How to Clean Indoor Climbing Holds

How to Clean Indoor Climbing Holds
Climbing holds at your home gym can get caked with chalk, skin, blood and grime, which makes them slick and difficult to hold onto. Thus they should be cleaned regularly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • White vinegar Water Liquid dish soap Buckets for soaking Dishwasher (optional)
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Buckets for soaking
  • Dishwasher (optional)
Step 1
Take your holds off the wall.
Step 2
Place holds in a solution of 1 part white vinegar, 1 part hot water and a few squirts of dish soap, and soak them for 10 to 20 minutes.
Step 3
Remove holds from bucket and scrub heavily caked areas with a scrub brush.
Step 4
Place holds in dishwasher and run on a heavy cycle.
Step 5
Take out and air-dry before putting them back on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

 
You can also soak your holds in a mixture of water and Simple Green or a citrus-based cleanser.
 
Make sure to get all the soap and vinegar off your holds, lest they end up slippery. Also them completely before putting them back on the wall.

Article Written By Lizzy Scully

Lizzy Scully is a senior contributing editor for Mountain Flyer magazine and the executive director of the nonprofit Girls Education International. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from University of Utah and Master of Science in journalism from Utah State University.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword