Keeping any equipment in good condition is always a tough task when you regularly use them. Here at UKSF it is our vision to ensure that our customers are making the most of their use of our equipment. Buying a barbell is an investment and can be expensive and the last thing we want our customers to worry about is the bar rusting and becoming unsafe for use.
Good maintenance of our barbells allows our customers to continue using them for longer. This can depend on the finish, climate of the environment they are stored in and the regularity of the bar’s usage. If for example, the bars are made of hard chrome, stored in a cool environment with a reduced usage, you will not need to clean them as often. On the other hand, your bar would require regular cleaning if they were made of bare steel stored in a warm environment with regular use.
Which is why we have devised a quick maintenance guide so you can make the most out of your gear. From tips on how to prevent corrosion, get rust off barbells, and how to safely store them, we've got you covered.
Gym Equipment Maintenance Prescription
We would recommend wiping the bars down with a cloth after each use.
Once a month is our recommended time to properly clean your bar (depending on how often you use them). If you take a stiff nylon wired brush and dust off any excess chalk and skin from the knurling. This prevents debris from sticking between the grooves, enabling a much more stable grip while protecting the finish of the bar. Chalk has a high absorbency of moisture, so if there’s chalk still residing in the knurling, it increases the risk of rusting.
As a rule of thumb, we would also recommend wiping bars down with a lint-free microfiber cloth after each use. This is so the cloths do not alter the finish of the bar. Sweat contains both acid and salt- this can corrode and cause pesky rusting if left for long periods of time.
To get rust off a barbell we would recommend using 3 in 1 oil. Using a new microfiber cloth, rub the oil generously over the bar and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Apply the brush once again to scrub off any rust which may have developed.
Once you have gone over the bar with the brush, once again, take a clean cloth and apply another thin layer of oil. Once applied, wipe off the oil with a cloth so the bar does not feel oily or slippery- this is what causes hazards.
Barbell Storage
We would recommend offloading all plates from the barbells to prevent bending. They can be stored horizontally on the rack, or you can check out our barbell storage range if you would prefer to keep your training area clear and presentable. For storage options, head to the link below: https://uksupremefitness.com/racks
Summary
In summary to our guide, if you follow these steps to ensure you are caring for your barbell to the best of your ability:
- Wipe the barbells down after each use.
- Using a nylon brush, dust off any excess chalk and skin in the knurling.
- Apply 3-in-1 oil once a month to prevent corrosion and get any rust off barbells.
- Store the barbells in a proper manner.