How to clean and maintain a rowing machine

After every session

Wipe the rail, the seat and the handle with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry them. Sweat and dust on the rail are the most common cause of a gritty, noisy seat. A clean rail also protects the seat rollers.

Let the handle return gently to its rest rather than letting go mid-pull, which can strain the strap or chain and the return mechanism. If the rower lives in a cold room or a garage, wipe off condensation too.

1. 1

   Wipe the top and sides of the rail along its full length.

2. 2

   Wipe the seat, the handle grips and the footplate straps.

3. 3

   Dry everything with a second cloth.

4. 4

   Return the handle to its holder.

Every few weeks

Check the seat rollers. Slide the seat slowly along the rail and listen. A clean, quiet glide is what you want. Flat spots, wobble or grinding mean a roller needs cleaning or replacing. Our guide to a rowing machine squeaking or seat sticking covers the fixes.

Check the bolts on the footplates, the rail joint and the legs. Rowing pushes and pulls the frame thousands of times, and bolts can loosen slowly. Tighten them with the tools supplied, firmly but without forcing.

Look at the strap or chain. A strap should be free of fraying and cuts. A chain should be clean and run smoothly without stiff links.

Chains, straps and lubrication

Air rowers such as the Concept2 RowErg use a chain. Concept2 recommends cleaning and lubricating it at regular intervals measured in hours of use, with a light oil applied to a cloth and wiped along the chain. Check your manual for the interval and the type of oil.

Most magnetic and water rowers use a strap. Do not oil a strap: oil attracts dirt and can damage the material. Clean it with a dry cloth instead.

Do not oil the rail. Seat rollers run on a clean, dry rail. Oil or silicone spray makes it collect grit, which then wears the rollers. The exception is where a maker supplies or names a specific product for its rail, in which case follow the manual.

Note:Lower the handle, let the flywheel stop and, on powered models, unplug the rower before cleaning the chain or checking moving parts.

Water rower tanks

A water rower's tank needs purification tablets from time to time to keep the water clear. WaterRower and other makers supply their own tablets and state how often to add them. If the water turns cloudy or green, the tank needs attention sooner. Our guide on filling and cleaning a water rower tank explains the process.

Keep water rowers out of direct sunlight, which encourages algae, and away from radiators.

Monitors and batteries

Many monitors run on batteries or power themselves as you row. If the screen dims, resets or loses data, start with fresh batteries. On the Concept2 PM5, keeping the firmware up to date fixes many small faults; see how to update the PM5 firmware.

Wipe the screen with a dry microfibre cloth. Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the monitor or into its buttons.

A simple maintenance schedule

Use this as a starting point and adjust it to your manual and how often you row.

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Where to place your rower

A rower lasts longer in a dry room on a firm, level floor. A mat protects the floor and stops dust gathering under the rail. See do you need a mat under a rowing machine. In a garage, cover the rower and wipe it down more often to keep rust away.

If you store the rower upright, follow our guide on storing a rowing machine upright so the frame and rail are not stressed.

Frequently asked questions

Should I oil a rowing machine rail? No, unless your manual names a specific product. A clean, dry rail is best for the seat rollers.

What oil should I use on a Concept2 chain? Concept2 recommends a light oil applied with a cloth. Check the current manual for its guidance and intervals.

Why is my rowing machine seat noisy? Usually a dirty rail or worn seat rollers. Clean the rail first, then check the rollers.

How often should I check the bolts? Every few weeks is a sensible habit, and straight away if you hear a new knock or creak.