If you train Muay Thai, boxing, or any combat sport, you'll know that one of the most persistent - and unpleasant - challenges is the notorious 'glove stink'. That pungent, damp aroma is a clear sign that moisture and bacteria have set up a rather unwelcome home inside your kit.
Keeping your gear fresh and hygienic is important when training martial arts and combat sports. Not only will it prolong the life of your expensive gear, it also makes for a more pleasant training experience for yourself and any sparring or training partners.
There's nothing worse than clinching and someone has their cheesy, sweaty gloves in your face. Or getting home after training, having a shower and still having that awful smell on your hands.
We've put in the rounds to find the top picks, ensuring you step into the gym with gear that smells as sharp as your technique.
Stop the Stink: here are the Best Boxing Glove Deodorisers for Fresh Gear
The Importance of Hygiene and Fresh Gear
Before we dive into the list, let's touch on something vital: hygiene. Sweat is inevitable in combat sports. When that sweat is trapped in your gloves, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. Not only does this smell terrible, but it can also lead to skin irritations and reduce the lifespan of your expensive gloves.
Keeping your gloves clean and dry isn't just about being polite to your training partners; it's about protecting your hands and your investment.
In my years of training, I've seen both sides of the drying coin. When I trained in Thailand - at some of the must-visit Muay Thai gyms in Thailand - it was relatively straightforward. The intense heat and humidity meant that leaving your gloves outside for an hour after a session would generally dry them out quickly and efficiently. The hot, dry air was a natural enemy of moisture.
Here in the UK, however, it’s a totally different story. The colder, damper climate means gloves take significantly longer to dry, making them a prime target for odour-causing bacteria. That's why relying on a high-quality deodoriser isn't a luxury - it's an absolute necessity to prevent a science experiment from growing inside your mitts.
The Best Boxing Glove Deodorisers for 2025
I've ranked some of the boxing glove deodorisers I've used over the years.
1. GYM NASTY Boxing Glove Deodorisers - Best Overall
Training Muay Thai, MMA and Jiu Jitsu for over five years, spending countless hours in the gym and travelling, I was becoming more frustrated with the smell of my gear.
Whilst there are some brilliant deodorisers out there, I wanted something that wasn't just going to mask a smell with a scent.
Our boxing glove deodorisers are specifically designed to dehumidify and remove moisture. They don't just mask the smell; they actively work to absorb the moisture that causes the odour in the first place, stopping the problem at its source.
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Why they're number one: These are packed with powerful, natural moisture-absorbing materials and a subtle, refreshing scent that revitalises your gear without being overpowering.
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The Science: By drawing out the sweat immediately after training, they inhibit bacterial growth and significantly extend the life of your gear. They are the essential, hassle-free solution for anyone serious about hygiene.
- Where to get them: GYM NASTY Deodorisers
2. Meister Glove Deodorisers - Great Scent
I swore by these boxing glove deodorisers before I made my own. With a really strong scent they help leave your gloves smelling really nice, with the material helping to dry the moisture.
The nunchuck design of these deodorisers helps keeps your gloves together, but I found myself overdoing the Velcro on my gloves quite a lot to keep them inside. The Meister Glove Deodorisers are brilliant, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't still use them.
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Why I love these: They have a really strong scent that is long lasting on your gloves.
- Where to get them: Meister Glove Deodorisers - Amazon
3. No Stink Glove Deodorisers
No Stink have been since 2011 and have a brilliant brand focussed around keeping combat sports and other sports gear fresh.
I used these a few years back and really liked them as they were reusable and made with eco-friendly bamboo charcoal. The reason why they aren't higher on my list is due to having to recharge them in the sun.
On the other hand, once the pouch has ran its course and is no longer removing the smells, you can simply cut open and sprinkle in your soil.
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Pros: They are natural, chemical-free, and reusable (you simply 'recharge' them by placing them in the sun periodically). They’re also effective in gym bags and shoes.
- Cons: Can take longer to completely dry out gloves that are heavily saturated.
- Where to get them: No Stink Website
4. Boxraw Deodorisers
BOXRAW are known for producing super high quality gear and clothing, which doesn't stop when you get to their deodorisers.
I like to think of these are the hybrid between Meister and NoStink, they have all the elements that I really like.
Again, they tend to slide of your gloves if you're just grabbing your gear quickly and they've been drying. Boxraw has some great sweatbands that you can put around the cuff of your glove to keep them more secure.
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Pros: Brilliant design and feel.
- Cons: They don't last as long as other products on the market.
- Where to get them: BOXRAW Website
Now we've ranked the best boxing and muay thai glove deodorisers, let's get into how to keep your gear fresher for longer.
Top Tips for Keeping Your Gloves Fresh
After every session, I wipe my gloves and shinguards down with antibacterial wipes.
Even though I'm putting deodorisers inside, it helps get rid of any heavy sweat, kills bacteria and germs and removes any opponent snot, spit or blood. 😅
Never Leave Them in Your Bag: This is the golden rule. As soon as you finish training, take your gloves out of your gym bag.
Air Them Out: Open your gloves up and expose the wrist and interior to the air immediately.
3. Insert a Deodoriser: Place your chosen deodoriser into the gloves straight away to start the moisture-absorption process.
4. Avoid Hot Air: Never place your gloves directly on a radiator or use a hairdryer on a high-heat setting. Excessive heat can dry out and crack the padding and leather, causing permanent damage. It will also emit any smells into the air and make your house stink.
