Can foam-covered dumbbells be cleaned?

February 28, 2024 6:32 PM

I have a pair of ancient Kettler foam dumbbells that need cleaning after years of sweating.

They are something like this, totally covered in foam.

I am reluctant to immerse them fully in soapy water because I fear the foam may disintegrate given its age and the metal underneath might rust.

Is there any way to de-funkify the grips? Thank you.

posted by whitelotus to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

If cleaning efforts fail, wrap grip areas with bicycle handlebar tape?
posted by enfa at 7:50 PM on February 28 [1 favorite]

Alternative: remove the foam intentionally and replace with handlebar tape as above. This will make upkeep easier in future.
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:49 AM on February 29

I would run them through the dishwasher.

If the foam falls off, I would buy a pair of slip-on or velcro hand grips that can be removed and put in the washing machine.
posted by jraz at 7:54 AM on February 29

You could try an Absorene sponge, like they use for books and stuff.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:54 AM on February 29

Response by poster: Thanks for all the suggestions. I don't really want to spend any more money on these dumbbells such as buying handlebar tape or hand grips as they are very, very old and should really be replaced. The only reason why I haven't done so is because I think I might lose my sole source of income soon and can't afford to do it.

I don't own a dishwasher so I took a risk and washed them in a basin with soapy water. They seem to have survived. However, I will definitely replace them if my finances improve since I'm tired of trying to clean them.
posted by whitelotus at 6:47 PM on March 1