NEED ADVICE ON CARE OF POLAR FT4 STRAP/ELECTRODES!

Lisamarie7574

Hello all you fellow Polar FT4 users!

I just got mine today, and had a blast using it tonight. I'm definitely thrown off by this "wet the electrodes on the strap before using" and "wash in a washing machine at 140 F after every 5th use but don't put it on a spin cycle" business. I need some advice from all of you users out there on the use and care of the strap/electrodes. I felt so weird running the strap under water! I didn't think it was supposed to get wet. And the washing machine? How do all of you take care of it?

Thanks for your help!

sarah44254

The strap is fine to get wet, really it is. It gets more wet from me working out and pouring sweat than the little bit of water I run over it when I begin. You can also follow the instructions like you listed and toss it in a washing machine.

The bad part is when that little clip thing is still connected, that is what will ruin it. Just gotta remember to unclip it

msproducer

I wear mine during water aerobics, so it's fine. I put it in a lingerie bag in the washer and hung it up to dry, after wearing it a few times. But you do need to wet the two strips for the electrodes before you put it on. I love my FT4!

Sharon

healthyjen342

Bump...Thank you so much for posting this! I was thinking the same thing..LOL..I got the FT7 and I need to put it in the washer, but I'm so afraid (even though I got the warranty..LOL)

Sharonbed4d

I have the FT4 and haven't washed the strap in the washing machine but wash it in warm soapy water without the clip attached. It's very durable and I've used mine 6 days a week for about 6 months without any problems.

BrentGetsFit

You have to wet the sensor pads so it can get a good reading on you until you're sweaty enough for it to make contact. I wet it before my workout and rinse it afterwards. When I do laundry on the weekends I put it in a little mesh bag I have and toss it in the washer along with my clothes on "warm". I then hang it to dry. I don't recall seeing anything about no spin cycle. I've done this for a couple of months now and it works just fine.

kerriBB37

I believe they just say to wet it before hand so that it sticks to ya and there is a good flow of current. As for care of the strap, I just soak it in my sink with some antibacterial soap. I remove that one piece though, not sure why but I do lol. For some reason this strap is much more susceptible to smelling vs my old one I had for years. Oh well! lol

Lisamarie7574

Thanks so much for all the feedback guys! Keep it coming! I appreciate all the helpful info. Still debating the washing machine vs. sink-washing, but at least I feel better about doing either now!

Thanks again!