Cleaning the monorail

[Tyrso]

Apart the fact that the word "monorail" evokes me always a song...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDOI0cq6GZM
The manual says to clean it after every use.
I prefer, instead, to do it before every use. Maybe I'm wrong, that's why I'm posting this.

I noticed the black dirty that add on the rolls under the seat and that makes a lot of "clicks" while you rowing, is not present (not immediately) if I clean the monorail just before starting. The dirty starts to add only after an hour of rowing. And this is good cause I hate to start row and hear those clicks...i feel bad for the monorail. (photo: https://imgur.com/f9RPyoN; in red the dust accumulated between the rowing sessions like any other furniture, in blue the grinded one attached on the rools)
I think that the dust that is on the monorail, maybe helped by some sweat or saliva droplets when panting, stack on the rolls being continuosly compressed by our rowing and weight. A true millstone.
I always row with those rolls completely white.

To clean I use microfiber cloth and water.

I'm start thinking to use also an household product one in a while only to degrease all the rail. Of course nothing abrasive or acid.

[Dangerscouse]

I always use glass cleaner, and I usually clean afterwards, but I know that Carl recommends before rowing

[Carl Watts]

Depends on how dusty your environment is. Since moving to a garage with synthetic garage carpet it seems a much cleaner environment.

Just a wipe now and again with a cloth with a bit of water on it now.

Used to have to wipe it before every row when it was in a bedroom with normal carpet.

[mict450]

Windex before workout.

[edward.jamer]

I like the idea of cleaning before a workout to get rid of dust prior to your rowing session... ounce of prevention, right? Just be sure you also wipe your erg down afterwards to remove any sweat from the machine.

Using a clean, slightly damp (water only) microfiber cloth has always worked well for me.

[Ombrax]

At home I use window cleaner. At the gym I use the disinfectant wipes they have out. (they had them even before C19)

I do it before my workout. (at the gym, obviously, since lots of folks might have used it since it was last cleaned - probably by me - and at home to get the dust that's accumulated since my last workout)

[Carl Watts]

A microfiber cloth or something that leaves no fibers is the way to go. Just hold it under water, soak it then squeeze out all the excess water.

That black stuff doesn't come out that easy so resist the temptation to use your sweat soaked socks after the row or your good towel.

[Tyrso]

I'll say that more or less we are all agree...maybe C2 can change the cleaning tips in its manual

[Baraboobiker]

Tyrso, nice Simpson's clip. The photo was also very good.

[Tyrso]

Tyrso, nice Simpson's clip. The photo was also very good.

ahah thanks.

At home I use window cleaner. At the gym I use the disinfectant wipes they have out. (they had them even before C19)

I do it before my workout. (at the gym, obviously, since lots of folks might have used it since it was last cleaned - probably by me - and at home to get the dust that's accumulated since my last workout)

Windex before workout.

Your window cleaners, do they contain ammonia and/or bleach?
Thanks

[mict450]

NH3, no bleach.

[Ombrax]

Your window cleaners, do they contain ammonia and/or bleach?
Thanks

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe this is the correct ingredient list:

(it's generic glass cleaner)

Water, 7732-18-5, Intentionally added non-fragrance, Diluent
Ethylene glycol, monobutyl ether acetate, 112-07-2, Intentionally added non-fragrance, Cleaning agent
Propylene glycol, 57-55-6, Intentionally added non-fragrance, Cleaning agent
C9-C11 Alkyl Polyglucoside, 132778-08-6, Intentionally added non-fragrance, Surfactant
Ammonium hydroxide, 1336-21-6, Intentionally added non-fragrance, Cleaning agent
Tetrasodium EDTA, 64-02-8, Intentionally added non-fragrance, Clelating agent
Direct Blue 86, 1330-38-7, Intentionally added non-fragrance, Dye

[Tyrso]

No way! You wrote me all the ingredient list! I'm really thankfull

NH3, no bleach.

Ok perfect, yeah with ammonia I was meaning NH3, not sure if ammonia is the same word for me and you.

[Tsnor]

If you do feel bump bump bumps it's likely you have stuff on your wheels. Clean those first.

The stainless steel rail doesn't care what you clean it with. The wheels will care, but they are nylon which is pretty tough.

Concept2 says "Black flecks on your rail are normal. They are a combination of dirt, perspiration, molydisulfide (a lubricant from the plastic rollers) and a very small amount of the nylon plastic that the rollers are made of. ... To remove the black residue, clean the monorail. Wipe the monorail with a cloth or non-abrasive scouring pad after use. You can use soap and water or any glass cleaner. Do not use mineral acids, bleach or coarse abrasives." https://www.concept2.com/service/indoor ... e-monorail

Avoid oiling the rail.

[Rick]

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!