How to clean boxing headgear? Size and Usage Guide

In the first chapter of Boxing 101, if there is such a thing, one of the first lessons would be to protect your noggin. Head guard is an immensely important piece of equipment for your boxing training. But to ensure maximum protection, you need to learn how to buy it, use it, and properly clean head guard.

In boxing and mixed martial arts, fighters take a lot of punishment on their head and face even during training. Although, fighters are not allowed to wear head guards in professional fights, doesn’t mean that they should suffer the same kind of hurt during training.

Head guards offer protection against the various face and head injuries like concussions. Some head guards come with an optional face protection attachment as well, for more complete head protection.

When you are buying a head guard, do make sure that you get the correct size and remember the following;

The head guard should have a tight fit.
It should cover your head and ears completely.
Your field of vision should be clear.
Should have a secure closure system either Velcro or laces.

Sizing Guide for head guard

Measure the circumference of your head using a measuring tape and use the sizing guide to make your purchase.

Circumference	Gear size
52-55 cm	Small
55-58 cm	Medium
58-60 cm	Large
60-62 cm	X-Large

Using the head guard

After you have ordered yourself the head guard you want. When you have it in your hand, inspect it carefully to see if there are any defects in the material. Trust us, you don’t want to find out about them during your sparring session.

Remember that head guards, which are made for boxing, MMA, and other combat sports, should only be used for the said sport. You cannot use them during other sports as they are designed to prevent injuries in fighters and are purpose built for that. If you utilize it any other sport, it will compromise your safety and cause damage to the head guard as well.

In the case that the head guard does suffer damage, replace it immediately. Do not use the damaged head guard for training or sparring under any circumstances.

Simple way to clean head guard

We know that when you have just got done training the last thing you want to do is perform some cleaning work.

There is good news and bad news.

The good news is that you don’t have to perform the whole cleaning routine every day.
The bad news is that you will have to clean the head guard at least twice in one week.

That number is essential for keeping gear looking new and keep the normal wear and tear at bay.

Drying the head guard

You can begin with drying the head guard before you store it;

Hang it in a ventilated area and let it dry completely.
Place it in front of a fan for a few hours.

Cleaning head guard

Once the sweat is dry you can clean head guard in one of these ways;

Clean it using wipes, antibacterial would be preferable. Thoroughly wipe the whole area.
Spraying the head guard with an antimicrobial spray will also do the trick. Do make sure that the spray you are using is safe to use on leather products.
Get a leather cleaning product, spray or liquid, and use it to care for the head guard.

Home remedies for cleaning

You can also wipe it using a damp cloth. Make sure to dig into the edges to get all the grime out.
Use a mixture of vinegar and water, 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 cup water, for the cleaning.
Wiping it with apple cider can do wonders for the head guard.

What not to do while you clean head guard?

Do Not put the head guard in direct sun light.
Putting the head guard in front of or near a heat source is also not recommended.
Do not use a hair dryer on the head guard.
Do not use any kind of chemicals or detergents to clean. They will remove the natural oils of the leather and it will start to crack.
You cannot machine wash or hand wash the head guard. The leather material will lose its durability if it is exposed to water for that long. So you should not even avoid soaking the gear in the water.
Do not put the head guard in the dryer, it will destroy its shape.