🧼 How to Clean and Maintain Your MMA Gear So It Lasts Longer

Let’s be real, MMA gear isn’t cheap. Whether you’re dropping $80 on gloves or suiting up in head-to-toe protection, your gear is an investment in your training, your safety, and your performance.

But here’s the thing: even the most high-quality gear will break down fast if you don’t take care of it.

Whether you're a new fighter or a seasoned striker, knowing how to clean and maintain your MMA gear can extend its life, keep it from smelling like a locker room dumpster, and save you money in the long run.

Let’s break down what you need to do—and what to avoid—if you want your gear to go the distance.

🥊 1. Gloves: Don’t Let Funk Set In

Gloves take a beating—literally. Between sweat, friction, and daily use, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and stink if you’re not careful.

How to Clean MMA or Boxing Gloves:

• After every session, open them up and let them air dry. Avoid throwing them into a closed gym bag right after training.

• Use a disinfectant spray or glove deodorizer inside the glove to kill bacteria.

• Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and a little mild soap if needed.

• For deep cleaning, some fighters use a vinegar and water mix—but don’t soak your gloves.

Pro Tip: Stick dryer sheets or glove dogs inside after training to soak up moisture and keep them smelling fresh.

🛡️ 2. Shin Guards: Bacteria’s Favorite Playground

Your shin guards are constantly absorbing sweat, especially if you train barefoot. Like gloves, they can develop odor and mold if neglected.

How to Clean Shin Guards:

• Wipe them down after every session with a disinfectant spray.

• Let them dry in an open area—not in your gym bag.

• Occasionally, deep clean them with a cloth soaked in warm water and a bit of soap.

• Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight too long, which can crack synthetic materials.

Bonus: If they’re machine-washable (check the label), put them in a laundry bag and wash on cold.

👕 3. Rash Guards & Training Shorts: Wash After Every Use

This is non-negotiable. Rash guards are tight-fitting, sweat-drenched, and often covered in bacteria from mats, gear, and your training partners.

How to Clean Rash Guards and Shorts:

• Wash immediately after training in cold water to prevent bacteria from setting.

• Use a gentle detergent, and skip the bleach or harsh chemicals.

• Hang dry—don’t use a dryer. High heat damages the stretch and shape.

Quick Tip: Turn rash guards inside out before washing to protect prints and designs.

🦷 4. Mouthguards: Don’t Just Toss It in Your Bag

Your mouthguard sits in your mouth and then usually ends up thrown in your bag—gross.

How to Clean a Mouthguard:

• Rinse it thoroughly after every session.

• Brush it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or mouthwash.

• Let it air dry in a ventilated case.

• Soak in a mouthguard cleaning solution weekly if you train often.

Replace your mouthguard every few months, especially if it starts smelling or warping.

🥋 5. Gi or Training Uniform: Don’t Let it Marinate

For those training in gi-based martial arts like BJJ, karate, or judo, proper cleaning is even more important—especially for white or light-colored gis.

How to Clean Your Gi:

• Wash after every training session—seriously.

• Cold water only. Hot water can cause shrinkage.

• Hang dry in a well-ventilated area (not in direct sunlight if you want to preserve color).

• Never leave your gi wet in a bag—it will smell awful and grow mildew.

Add a little white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra odor control.

🧴 Bonus Tips: General MMA Gear Maintenance

• Use a gear deodorizer spray or DIY mix (like tea tree oil and water) to sanitize gloves and pads.

• Keep gear organized and let everything air out after every training session.

• Never share gear like gloves, mouthguards, or shin guards. That’s a fast way to spread bacteria.

• Store everything in a cool, dry area. Heat and humidity break down gear materials.

💡 Final Thoughts: Clean Gear = Better Training

Taking care of your MMA gear isn't just about making it last—it’s about hygiene, performance, and respect. No one wants to train with the person whose gloves smell like a swamp or whose gi is still damp from two days ago.

By building just a few simple cleaning habits into your post-training routine, you'll stay fresh, extend your gear’s lifespan, and show that you're serious about your training.