Gym equipment is expensive so its important that it lasts as long as possible, in order to do this some equipment takes daily upkeep & maintenance. Taking care of your gym equipment is a combination of keeping the environment clean and dry along with taking precautionary measures while using it. Cleaning equipment can be tricky because you want to make sure you're not using abrasive chemicals that could damage the rubber, metals, or urethane.
Cleaning Rubber Weights
To clean your rubber or painted equipment like rubber flooring, dumbbells, weight plates, and anything else you will need a couple things:
A bucket of water
Dish Soap
Clean cloth (x2)
Stiff Nylon Bristle Brush
In the bucket mix the water and soap and then wet the clean cloth in the mixture. Wipe down your equipment with the wet cloth and then and be sure to thoroughly dry it with a separate dry cloth so that no rusting occurs on any handles.
To clean the handles you will use the same soap and water mixture with the bristle brush and allow that to sit for 1-2 min on the handle after brushing, then wipe clean and dry off completely. To clean your rubber flooring use the same method with a traditional mop and be sure to allow the area to dry following.
Cleaning Urethane Weights
To clean Urethane you don't need much, they take very little cleaning because they are more durable and antibacterial. Just the occasional dusting or wiping down will do. For the handles follow the same instructions listed above for the rubber plates just be sure that the soap isn't getting on the urethane.
Cleaning Bars
Bars can come in a variation of ways. Stainless steel, Cerakote, Black Oxide, and Zinc. The coatings job is to protect the bars from rusting and corrosion. Although the coating is fairly efficient it does not mean that you don't have to maintain your bar in order for it to perform and look its best. Some things you'll need to clean your bar are:
A Stiff Nylon Bristle Brush
3-in-1 oil
Clean Cloth
To clean the barbell start by using the bristle brush to get any chalk or dirt out from the knurling (you should do this step after each use). Once you have dry brushed all the chalk off you are going to spray the oil onto the rag and wipe the entire bar down (this can be done once a week depending on usage). Most barbells have oil in the sleeve already but to upkeep the bearings and bushings of the sleeves of the barbell you can drip oil into them if necessary.
Cleaning Mats and Yoga Equipment
For your Yoga equipment it varies but for the most part you can use an antibacterial spray or wipe to wipe it down. Some yoga mats are machine wash safe but be sure to check with the manufacturer before washing it.
If you have questions about how to restore and maintain your equipment email marketing@troybarbell.com.