Large tub
Cloth rags
Borax or powder cleanser
Wire brush or steel wool
Step 1
Wipe the plates down with warm water and a cloth rag. Try to remove any large particles attached to the plates. Do this every week in a commercial gym, to reduce germs. Wipe down your plates in a home gym at least once every other week, depending upon the amount of dust that settles in your home.
Step 2
Examine the plates for rust, corrosion or cracking. Get rid of any plates that are beginning to deteriorate.
Step 3
Apply a small amount of borax or powder cleanser, such as Comet, with a bit of water to the cloth and rub it over the rust spots. Only add enough water to make rubbing easier. The consistency should be paste-like.
Step 4
Scrub any stubborn rust spots or debris chunks that are not a part of the weight with a wire brush or steel wool. Apply a small amount of borax or powder cleanser to cut through the rust. Do not scrub so hard you remove coating on the weights or to cause a change in shape. Losing pieces of the weight plate can lead to a decrease in mass.
Step 5
Rinse the plates well and leave them out to dry. Do not stack the plates until they are fully dry, as this will just encourage rusting. Use cloth rags to dry the plates if you wish to stack them right away.
Tips and Warnings
- Some retailers sell convenient commercial weight-cleaning products that you can spray on and wipe off. Things like Simple Green or Orange Clean can help cut the oils left behind by hands.
- Do not leave metal plates in water to soak, as this can encourage rusting. These instructions are meant for traditional weight plates made of iron or other metals. Use only non-abrasive cleaning methods for rubber plates and mild soap and water.
Things You'll Need
- Keeping your weight plates clean is essential to preventing them from sticking together when not in use. When cleaning your plates, examine them to ensure they are not damaged or on the verge of breaking. It can be dangerous to have a plate crack while you are performing a strength-training exercise. Removing rust and corrosion is possible with the right tools. Weights never go out of style, so don't be afraid to pick up a dirty or rusty set and clean them up.
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