How to Take Care of Your Gym Equipment

The gym is there to take care of your body (and mind). So, make sure you take care of your gym, too.  

Here’s a quick guide for how to take care of your gym equipment based on its material. 

Soft Goods, Rubber/Urethane, Bench Pads, Chrome, Zinc, Powder Coat 

What you need:  

• 3 rags 
• Alcohol-free, mild dish soap solution 
• Nylon-bristled brush 
• Bowl of clean water 

What to do: 

1. Wipe down surface with a rag soaked in an alcohol-free, mild dish soap solution.  

2. Knurled items only: Scrub using a nylon-bristled brush while soap is on the item.  

3. Wipe down surface with a new rag of just water. Rinse out rag and repeat 1 to 2 more times to make sure no excess soap is left.  

4. Wipe down surface with a new, dry rag, making sure no excess moisture is left.  

Bare Steel 

What you need:  

• 5 rags 
• Alcohol-free, mild dish soap solution 
• Bowl of clean water 
• 3-in-1 oil 

What to do:  

1. Wipe down surface with a rag soaked in an alcohol-free, mild dish soap solution. 

2. Wipe down surface with a new rag of just water. Rinse out rag and repeat 1 to 2 more times to make sure no excess soap is left.  

3. Wipe down surface with a new, dry rag, making sure no excess moisture is left.  

4. Wipe down surface with a new rag dipped in 3-in-1 oil to coat the entire surface (just enough to see the oil on the bar).  

5. Before next usage, wipe down with new, dry rag to leave as minimal residual oil as possible.  

Stainless Steel 

What you need:  

• 5 rags 
• Stainless-steel cleaner 
• Nylon-bristled brush 
• Bowl of water 
• 3-in-1 oil 

What to do:  

1. Wipe down surface with a rag soaked in a stainless-steel cleaner.  

2. Knurled items only: Scrub using a nylon-bristled brush while stainless-steel cleaner is on the item.  

3. Wipe down surface with a new rag of just water. Rinse out rag and repeat 1 to 2 more times to make sure no excess soap is left.  

4. Wipe down surface with a new, dry rag, making sure no excess moisture is left.  

5. Wipe down surface with a new rag and 3-in-1 oil to coat the entire surface (just enough to see the oil on the bar).  

6. Before next usage, wipe down with new, dry rag to leave as minimal residual oil as possible.  

Take it to the Next Level

Don't just keep your equipment so fresh and so clean-clean. Here's how to keep your gym organized, too.