers or inserting newspaper to help absorb any residual moisture and odors.
3. Occasionally, use a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe down the inside of your gloves (avoid spraying directly onto the gloves). This mixture helps kill bacteria and neutralizes odors.

Use Odor Eliminating Spray or Anti-Bacterial Laundry Additives

Consider using odor eliminating sprays or anti-bacterial laundry additives to add an extra layer of cleanliness and combat persistent odors. These products are specifically designed to neutralize odors and kill bacteria, ensuring that your Muay Thai clothes and equipment remain fresh and sanitary even after rigorous training sessions.

Before storing your equipment, spray it lightly with an odor-removing spray. This will help to eliminate lingering odors and keep your equipment smelling fresh. When cleaning your Muay Thai clothes, you can also add antibacterial laundry additives to the washing machine. By killing bacteria during the wash cycle, these additives will provide an extra level of cleanliness.

Keeping your Muay Thai clothes and equipment clean and sanitary is an important part of being a responsible student. Following these steps will help prevent infections and ensure a pleasant training experience for you and your teammates. Who knows, you might become the best-smelling person at the gym, and that’s everyone’s favorite person to clinch with!