What detergent / soap do you use for cleaning whichever HRM that you have?

I was wondering what types of soaps or detergents folks are using for when they clean their HRM?

I have/had a HRM-Fit that I'd wash after each use with a little bit of very diluted Bronner's soap. Eventually, now after 9 months of use, the fabric started to pill a bit and lose its softeness and cause chafing. I've since received a new HRM-Fit and want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly with it to hopefully avoid the fabric breaking down again.

Garmin support had suggested using Dawn dish detergent, but that seems awfully harsh to me compared to diluted Bronner's soap. I was thinking for the new HRM-Fit I'd try using just a gentle hand soap, or maybe even just a few drops of a gentle laundry detergent, like the lilac one from Trader Joe's.

So, what are you using?

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0 Dr Phil 1 month ago

I just use the body soap I use in the shower. I’ll rinse the strap in the shower after every use and put soap on it two or three times a week. Hang to dry where air can freely circulate. Keeps it clean and free of odour. HRM-Pro plus.

0 eezytiger 1 month ago

In the shower I use shampoo as hair and body wash and the strap gets the same treatment. Otherwise it goes in the laundry (in a laundry bag) with regular clothing and standard laundry detergent. No smells. No damage.

0 pepe 1 month ago

It's a trade off, Straps accumulate grease and protein. Grease is easier to deal with than protein

For longer fabric life,

Wash your chest before use,

Rise the strap in tap or distilled water(<25Cº) for 30 min after use, Hang to dry.

Periodicly :Clean with very diluted detergent and tap water (<25Cº) Rise the strap in tap or distilled water(<25Cº) for 30 min after use, Hang to dry.

Don't stretch excessively the strap

Stronger detergent concentration, higher water temperature, more intense scrubbing >> lower grease and protein but lower strap fabric and glues life.

Soap can have oils and other residues