How to Clean Weight Plates

Weight plates might appear to be indestructible, but as with any other metal products, they are subject to corrosion, especially if they've been dented, damaged or left out in humid conditions. Some weight lifters like the "used" or "tough" look of a little rust or wear on their weight plates, but if the rust eats deep into the plate, it could weaken the plate so much that it could crack or break, becoming a safety hazard. While most surface dirt can be cleaned off of weight plates with a damp rag, cleaning rust off takes a little extra effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Rags
  • Wire brush
  • Plastic tub
  • Coca-Cola
  • WD-40
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe the weight plates with a damp rag to remove any surface dirt and debris.

    • 2

      Dry the weight plates with a clean, dry rag.

    • 3

      Scour off any surface rust off the weight plates with a wire brush and wipe clean.

    • 4

      Place the weight plates in a plastic tub and fill with Coca-Cola until the weight plates are fully submerged.

    • 5

      Leave the weight plates in the tub of Coca-Cola at least overnight. Swish the liquid inside the tub around with your hand or by moving the tub back and forth every 12 hours.

    • 6

      Remove the weight plates from the tub of Coca-Cola once a day and scrape any visible rust with a wire brush. If the rust doesn't come off, soak the weight plates for another day. You may need to let them soak for up to a week.

    • 7

      Pull the weight plates out of the Coca-Cola bath once the rust comes off when scrubbed with a wire brush. Scrub the rust away, then rinse the plates clean with copious amounts of running water.

    • 8

      Dry the plates, then apply a coat of WD-40 or other penetrating oil to the weight plates to help protect them from further rust.

    • 9

      Buff any excess oil off the weight plates with a clean rag.