How to Wash Boxing Hand Wraps: A Complete Guide

Boxing hand wraps are an essential part of a boxer’s gear, playing a pivotal role in protecting the hands and wrists during training and matches. However, frequent use leads to the accumulation of sweat, bacteria, and grime, making it imperative to know how to wash boxing wraps correctly. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights and best practices to ensure your wraps remain clean, durable, and effective.

Rinse Your Hand Wraps After Every Use

Boxing hand wraps start to develop an unpleasant odor and become dirty as soon as you begin using them for training. The more you delay cleaning them, the worse they will get. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to promptly follow these cleaning tips right after using them.

Warm Water Rinse In Shower Or Sink

Start by washing your boxing hand wraps under lukewarm water in either a sink or shower. While using basic hand soap can enhance the cleaning process, it’s optional. If you decide to use soap, ensure that you rinse the hand wraps completely. Leaving any soap residue on them could lead to skin irritation when you wear them again.

Hang Or Lay On Towel And Allow To Air Dry

It’s important to avoid placing your hand wraps in the dryer, as the plastic on the Velcro can melt, and the fabric might shrink, leading to deformations. Instead, opt for air drying your hand wraps. A preferred method is to hang them over a shower door or curtain rod, or you can lay them flat on a towel, flipping them every few hours until they’re completely dry.

Deep Clean Your Hand Wraps Every 3-5 Uses

Despite regularly giving your hand wraps quick rinses after each use, they will still require a thorough wash occasionally. If you’re diligent with these quick rinses, you can typically go between three to five uses before needing to machine wash them.

Here are the steps for washing your hand wraps in a washing machine:

Velcro The Strap Before Washing

Velcro is designed with two distinct sides: a “hook” side and a “loop” side. Before washing, it’s crucial to secure the Velcro to itself; otherwise, the hook side may attach to and damage anything it touches. This could be your garment bag, other clothes, or even another section of the same hand wrap. To prevent this, just unroll the hand wraps into a single long strip and fasten the Velcro strap back onto itself.

Wash In A Delicate Garments Bag

Whether you’re washing your hand wraps alone or with other laundry, it’s essential to place them in a delicate wash garment bag before starting the wash. Without a garment bag, the hand wraps could become entangled during the washing machine’s spin cycle. Delicate wash garment bags are quite inexpensive and readily available. However, if you prefer, a pillowcase can also serve as an alternative.

Use detergent

After unrolling your hand wraps, securing the Velcro, and placing them in a garment bag, they are prepared for washing. Always use a cold cycle to avoid shrinkage and excessive wear-and-tear. Employing a laundry detergent specifically formulated to remove sweat and odor from sports fabrics is beneficial. Additionally, consider adding a small amount of white vinegar to the wash. This natural ingredient helps in breaking down body oils and sweat, further enhancing the freshness and longevity of your hand wraps.

Air Dry Only

As previously stated, avoid putting your hand wraps in the dryer. The best approach is to air dry them by hanging on a shower curtain rod or spreading them out on a towel. Ensure they are fully dry before rolling and storing them to prevent germ growth in any residual moisture.

Additionally, it’s not advisable to use other external heat sources, such as hair dryers. Excessive heat from these sources can cause warping and deformation of your hand wraps. Air drying remains the most reliable and safe method for drying.

Conclusion

The care and maintenance of your boxing hand wraps are as crucial as any other part of your boxing regimen. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, from pre-wash preparation to proper drying techniques, you can ensure that your hand wraps remain in optimal condition. Remember, regular washing not only maintains hygiene but also extends the life of your wraps, ensuring they provide the necessary support and protection for your hands during training and bouts. By adhering to these guidelines, you can focus on your boxing performance, confident in the knowledge that your equipment is well-cared for and ready for action. Remember, the longevity and effectiveness of your boxing hand wraps are in your hands – quite literally. So, take the time to treat them well, and they will serve you well in return.

FAQs

Is it safe to use bleach on my boxing hand wraps?

Using bleach on boxing hand wraps is generally not recommended. While bleach is effective in removing stains and disinfecting, it can also weaken the fabric fibers and cause discoloration, especially in colored wraps. Instead, opt for a mild detergent which is less harsh but still effective in cleaning. For tough stains, pre-treating the area with a gentle stain remover before washing can be a safer alternative to using bleach.

How can I prevent my boxing hand wraps from tangling during washing?

To prevent boxing hand wraps from tangling in the wash, start by rolling them up or folding them neatly. Then, secure the Velcro straps to themselves to prevent them from sticking to other parts of the wrap or other items. Placing the wraps in a mesh laundry bag is another effective method. This not only keeps them contained but also protects them from excessive wear during the wash cycle.

What is the best way to dry boxing hand wraps?

The best way to dry boxing hand wraps is air drying. After washing, unroll the wraps and hang them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric and weaken the material. Avoid using a tumble dryer as the high heat can shrink and damage the wraps. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can lay them flat on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel up to absorb excess water, then unroll and leave them to air dry.