The Ultimate Guide And Ways To Cleaning Gym Equipment
A lot goes into running and operating a successful gym. But a vital aspect that few people notice or talk about is the cleanliness of Gym Equipment. From the agile treadmill to the mighty bench press, every machine carries the sweat and grime of countless workouts.
As a result, they harbor hidden germs that are detrimental to the health and overall well-being of members and staff. Keeping the Equipment clean is also part of the maintenance that keeps them running for a long time. A proper gym cleaning checklist will help to clean the gym equipment. If you are wondering why or how you should clean gym equipment, this article will offer an in-depth guide.
Importance Of Cleaning Gym Equipment
Over the years, several studies have shown how germ-ridden fitness centres can be, and the equipment was found to be the germiest of all surfaces. A study, that collected samples from treadmills, exercise bikes, and free weights, found that they were all covered in germs. The experts discovered that over 70% of the bacteria they found were harmful and are known to cause various illnesses and infections.
A whole host of viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens can be transmitted through unclean gym equipment. With that in mind, it is easy to see why gym equipment cleaning is so crucial for the health and safety of members and employees. After the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have made gym cleaning and sanitization mandatory as part of the COVID-19 safety protocols.
How To Clean Gym Equipment Properly?
There are several ways to clean gym equipment, but you should choose the most effective methods. But before we get into the details of the actual cleaning, you should take note of all the tools and supplies you will need. Make sure that you have a healthy stock of microfiber cloths, dusters, general cleaning solutions, and disinfectants. Make sure you follow these steps to make each cleaning session proactive and efficient.
Start By Removing Surface-Level DirtAnd Grime
If the equipment looks visibly dirty, you should start by eliminating the surface-level dirt and dust. This step is crucial even if the machines look clean. Remember to thoroughly clean the top layer of dust and dirt before you apply disinfectants or sanitisers. Here is what you should do.
- Take a microfiber cloth or duster and remove all the dirt and debris.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth or pre-saturated cleaning wipe to remove the leftover grime, fingerprints, and stains.
- Remember to wipe down the screens, grips, handles, cup holders, and other areas.
Hire professionals to clean your gym equipment
Get On With Sanitization
Though surface-level cleaning is excellent for removing dirt and grime, it does not eliminate bacteria or viruses. That is why sanitizing the equipment is essential. Remember to only use sanitizers that can kill 99.9% of germs and have been approved by the relevant regulatory authority. To sanitize gym equipment, all you have to do is:
- Use a sanitizing wipe or a microfiber cloth soaked in sanitizer to wipe down each surface.
- Do not spray the solution directly onto the surface as it might damage the equipment.
- Let the sanitizer air dry before moving to the next step.
Use An EPA-Registered Disinfectant
You must be wondering why you need to disinfect the equipment even after you have sanitized them. The reason is simple. Though sanitizing greatly reduces the number of germs on the surface, it does not completely eliminate them. Proper disinfection helps to complete the job. And it is crucial to preventing the spread of diseases and infections. Here’s how you should do it:
- Choose an EPA-registered disinfectant.
- Wear protective gear such as gloves before applying the disinfectant.
- Either spray the disinfectant directly onto the surface or wipe down the equipment with disinfectant.
- Make sure to give the disinfectant the necessary dwell time.
- Give the machines a final wipe or let them air dry.
Thoroughly Clean The Floors
Most gyms have matted floors that often do not get the necessary cleaning. Dirty floors not only make a facility look shabby but also spread germs. That is why you should invest in proper gym mat cleaning to keep the floors clean and tidy. To clean gym mats, you need to:
- Remove loose dirt, debris, and grit from the surface using a soft bristle brush.
- Clean the surface of the mats with a disinfectant and pH cleaner.
- Make sure to clean the gym mats regularly after use.
- Never use harsh chemicals that can damage the mats.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Gym Equipment Cleaning
These are the best ways to keep gym equipment clean and germ-free. Now let’s talk about a few do’s and don’ts of gym equipment cleaning:
Do’s Of Gym Equipment Cleaning
- Use a soft-bristled brush for dusting equipment.
- Use non-toxic and eco-friendly solutions
- Invest in high-quality entry mats
- Use non-electric parts or equipment with soap and water.
Don’ts Of Gym Equipment Cleaning
- Do not use bleach, alcohol, ammonia, or other abrasive chemicals.
- Do not use brushes with stiff bristles or wire.
- Do not directly spray liquid solutions onto electronic equipment.
- Do not wipe off the disinfectant immediately after applying.
With these steps in mind, you are ready to keep up with gym equipment cleaning. You can also hire a commercial cleaning company to help you clean and maintain the equipment.
Additional Tips To Help You Maintain A Clean Gym
Running everyday operations and keeping up with daily cleaning may seem like a herculean task. But it is unavoidable. To keep your business thriving and earn loyal, long-term members, you need to keep your facility spotless use gym cleaning tips. Though it takes some work, you can easily achieve this by following these tips:
Establish A Clean Culture
To make sure your gym remains clean, you need to establish a clean culture throughout the facility. You should lead by example and set a standard for cleanliness. Inform the members about the rules and expectations they need to fulfil to demonstrate good hygiene practices.
Maintain Regular Cleaning Schedules
Hiring a professional gym cleaning service is the best way to keep up with regular cleaning. Such services can help you get the necessary cleaning while also keeping gym cleaning costs low. They are certainly more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house janitorial staff.
Use Towels On The Equipment
Urge gym members to cover the surface of certain equipment with a towel before use. For instance, putting down a towel on the bench press is a great way to prevent sweat and grime on the surface. Politely remind members that these protocols are necessary for their own safety.
Now that you know the importance of gym equipment cleaning and how you should do it, make sure to check out JBN Cleaning. Being one of Australia’s leading cleaning companies, they offer the best gym cleaning in Sydney.
