Martial Arts Equipment Cleaning and Care Tips

Updated on July 24th, 2024 at 09:48 am

Martial artists wear a range of gear during classes. The headgear, shin guards, and hand wraps, get well-worn. We encourage regularly cleaning of your equipment for your and everyone’s protection, health and safety.  With our goal to return to regular sparring classes in the coming new school year,  here are some tips to care for your martial arts gear.

What types of equipment do martial arts students use?

1. Uniform

A martial arts student comes to the Dojhang ready to take class in uniform. Depending on the specific martial arts discipline, the uniform can vary in style and weight. The student also wears a belt when participating in graded martial arts, and serves as the Identification for rank and skill. The uniform must be laundered regularly.

2. Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard is essential for protecting against jaw dislocation, fractured teeth, or tissue gashes. However, like any oral appliance, the mouthguard can harbor bacteria when left uncleaned. Poor hygiene can lead to oral health issues; mouthguards must be stored in their containers, handy to the student during sparring sessions, and then cleaned and sanitized at home ready for the next use.

3. Gloves and Wraps

Considered the most important pieces of equipment for boxing and sparring, gloves and wraps serve protective purposes. They prevent injury as the student throws punches. Foam and/or leather boxing gloves give the martial arts student freedom to grapple but require careful cleaning with the right products.

4. Head Guard

Shielding the head is vital when martial arts students spar or participate in matches. A head guard absorbs shock in high-impact areas. While the student is busy sparring, they are unaware that their equipment is gradually absorbing sweat from their hair and head.

Several other pieces of equipment are necessary for training in the martial arts. Students wear shin guards to protect their feet and shins as well as groin guards. Their equipment is usually stored in a training bag—which, too, can become infested with bacteria without proper care.

What are tips to help keep equipment clean?

Cleaning martial arts equipment should be done with care. Failing to clean them regularly allows bacteria to breed; consequently, the student who wears the unclean gear develops infections and odors, and puts classmates and fellow-practitioners in harms way, which is against our martial artist’s creed and philosophy. But using the wrong cleaning methods damages the equipment and shortens their lifespan.

Tip 1: Air Out the Gear

Immediately after returning from class, remove the equipment from the training bag and hang it up to air dry. Choose a spot where air circulation is optimal. Avoid drying out gear in direct sunlight, as it can cause leather and vinyl materials to crack and other gear to fade.

Tip 2: Wash the Mouth Guard

Clean the mouth guard by scrubbing it lightly with a soft-bristle brush and toothpaste. Rinse, then air dry on a sanitary surface. Alternately, use anti-bacterial soap and water to disinfect it. The martial arts student is advised to wash the mouth guard after every use.

Tip 3:  Launder Cloth Gear

Toss the martial arts uniform, as well as other cloth equipment, like elbow pads, knee pads, and hand wraps, in the washing machine and let a cycle run using sports-specific detergent. Air drying the gear, rather than putting it in the dryer, is recommended to extend its lifespan.

Tip 4: Wipe Down Gear

Disinfectant wipes are handy for disinfecting sparring gloves, sparring boots, and head guards. If anti-bacterial wipes are not within reach, spray the gear with a disinfectant and wipe them down. Leather gear is best cleaned with cleaners designed for leather to prevent premature wear.

Tip 5: Care for Leather

Properly caring for leather equipment goes a long way toward increasing its lifespan. Moisture is absorbed into leather gear, causing it to crack and lose color. After each training session, apply essential oils to the leather gear. Baking soda safely neutralizes unpleasant odors.

Tip 6: Freshen Up Boxing Gloves

Boxing gloves should be cleaned inside and out with the appropriate products to eliminate bacteria caught from sparring partners and oneself. Clean vinyl gloves with mild soap or a solution of detergent and water. Glove deodorizers absorb moisture and whisk away sweat, preventing odor buildup.

Tip 7: Clean the Training Bag

Cleaning the gear is pointless if it is returned to a stinky gear bag. It’s essential to regularly wash the training bag routinely so it stays clean, and the student remains healthy. Throw a canvas bag into the laundry. Handwashing with warm water and vinegar is recommended for other materials.

Keep martial arts equipment fresh and clean by using the above care tips. Besides soap and detergent, effective cleaning products include detergent sprays and disinfectant sprays, which provide extra sanitization and eliminate odors. Stuff towels inside gloves to absorb sweat and other moisture.

Another tip is to invest in more than one piece of the same equipment. By alternating between gear, it lasts longer—but only when cleaned on a routine basis. This tip is optional,  however, it can extend the life of the gear.

When you own martial arts equipment, you’ll need a place to use them properly. Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts offers classes to help you excel in your chosen discipline—whether that is Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Kumdo or Dansudo, among others.

Our classes geared toward teens and adults prepare students to defend themselves, increase their confidence, and improve their physical health. In our self-defense training, students gain a sixth sense as they learn to become more aware of their surroundings and move away from risky situations.

Besides the improvements to physical health, stress reduction is a mental health benefit for teens and adults who participate in our martial arts classes. Through training, students feel in control of their anger and fear. Classes reenergize students, thereby helping them manage stress.

At Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts, you will train under internationally certified instructors who encourage students to perform at their best. We help martial arts students hone their techniques through group classes as well as through one-on-one instruction with skilled teachers.

Plus, we keep our facility and martial arts equipment clean and hygienic, as we prioritize the health and safety of our students. If you seek quality martial arts training, visit our Oak Park, Illinois, facility to see firsthand how our classes can benefit you.

Give us a call at (708) 383-3456 or pre-register online to get started on your martial arts journey.