You have resistance bands that you would like to safely use for several years or longer. You are looking for information on how to prevent your resistance band from drying out. Dried-out resistance bands are more likely to snap. Maintenance and proper storage of the bands are vital steps to make sure your resistance bands will last for a long time.

Take these steps to keep elastic bands from drying out:

1. Store in a cool location
2. Wipe down with a damp cloth after each use
3. Do not place things on top or stretch out the bands while in storage
4. Do not use soap to clean the bands
5. Do not store in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures

If you follow these steps, you can prevent your resistance bands from breaking prematurely. This post will go into more details about maintenance, cleaning, and resistance band care to promote longevity. We will also give you information about the material and signs that you need to replace your current resistant bands. Keep reading to get a comprehensive breakdown on the subject.

How To Keep Resistance Bands From Drying Out?

Resistance bands are meant to be stretched and must maintain some moisture in the material to work properly. When resistance bands dry out, they are more prone to snapping and causing injury. It is important to store your bands in the best location and to clean them properly to prevent them from drying out.

1. Store in a cool location

Temperatures of about 60-65 degrees would be ideal for storage bands. A temperature that is considered cool, but not cold.

2. Wipe down with a damp cloth after each use

Wipe off the sweat with a damp cloth after each use. This wipes away the sweat while applying a slight amount of moisture to the bands.

3. Do not place things on top or stretch out the bands while in storage

Placing stress on bands during storage will cause them to wear out much faster. Make sure they are not placed underneath anything or stretched when not in use.

4. Do not use soap to clean the bands

The chemicals in soap cause deterioration of the band material. This increases the likelihood of snapping the band and causing injury.

5. Do not store in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures

Exposure to direct sunlight will cause resistance bands to dry out. Extreme temperatures will wear down the material quicker and may cause the band to snap.

How Can I Make My Resistance Bands Last Longer?

All of the steps listed above are vital in making sure your resistance bands have a long life span. In addition to those steps, you can also be sure you are using the resistance band correctly. Do not overstretch the band. Bands are able to be stretched up to 2.5 times the length but will last longer if you only stretch up to 2 times the length.

For a more detailed breakdown of resistance band stretching capabilities, read this post: How Far Can You Stretch A Resistance Band Before It Snaps?

Some exercises require you to anchor the resistance bands to another object, such as a door. Make sure you use an anchor that is made for resistance bands or something that is not rugged. Avoid sliding the bands through the anchor when completing your exercise. This rubbing between the bands and anchor causes extra heat and friction, which will deteriorate the bands more quickly.

Boss Fitness Extra Large Heavy Duty Door Anchor

Click here to buy the Boss Fitness Extra Large Heavy Duty Door Anchor from Amazon.

What Are Resistance Bands Made Of?

The most commonly used resistance bands are made of latex, synthetic rubber, or a combination of these two materials. Rubber resistance bands are more likely to withstand extreme conditions such as direct sunlight, but they take more time to adjust to a temperature shift. Latex resistance bands have more elasticity but are more likely to dry out if exposed to extreme temperatures.

There are also fabric resistance bands that can be used for squats, hip abduction, and lower body exercises. Fabric resistance bands don't have the stretching capabilities that rubber and latex bands have. They do not work for upper body workouts.

In addition to different materials, there are different sizes and styles of resistance bands. If you want to learn more about the various kinds of bands on the market, you can check out this post: 5 Types Of Resistance Bands To Know

Do Fabric Resistance Bands Wear Out?

Fabric resistance bands will wear out with time and use. They do not have the potential of snapping in the same way as rubber and latex bands. Fabric bands will start to lose stretching capability with more use but are expected to last longer than elastic bands.

Elastic bands are expected to last 6 months to two years depending on care and frequency of use.

Mandrill Fabric Resistance Bands

This fabric resistance band from Mandrill comes with a three-year warranty.

Click here to check out Mandrill Fabric Resistance Bands from Amazon.

Can You Put Resistance Bands In The Washing Machine?

Fabric resistance bands can be put in the washing machine on a gentle cold cycle. They should be air-dried afterward. Elastic bands will lose their elasticity and become damaged if placed in the washing machine. If you have elastic bands, use a damp cloth to wipe down the bands after each use. Do not use soap when wiping off elastic bands.

Why Do Resistance Bands Stick Together?

All elastic and rubber resistance bands will stick together over time. It does not mean that they need to be replaced. You can use baby powder or corn starch to coat the bands. This will absorb any extra moisture and stop the resistance bands from being sticky.

Sticky bands could get caught on part of your body and cause one part of the band to become overstretched. Using baby powder or corn starch is a good way to prevent the band from snapping after getting stuck to your body or clothing.

Click here to buy Cornstarch Zinc Oxide Baby Powder from Amazon.

How Do You Lubricate A Resistance Band?

Latex and rubber resistance bands can be lubricated to increase the lifespan. You can use a lubricant that contains a mix of silicone and polymers. One example is Black Magic Tire Wet Spray. You can spray a little bit on a washcloth and apply it to your resistance bands. You can do this as often as you would like to help maintain the moisture and elasticity of your resistance bands.

Click here to buy Black Magic Wet Spray Elastic Lubricant from Amazon.

In Closing

Elastic resistance bands need to be stored in a cool location out of direct sunlight to keep them from drying out and to ensure longevity. You should avoid using soap to clean the bands and use a damp cloth instead. Elastic resistance bands can be lubricated to help them last longer. The best lubricant is one with silicon and polymers. You can apply this as often as you like to maintain elasticity.