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Informational Guide

How To Clean Dumbbells

Dumbbells are a great addition to any gym or fitness routine, but with them comes some maintenance. Learn the best way how to clean dumbbells with our guide.

by Josh Mitchell

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Dumbbells are an affordable, convenient, and compact addition to your home gym and fitness routine. However, even professional gym owners can struggle with keeping their equipment clean.

Proper maintenance not only keeps your gear hygienic but also lengthens the life of your equipment and improves overall performance.

Even worse, rust can often appear on improperly cleaned dumbbells. If you’d rather not be left with rusty hands after your reps, read on for our guide on how to clean dumbbells below!

Why Are My Dumbbells Rusting? (Causes Explained)

Dumbbells can be made of iron, steel, or stainless steel, with protective coatings of rubber, paint, or neoprene.

Stainless steel and cast iron dumbbells are some of the most popular with weightlifters. But when the iron is exposed to water and oxygen, it can oxidize into rust. Contributing factors include:

  • Material 
    Full-metal dumbbells are popular but naturally at a higher risk of corrosion. Consider rubber, nylon, plastic, or vinyl-coated weights, or investing in stainless steel.
  • Exposure 
    Rubberized weights are safer, but coatings can crack due to extreme temperatures or humidity. Inspect coated weights for signs of exposure, and try to store them in a dry, temperature-controlled space.
  • Moisture 
    Metal will inevitably attract moisture, but you can minimize exposure by storing it in an insulated space. Poorly-sealed garages often ruin dumbbells, particularly in wet climates or around snow treated with salt.
  • Humidity 
    Just as overt moisture can ruin metal, humidity in the air can destroy dumbbells. Any humidity above 65% can cause rust, while above 80% speeds the process dramatically. Those in tropical climates should consider a dehumidifier.
  • Temperature 
    Higher temperatures can also lead to faster rust times: Corrosion speeds double every time the temperature rises 50°F. Hotter temperatures in dry, non-humid spaces can slow oxidization, but condensation left in cold climates can worsen it.
  • Pollution 
    Airborne impurities such as dust and other impurities can also speed the rusting process. Try to store dumbbells inside if you live in a region with a poor air quality rating.
  • Sweat 
    Sweat can be a natural corrosive thanks to its salt content, but it also exposes weights to both heat and moisture. If you’re a heavy sweater, try wiping down weights between reps.

How To Remove Rust from Dumbbells

Are you wondering how to clean rusty dumbbells? Don’t worry! Just follow our easy guide on how to clean metal dumbbells below for tips on keeping gym equipment clean.

What you will need:

  • Wire or stiff nylon brush
  • Clean rags
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • WD-40
  1. 1
    Brush Away Rust  
    What kind of brush can remove rust? Use a wire brush for iron dumbbells, or a stiff nylon brush for stainless steel, to scrub off initial rust.
  2. 2
    Soak The Dumbbells  
    Immerse the dumbbells in a 50-50 formula of vinegar and water overnight, or wrap the dumbbells in a formula-soaked rag.
  3. 3
    Scrub Remaining Rust 
    With a wire or nylon brush, once again scrape at the newly-softened rust, being careful not to scratch any stainless steel.
  4. 4
    Dry The Dumbbells 
    Wipe the dumbbells clean with a dry cloth, and spray generously with WD-40. Let sit for 20 minutes, then scrub and dry again. If rust persists, repeat steps 2-4.
  5. 5
    Spray-Paint The Dumbbells 
    Once thoroughly cleaned and dried, the best paint for dumbbells is a rust-preventative formula, such as Rust-Oleum. For best results, look for spray paints with built-in metal primers.
How To Clean Dumbbells

How To Clean Dumbbells (Guide For All Materials)

Not all dumbbells are made the same, some people even get dumbbells and barbells confused. This cab make it tricky to learn how to clean rubber dumbbells or other materials. Even if rust isn’t a risk, all dumbbells should be regularly cleaned for improved hygiene and performance.

1. How to Clean Metal Dumbbells

Iron dumbbells typically have an enamel layer of semi-flat paint, which means they can be cleaned while using water. Steel dumbbells can be treated much the same. However, chrome should never be submerged in water for fear of rust.

What you will need:

  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Clean towels
  • For Chrome: WD-40
Iron & Steel Dumbbells
  1. 1
    Begin by mixing a few drops of dish soap into one gallon of water.
  2. 2
    Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and wipe your dumbbells down, paying particular attention to the knurling.
  3. 3
    Wipe with another dry cloth to prevent rust.
Chrome Dumbbells
  1. 1
    Spray a thin layer of a protectant degreaser and cleaner, such as WD-40.
  2. 2
    Use a clean cloth to spread the protectant around as you wipe it away.
  3. 3
    Wipe once more with a dry, soft cloth.

2. How To Clean Rubber & Neoprene Dumbbells

Rubber and neoprene dumbbells both have their metal surrounded by a protective coating, which is typically rust-resistant so long as they aren’t scraped by sharp objects or crack under extreme temperatures.

With proper storage, both rubber and neoprene dumbbells only need minimal care. However, if your rubber dumbbells delaminate and fade over time, you can restore your rubber dumbbells with our extra Step #5 below.

What you will need:

  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Stiff plastic bristle brush, or toothbrush
  • Clean towels
  • Car-care rubber cleaner & conditioner
  1. 1
    Begin by mixing a few drops of dish soap into one gallon of water.
  2. 2
    Submerge a towel in the mixture and wring until only just damp. Gently wipe the dumbbells down.
  3. 3
    Use a stiff plastic bristle brush to scrub the mixture in, taking care with the knurling. Let sit for one minute
  4. 4
    With another soft, dry towel, wipe the dumbbells clean.
  5. 5
    For Rubber: Follow product instructions and apply rubber cleaner.

3. How to Clean Urethane Dumbbells

Urethane dumbbells are often made up of a steel base with a protective urethane coating.

Typically preferred over rubber, urethane is more resistant to tearing, chipping, peeling, flaking, and delamination than rubber, making it a rugged alternative at a similar price point. Urethane dumbbells need less care, thanks to their durability.

What you will need:

  • Clean towels
  • Water
  1. 1
    Wipe your dumbbell down with a dry, clean towel.
  2. 2
    Alternatively, add a little water to the towel while cleaning the urethane, taking care not to touch any steel or metal parts.
  3. 3
    If damp, wipe the dumbbells down with a clean towel. Let dry.
How To Remove Rust From Dumbbells

How To Future Proof Dumbbells from Rusting (Maintenance Tips)

  1. 1
    Pick Equipment With Quality Paint  
    Look for durable brands that take their protective coatings seriously, with heavy-duty enamel paint or rugged rubber and urethane coatings.
  2. 2
    Wipe Down After Each Workout 
    A little goes a long way to keeping your home gym’s gear sanitary and shining. Keep freshly cleaned towels on hand, and make equipment-wipe downs part of your cool-down.
  3. 3
    Improve Ventilation 
    Are you in enclosed spaces with either too little insulation or too much humidity? Consider improving your space’s ventilation with fans, open windows, or a dehumidifier to keep your gear in top form.
  4. 4
    Regular Cleaning & Maintenance  
    There’s no better method of rust-prevention than simple care and maintenance. Try to clean your dumbbells every month, preferably before signs of rust begin to appear.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can you repaint dumbbells? What is the best paint for it?

You can indeed repaint dumbbells! However, if your dumbbells have a flaking coat of old paint, they will need to be stripped completely before repainting. Otherwise, a good metal-based primer and spray paint combo, such as Rust-Oleum, will work.

Are rusty dumbbells safe?

Rusty weights are unlikely to prevent a hazard to your health, but breathing in excessive rust particulates can be a concern. Additionally, rusty palms post-reps are just a hassle. We recommend stripping rust to be safe. 

What is the best homemade rust remover?

A combination of water and white vinegar is by far the most effective rust-removal formula. Alternatively, you can make DIY WD-40 by mixing one part water with 3 parts sunflower or olive oil.

Does WD-40 remove rust from dumbbells?

Yes! WD-40 may not remove rust completely, but WD-40 gradually soaks beneath the rust and loosens its bonds from the metal. It also leaves behind a protective anti-rust layer, making it both a remover and sealant.

Conclusion

Although dumbbells can be one of the most functional and affordable additions to a home gym, they need to be kept in good condition to stay worth their while. And remember: Keeping your dumbbells clean will keep your workouts safe and effective.

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