How to clean and maintain a massage gun: dos and don'ts

Here's how to clean a massage gun in about a minute: switch it off, then wipe the outer surfaces and attachments with a soft cloth. Maintenance is just as simple, and mostly about what not to do. Never open the device, never submerge it, and charge the battery the way the manual describes. The steps below come straight from RENPHO's massage gun manual, so your RENPHO Massage Gun stays ready for every recovery session — including the quick desk-side breaks in our recovery guide for desk workers.

Why is it important to keep your massage gun clean? 

Sweat and oil residue from continuous use can degrade metal parts, wear down seals, and cause permanent discoloration. A quick clean after each use and regular maintenance help extend your massage gun's lifespan and keep it performing at full strength for your next recovery session.

How to clean your massage gun in 6 steps? 

Wipe your RENPHO Massage Gun down after every session, since the attachments sit against skin, sweat, and sometimes lotion. Follow these steps in order:

1. 1. Disconnect the charging cable and power off the massage gun. 

   2.     Remove any attachments from the main unit.  

   3.     Gently wipe down the exterior of the massage gun with a clean, damp cloth, paying attention to areas that may accumulate sweat or debris.  

   4.     For washable attachments, clean them with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let them air-dry completely. 

   5.     For non-washable attachments, wipe each head with a soft cloth. Also wipe the attachment port on the gun.

   6.     Check the nozzle and air vents for debris, and remove it with a dry cloth or soft brush.  

   7.     Reattach the dry heads, then store the massage gun somewhere clean, dry, and dust-free.

   Keep the heads in the carry case, if your model came with one, so you don't lose any.

Cleaning each attachment head 

Each attachment head needs its own cleaning method, depending on its material. Check the table below before you reach for soap, water, or alcohol.

The heating and cooling head has electrical parts, so keep its internal parts dry.  

What not to do when cleaning a massage gun

The biggest cleaning mistakes involve water, screwdrivers, and oil. RENPHO's manual is explicit about all three.

-       Don't submerge the massage gun or rinse its non-washable parts.

-       Don't use it in the bathroom.

-       Don't take it apart.

-       Don't oil or lubricate it.

How to charge a massage gun the right way

Good charging habits are the most important part of massage gun maintenance, because the battery drives every session. RENPHO's manual covers charging in a few short rules:

• Fully charge the device before first use.   

• Run lower speed settings when precision matters more than intensity, which also conserves battery power.  

• Power the device off between sessions rather than leaving it idle in standby.   

• Contact RENPHO support if the battery stops holding a charge or the device will not power on. 

Can you replace a massage gun battery?

No. RENPHO's manual states: "This device contains batteries that are non-replaceable." Opening the gun to swap a battery risks damage and is exactly what the manual warns against. When a RENPHO Massage Gun stops holding a charge, contact RENPHO support instead.

RENPHO products bought directly on renpho.com carry an 18-month warranty from the date of purchase. Reach support at support@renpho.com or 1-844-417-0149, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PT.

Massage gun troubleshooting guide

When your massage gun stops working, match the problem to its likely cause below and try the fix. Never open the device to repair it.

Care card for the ultimate therapy: Your massage gun maintenance checklist 

The bottom line

A clean massage gun is ready when you need it most — after a heavy leg day, before a big event, or on the nights when your shoulders are the only thing standing between you and sleep. Cleaning and maintaining a massage gun comes down to a one-minute wipe after each session and a few firm rules: no tools, no oil, and sensible charging. Run through the steps after every session, match the cleaning method to each attachment, and charge the battery fully before each use. Do that, and your massage gun will keep bouncing back with you, session after session.

Find your model's manual on the RENPHO help and manuals page, compare models in our massage gun comparison, or explore the full RENPHO Massage Guns range and the wider RENPHO Recovery range.

RENPHO provides this article for general information. Always follow the manual for your specific RENPHO model. Anyone who is pregnant or has a health condition should talk to a doctor before using a massage gun.

Frequently asked questions