How to Clean a Carabiner: A Complete Guide for Safety and Longevity

Your carabiner is a critical piece of hardware, whether used for climbing, work, or everyday carry. Dirt, sand, salt, and grit are more than just nuisances; they act as abrasives that accelerate wear, corrode metals, and can cause a gate to stick or fail—a serious safety risk. Proper cleaning is a simple but vital form of maintenance that preserves the function and integrity of your gear. This guide details the correct, safe method to clean your carabiners.

Why Proper Cleaning Matters

A clean carabiner ensures:

• Smooth Gate Operation: Prevents gritty, sticky, or slow gates caused by contaminant buildup.
• Corrosion Prevention: Removes salts and acids that degrade aluminum and steel.
• Early Problem Detection: Cleaning allows for a close inspection for cracks, grooves, or wear you might otherwise miss.
• Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance significantly prolongs the service life of your equipment.

What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes

• Do NOT use harsh chemicals (strong acids, solvents, bleach). They can corrode aluminum and damage anodized finishes.
• Do NOT lubricate unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer. Most climbing carabiners are designed to run dry. Lubricants attract and hold dirt, creating an abrasive paste.
• Do NOT use a wire brush or steel wool on aluminum. These can scratch the surface and compromise protective coatings.
• Do NOT soak for extended periods if the carabiner has a composite (plastic) locking sleeve or internal components, unless specified as safe.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Step 1: Preparation

Gather your supplies:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap or a specialized gear cleaner (like Nikwax Tech Wash)
• Soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush is perfect)
• Soft lint-free cloth or towel
• Access to compressed air (optional, but useful)

Step 2: Initial Rinse

Rinse the carabiner thoroughly under warm running water. This removes loose dirt, dust, and salt before you begin scrubbing. Work the gate open and closed under the stream to help flush the pivot area.

Step 3: Wash & Scrub

1. Apply a small amount of mild soap to your soft brush.
2. Gently scrub all surfaces of the carabiner: the spine, gate, nose, and especially the gate pivot point and the locking sleeve threads (if applicable). Pay close attention to crevices where grime accumulates.
3. For stubborn grime, you may let the carabiner soak for a few minutes in warm, soapy water before scrubbing again.
4. Continue to work the gate open and closed during scrubbing to help dislodge particles from the mechanism.

Step 4: Thorough Rinsing

This is a critical step. Rinse the carabiner under clean, warm water for an extended period—at least 30-60 seconds. Ensure all soap residue is completely removed from the pivot and threads, as leftover soap can attract dirt. Again, operate the gate repeatedly under the water flow.

Step 5: Drying

1. Pat dry: Use a soft, absorbent towel to pat the carabiner dry, removing all surface water.
2. Air dry: Leave the carabiner in a warm, well-ventilated area (not directly on a heat source) with the gate locked open. This allows air to circulate fully through the pivot and inside the barrel of screw-gates, ensuring all internal moisture evaporates. Drying can take several hours.
3. Accelerated drying (optional): A quick blast of compressed air can help eject water from the pivot mechanism. Avoid high-heat hair dryers, as concentrated heat is not recommended.

Specialized Cleaning Scenarios

• After Saltwater Exposure: Immediate and thorough cleaning is mandatory. Salt crystals are highly corrosive. Follow the steps above meticulously, and consider a slightly longer soak and rinse to ensure all salts are dissolved and removed.
• For Stubborn Grit or Sand: If rinsing doesn't free a grit-filled pivot, a soft pick (like a toothpick) can be gently used to dislodge debris from the gate hinge area before the final rinse. Do not use metal tools.
• For Heavy Mud or Clay: Allow mud to dry completely first, then brush off as much as possible with a dry brush before proceeding with the wet wash. This prevents creating a slurry that's harder to remove.

Post-Cleaning Inspection & Action

Cleaning is the perfect time for a thorough inspection.

1. Feel the gate action. It should be smooth and snappy without any grit, hesitation, or grinding.
2. Visually inspect for cracks, deep grooves (especially from rope contact), sharp burrs, or excessive wear at the pivot and nose.
3. For screw-gates, ensure the threads engage smoothly and the sleeve screws down fully.
4. If any issue is found—retire the carabiner immediately. Do not attempt to repair it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use vinegar to clean corrosion?
A: Not recommended. While dilute vinegar can remove aluminum oxide (white powder), it is acidic and can etch the metal if misused. Stick to soap and water, and use a soft brush on corrosion spots.

Q: How often should I clean my carabiners?
A: Clean them when they are visibly dirty, after exposure to saltwater or grit, or at least once a season with regular use. A pre-season cleaning and inspection is an excellent habit.

Q: Should I store my carabiners locked or unlocked?
A: Store them unlocked to relieve tension on the spring and locking mechanism.

By following this guide, you’re not just cleaning your gear—you’re performing essential preventative maintenance that ensures reliability when it matters most. A clean, well-maintained carabiner is a safe carabiner.