Cleaning the monorail

[Tyrso]

Another Windex user here. I wipe the rail off before rowing, them do the Windex-ed cloth on the rail and rollers afterwards. Keeps it looking near new and running smooth!

Yeah with other experience from the last month I can say this is better:
a fast wipe from dust with a cloth but without liquids that can "mold" with the same dust and after with water/windex for a perfect clean.

[Bob Evans]

I have used water, Windex or Fantastic after every session, all of which did an okay job but I still would get a residue build up resulting in "rough ride," and the seat would not slide back on its own to the forward position. I read here some years back to use a drop or two of mineral oil on either side of the rail (where the rollers ride) before a session. I tried it with excellent results. When finished, using a paper towel, wipe the rail off and hold the paper towel against the rollers as the seat is slide back and forth a few times. The paper towel will be black. The ride is silky smooth and the seat always returns on its own to the forward position. Minor, but the rollers will probably last a really long time. No, lubing the rail didn't help my splits! But erging, at least for me, is a lot more enjoyable because the seat motion is so smooth.

[gvcormac]

I wipe the sweat off after every workout, and occasionally hold a damp rag to the rollers as I move the seat. That's been sufficient for 19 years.

[Carl Watts]

I wipe the sweat off after every workout, and occasionally hold a damp rag to the rollers as I move the seat. That's been sufficient for 19 years.

Perfect thats all I do as well. My sweat is a bit lethal and is corrosive, I mean very corrosive, the standard 304 stainless on the capping strip cannot handle it.

If you want it perfect wipe before and after every row.

[djastv]

I don't understand why people don't just use anti-bacterial surface cleaner (clear, not the type that contains oils), it doesn't contain bleach and isn't highly acidic, can't see it damaging the monorail?

I just keep a bottle of anti-bacterial surface spray and a paper roll next to my C2. After every workout, I fold 2x sheets of paper roll, spray anti-bacterial cleaner onto the paper liberally (not directly onto the C2), wipe the monitor buttons, handles, monorail and whatever else looks like it needs a once over.

Personally, I would have thought it's better to use something that's anti-bacterial, as it's the bacteria that eats away at things.

[Ombrax]

as it's the bacteria that eats away at things.

Not necessarily (see link below) but yes, at the gym I just use the antibacterial wipes they provide for the equipment. Works for both the handle and the rail. (I don't worry about the seat itself. Maybe I should, but I don't.)

https://www.maids.com/blog/cleaning-stainless-steel/

"Bleach and cleaners with chlorine will stain and damage stainless steel."

[tmaynard]

The manual says to clean it after every use ... I'm start thinking to use also an household product one in a while only to degrease all the rail.

I began by using Top Purple spray cleaner (https://www.toppurple.com/products/8oz-bottle). It's ammonia-free and does a great job, but it's expensive ($19 for eight oz), even though you don't use very much and it does last a long time. Then I began using Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner at $5 for a 12 oz bottle (https://weiman.com/stainless-steel-cleaner-spray) and am thrilled with the result.

The steel after wiping with Weiman's magically seems to repel dust ... and I live at street level in an urban environment with dust aplenty. I also always clean the bottom surface of the rail every time (wrap the damp microfiber cloth across and around the rail, gripping the underside for a pass or two. I still use Top Purple to clean the nylon rollers,

No bumps. clicks, black spots, or buildup. Highly recommended.

I clean after, but I'm sure before is probably better--especially in a gym setting.

[gvcormac]

The runner is made of stainless steel, so it won't substantially corrode or be eaten by bacteria. And neither of those will happen if it is dry. The main issue is gunk buildup on the runner and the wheels, which can be avoided by wiping dry. If you want to disinfect, go ahead, but I don't think the machine cares.

If you do want to disinfect, baby wipes can work, but DON'T FLUSH THEM, regardless of what the package claims. I have personal experience with sewers clogged by "flushable" "biodegradable" wipes.

[stevegaspars]

I once was on an erg at a resort, and the rail and rollers were as filthy as sin. The funny thing was, it ran like butter. I cleaned it, and low and behold it started picking up those little bumps we all try so hard to avoid. So clean isn't always better.

That being said, i clean mine after workouts. I just spray water on the rail, and while sitting i run the seat up and down a few times. Then i just wipe in one motion towards each of the ends and it takes all the muck off easily.

[alex9026]

I'm glad this old thread had been bumped, as I now know what the black specks are and it's not abnormal...

I just use a dry towel to wipe it down after every use, and before if I haven't been on it for a few days.

[Sakly]

I'm glad this old thread had been bumped, as I now know what the black specks are and it's not abnormal...

I just use a dry towel to wipe it down after every use, and before if I haven't been on it for a few days.

Exactly this ^^
Works perfect.

[HornetMaX]

What I do: after each workout, paper towel from a roll + a pschit of antibacterial (I buy them both for other random usages), cleaning the seat first and the rail after. My garage is reasonably clean, no need to clean it before each session too.

[Markbods]

I use muc-off sweat protect on the rail and anywhere else that could get some sweat on it, keeps it all running clean and smooth.