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BOBF15 Posts: 1,859
2/21/13 11:59 A

Most any smell is from an organic compound. A good enzyme based natural cleaner would be the way to go as it will destroy the compound from sweat, body oils or dander and not harm the rubber or plastic parts.

I am not sure whether you are dealing with an acid or base chemically. Baking soda is a base and as such will neutralize an acid, vinegar is an acid and neutralize bases. So depending on whether you are dealing with a substance that is an acid or a base. Then it does make a difference whether you treat with an acid (vinegar) or a base ( baking soda) The reason why putting vinegar and baking soda together gives such a big reaction is you are mixing an acid and a base and get a vigorous reaction.

That would be my suggestion. emoticon

ERICADURR Posts: 241
2/21/13 10:57 A

Oh, I do. That's a great idea! I'll check it out. (Vinegar was the next thing I was going to try, since baking soda didn't work.)

I may end up getting an extra strap and swapping them out so they always have enough time to try thoroughly between sessions.

Do y'all think sunlight would degrade the heart rate monitor? I know sunlight helps rid things of smell, but didn't want to risk it.

ARCHIMEDESII SparkPoints: (143,140)
Fitness Minutes: (214,125)
Posts: 20,991
2/18/13 2:23 P

Do you still have the owner's manual for the HRM ? Many manual do list methods for cleaning.

For now, you might try wiping down the HRM with vinegar on a damp cloth. Don't apply the vinegar directly.

If the smell on your chest band or arm band is bad even after washing, you may just have to replace the band. If do a search on your model of HRM, amazon does have replacement bands.

ERICADURR Posts: 241
2/18/13 2:14 P

I'm going to have to try clarifying shampoo. Man, mine STINK. I think it's my sweat reacting with the rubber or something, but it is not attractive. :) The HRM seems worse than my Motoactv band.

ZORBS13 SparkPoints: (105,535)
Fitness Minutes: (105,620)
Posts: 13,258
2/18/13 1:17 P

I dared to smell mine after wearing it 4-5/week for over a year without washing and I didn't smell a thing?

but I'd throw it in the washing machine with bleach, and wipe the plastic parts of the HRM with rubbing alcohol.

Edited by: ZORBS13 at: 2/18/2013 (13:28)
WHOLENEWME79 Posts: 942
2/18/13 1:16 P

I use a clarifying shampoo on mine (like panteen or suave). Gentle enough for the elastic but gets rid of body oils that cause the stinky. I also make sure to wash them once a week, the day before my off day so they can dry thoroughly.

UNIDENT Posts: 33,498
2/18/13 1:13 P

I hand wash after every use and have never had a problem.

ERICADURR Posts: 241
2/18/13 12:57 P

I'm looking for some advice about what to do about a HRM and arm band that smell SO BAD. :) I rinse them out after working out, and I hand-wash them every couple of days with Dawn, but it hasn't helped. I've also tried putting them in a bag of baking soda to no avail. How do YOU get rid of the smell from your heart rate monitor strap and armbands?

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