KEEP YOUR KIT CLEAN. KEEP THE GRIND GOING.
Combat sports gyms are hot, sweaty places. You're sharing mats, working pads, sparring and pushing yourself session after session. Sweat is part of the deal. So are the bacteria and fungi that can thrive when equipment stays damp, dirty and poorly ventilated.
Gloves, wraps, shin guards and shared kit can harbour unwanted microbes if they're not cleaned and dried properly. That means more than bad smells — contaminated equipment and surfaces can contribute to the spread of skin infections.
Throwing your kit in a bag and forgetting about it until the next session isn't going to cut it.
Clean gear. Proper care. Better training habits. Here's how to look after your kit and keep it ready for the next round.
One thing to remember: Not all gear is made the same. Materials, construction and care requirements vary between brands and products, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, drying and storage. When in doubt, check before you clean.
01 — GLOVES: DON'T LET THEM ROT
Your gloves take a beating. Session after session, they absorb sweat, trap moisture and collect the smells nobody wants hanging around.
After every session, wipe them down using a method suitable for the material. Open the wrist closures, remove them from your gym bag as soon as you get home and allow them to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area.
Glove deodorisers and suitable hygiene sprays can help manage moisture and unwanted odours between sessions, but they're no substitute for proper cleaning and thorough drying. Always check that a product is suitable for your equipment before use.
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Don't: Leave damp gloves sealed in your bag or expose them to excessive heat. Both can contribute to damaged materials and lingering odours.
02 — HAND WRAPS: WASH THEM. EVERY TIME.
Your wraps absorb sweat and can pick up dirt and microbes from gym equipment and the floor, transferring them straight into your gloves.
Make washing your wraps part of your post-training routine. Follow the care instructions for your wraps and ensure they're completely dry before rolling them up and putting them away.
Don't: Leave used wraps stuffed inside your gloves or gym bag. That's a shortcut to unpleasant smells and unnecessary grime.
03 — SHIN GUARDS: WIPE. DRY. REPEAT.
Pad rounds, checking kicks, sparring. Your shin guards put in the work, and sweat builds up around the lining, straps and seams.
Give them attention after every session, using a cleaning method suitable for their materials. Pay particular attention to areas where sweat and dirt collect and allow them to dry thoroughly before storing them.
The same applies to headguards, elbow pads and other protective equipment. Check straps, stitching and padding regularly for signs of wear.
Don't: Assume all padded equipment can be washed or treated in the same way. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging your kit.
04 — TRAINING GEAR: GET IT SORTED
Your shorts, T-shirts, rash guards and training clothes have been through the same session you have. They're sweaty, they've been on the mats, and they need attention.
Get used clothing out of your gym bag promptly and wash it according to the care label. Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it away.
Muay Thai shorts and other training apparel can feature different fabrics, prints and embroidery, so check the individual care instructions.
Don't: Leave sweaty kit festering in your gym bag overnight. Get it out, get it cleaned and get it dried.
05 — MOUTHGUARDS: SMALL KIT. BIG JOB.
Your mouthguard comes into direct contact with your mouth, so keeping it clean isn't optional. The case needs attention too.
Clean your mouthguard according to the manufacturer's instructions and keep its case clean and dry. Check it regularly for cracks, damage or changes in fit, and replace it when necessary.
Don't: Guess when it comes to cleaning products or heat. Unsuitable methods can damage some mouthguards or affect their fit.
06 — HEADGUARDS, PADS & MITTS: DON'T SKIP THE CHECK
Whether it's your own equipment or shared kit at the gym, sweat and grime build up fast. Shared equipment deserves particular attention because microbes can transfer between users.
Clean headguards, Thai pads and focus mitts after use, following the manufacturer's care guidance. Pay attention to seams, straps, handles and other areas where dirt can collect, and allow equipment to dry thoroughly before storing it.
If you're using communal kit, follow your gym's cleaning procedures between users.
Check regularly for loose stitching, damaged straps, split materials and worn padding. If protective equipment is damaged, follow the manufacturer's guidance and replace it when necessary.
Clean kit is one thing. Kit that still does its job is another.
07 — YOUR GYM BAG ISN'T A STORAGE UNIT
You finish training. Everything gets thrown in the bag. You get home, put the bag down and forget about it.
Sound familiar?
A bag full of damp gloves, sweaty wraps and used clothing can quickly become a source of unpleasant odours and a place where microbes thrive.
Empty your bag after every session, remove damp kit promptly and let your equipment dry outside the bag. Keep the bag itself clean and dry, paying attention to pockets and compartments.
Don't: Put clean kit back into a dirty, damp bag. Keep your bag ready for the next round, not harbouring the last one.
08 — CHECK YOUR KIT BEFORE IT FAILS YOU
Cleaning is also your chance to check that your gear is still up to the job.
Look for loose stitching, worn straps, damaged fastenings, split materials and deteriorating padding. If something is damaged, don't ignore it and hope it'll last another few rounds.
Follow the manufacturer's guidance and replace anything that's no longer fit for purpose.
Clean equipment isn't automatically safe equipment. Check your kit and make sure it can still do its job.
09 — KEEP YOURSELF IN THE FIGHT
Your gear isn't the only thing that needs looking after. Good personal hygiene helps reduce the spread of skin infections in combat sports gyms.
Wash your hands after training, shower promptly, change out of sweaty clothing and keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered. Don't share towels or personal hygiene items and avoid training with a suspected contagious skin infection until you've received medical advice and it's safe to return.
Having the right hygiene essentials in your gym bag can make it easier to stay on top of your routine. From antibacterial soap to suitable hygiene sprays, there are practical ways to support your post-training clean-up. Always follow the product instructions and use products only for their intended purpose.
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If you spot an unusual rash or signs of infection, don't try to train through it. Get medical advice and let your coach know if a contagious infection is suspected.
Good hygiene is a team effort. Everyone has a part to play.
THE BOTTOM LINE
You put the rounds in. You do the work. You show up when it's tough.
Looking after your gear is part of that discipline.
Wipe it down. Wash it out. Let it dry. Check it over. Repeat.
Clean equipment won't eliminate every risk, but good habits help reduce avoidable contamination, keep unwanted odours under control and help your gear last longer.
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