clean up weights (not clean & jerk)

[Paresh]

I hate to be a wimp, but my hands get a little dirty from the plates...almost like soot, or oxidation or something. Is there a good way to clean them/keep them clean - to keep the rug clean as well as my hands? Thanks.

[Genera1Rul3s]

you could wear garden gloves, or just normal weightlifting gloves

[KBKB]

I hate to be a wimp, but my hands get a little dirty from the plates...almost like soot, or oxidation or something. Is there a good way to clean them/keep them clean - to keep the rug clean as well as my hands?

Is it rust? Maybe repaint them?

[Trevy-trev]

even though my plates are freshly painted and my bar has no visible rust my hands are a little grey/black by the end of my workout from handling them. It's just part of working with metal.

[Paresh]

It's not rust...more like carbon or soot. But I think the worst comes from a couple of dumbbells...maybe inferior quality.

[KBKB]

It's not rust...more like carbon or soot. But I think the worst comes from a couple of dumbbells...maybe inferior quality.

The dumbbells in question... what are they made of? (I'm wondering if they're of the rubber-coated variety...)

[Paresh]

No they're metal but not Weider or a brand name.

[KBKB]

No they're metal but not Weider or a brand name.

Maybe paint oxidation? If so, car care products (polishing compound followed by wax) might help...