Can Bleach Make You Faster?

That may seem like a silly question, but a few simple squirts of bleach can make you, or your team, faster. Here is how . . .On a good day an oar- or erg-handle can have millions upon millions of bacteria living on it, along with a healthy (or unhealthy) smattering of viruses. Typically—not a problem. However, when some of the nastier bugs get into a cut or open blister, and some of the even nastier ones on someones skin (such as staff) a rower can find himself or herself taking some undesired time off.And that can slow a boat, or a team, down. Way down.Recently we had an outbreak of a very nasty staff-infection making the rounds at our school. As a precaution we began a disinfectant program with our handles. It turned out to be so effective—and so simple— that we continue to do it today. And I recommend it to everyone that rows.The program is very simple.

1. Buy one dozen spray bottles
2. Get a gallon of bleach
3. Make a mixture of about 4 parts water to 1 part bleach (4:1)*
4. Spray oar and erg handles after each use
5. Repeat daily

* (A typical mixture ratio is 9:1, but bleach degrades quickly. So if you think the spray mixture may not be used up in a week or so, the stronger mixture ratio of 4:1 is recommended.)When following this routine, just let the handles air dry. Do not wipe them off (easier and more sanitary that way). Also, spray while the oars are resting in the racks, or the erg handles are sitting there. This gives the bleach time to work its magic. We have a rower or coxswain from each boat be the designated sprayer, and it takes less than 1 minute to do a set of eight oars.

Yes, a disinfectant program may seem like another step that you have to take during your very busy sessions at the boathouse. However, the benefits of these simple steps can be huge, such as:

• reduce risk of transmission of illnesses such as staff infection
• reduce risk of blisters becoming infected
• reduce risk of transmission of viruses, such as the common cold and flu

In other words, it can help keep your rowers rowing, and out of the doctors office.And this program is cheap. We bought all the bottles and the bleach at the Dollar Store for a total of $12.65.If you do decide to begin this program, the Scripps Research Institute recommends a few simple safety warning about using bleach to keep in mind. First, don’t mix with any ammonia-based cleaners. Second, when mixing the solution put water in first and pour in bleach last to reduce the chance of the bleach splashing. And third, keep bleach off of bare metal—it can drill a hole right through stainless steel. If it does get on bare metal, make sure to rinse it off with water. So, don’t spray a coxbox with it, use another type of disinfectantBleach is a cheap way to help keep rowers healthy. And in turn, it just may make you faster!If you would like more information on keeping your rowing equipment in top shape, try my Special Report: Last Almost Forever: 13 Steps to Help Your Rowing Equipment Last an Eternity