This past December I bought a Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor which I love! And, it keeps me on task when doing cardio– seriously.

But after a few months of just rinsing it after my workouts, the strap that goes around my chest started smelling like a horse barn. Who knew that sweet stench would still be coming out of my pours years after selling my horse!

Then, Samantha, a friend of mine, told me to soak it in vinegar. I followed her advice and soaked it for a good hour, then rinsed. That definitely helped but the next time I put that thing on and sweat it out, the stinky smell radiated from my being… at least the stink was much milder this time around.

Then I decided after every use I would immediately soap it up in the locker room sink with hand soap and towel dry. That kept the stink at bay but still didn’t totally eliminate it.

So last night, I did an evening cardio sesh at home on the bike. I then hopped in the shower with my HR strap on and then got an idea. I spotted this overly perfumey Paris Hilton Body Wash I have had sitting in my shower for years (literally). I don’t like perfumey body washes and use a natural glycerin soap from Puritans Pride. Not sure why I never threw it away but, I sudsed up my HR monitor strap with the Paris Hilton body wash, hung it to dry and then this morning AFTER my workout, that thing smelled fresh as a daisy…. stinky HR monitor smell gone. I will still be washing this thing after every use though—which is a lot right now!

I have heard of some people using baking soda or shampoo. But whatever you do…. keep that thing clean! bleck! (make sure to look at the cleaning instructions in the manual first.)