Guide
How to Stop Gym Equipment Rusting in a Cold UK Garage
The battle against British damp. Save your bars and bolts.
2/5/2025•Editorial Team
It starts as a spot of orange on your barbell knurling. Within a month, your £300 bar is pitted and rough. British garages are humidity traps, but you can fight back.
The Enemy: Relative Humidity
Rust forms when humidity goes above 60%. In a UK winter, an uninsulated garage averages 80-90%. You can't just 'wipe it down'. You need to control the air.
Solution 1: 3-in-1 Oil (Not WD40)
WD40 is a solvent, not a protector. It evaporates. Coat your barbells and weight plates in 3-in-1 oil or a specific silicone spray once a month. Wipe off the excess. This creates a barrier against moisture.
Solution 2: Dehumidifiers (The Investment)
Don't buy a heater; buy a desiccant dehumidifier. Heating damp air just makes warm damp air. A dehumidifier physically removes the water. Aim for one that works at low temperatures (desiccant type, not compressor).