Dirty gym equipment harbors a variety of harmful germs. These germs can cause illnesses and infections that can make members sick. Cleaning and disinfecting equipment can kill these pathogens. The disinfectant must sit on the surface for some time to fully destroy the germs. Before using a cleaning solution, your personnel should thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a clean towel.

General Cleaning

For daily cleanings, staff should use wipes to clean equipment surfaces such as treadmills and ellipticals. They should thoroughly wipe each piece of equipment in one direction rather than using back-and-forth motions, as this can spread germs from one surface area to another. They should also take the time to let each wipe sit on the equipment for 10 minutes or more to destroy any germs fully.

Gyms are incredibly high-touch environments, making them ideal breeding grounds for germs like bacteria, fungi and viruses. The sweat from workouts can also create moist environments perfect for promoting these pathogens’ growth. For these reasons, it is recommended that gym equipment be wiped down with a disinfectant after each use. While many people may opt to sanitize their at-home gym equipment with soap and water, the health club and fitness center staff needs to use an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill the pathogens in a gym environment effectively. To ensure that the equipment is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected between usage, disinfectant wipes for gym equipment should be used. Before starting the disinfecting process, it’s also recommended that all equipment is unplugged to prevent any moisture from interfering with any electrical components.

Sanitizing

Although people often wash their hands after using gym equipment, research has found that germs can live on some equipment for up to three days. That means it is important to keep gym equipment clean, even if it is used only by one person. The best way to disinfect gym equipment is by wiping it down with a high-quality cleaning solution, such as a sanitizing wipe or spray cleaner. The cleaning solution should be allowed to sit on the equipment for 5-10 minutes after application, which is important because germs will die off once the chemicals have had time to do their work. Unplugging the equipment before cleaning is essential because moisture can damage certain types of equipment, such as cardio machines or resistance bands. When cleaning equipment, it is important to pay special attention to areas frequently touched by the hands, such as the consoles of treadmills and ellipticals. These areas should be wiped down daily. Also, it is a good idea to wipe down the foot pedals and strip stair climbers a few times a week. 

Disinfecting

When it comes to gym equipment, disinfecting is a must. Sweat, oil, and other body matter build up on equipment and can cause odors. It can also interfere with the functionality of equipment like heart rate monitors on cardio machines or even lead to corrosion and deterioration of surfaces. It can cost your business more in the long run and even put your clients at risk of health hazards. Before disinfecting your equipment, it is important to do a general cleaning. Depending on the kind of equipment and the substance of its surface, this can be accomplished by using an available cleaning solution in a spray bottle or a wipe. It is also recommended to thoroughly vacuum your equipment and remove any trash or used towels.

When cleaning your equipment, use a non-toxic and non-abrasive cleaner. Using harsh chemicals such as alcohol or bleach can damage your equipment’s surfaces and harm your clientele. A good option is a quaternary ammonia cleaning solution that not only disinfects but also deodorizes and is safe for human and machine use. Encourage your members to develop healthy cleaning habits by providing convenient access to a dispenser of wipes, hand sanitizer, and a place to dispose of their sweat. It will help them avoid spreading germs to other equipment and the facility itself.

Final Cleaning

A commercial pressure washer is an easy, effective way to disinfect gym equipment. It will help keep your members safe from unwanted germs and bacteria. Before spraying, ensure the area is fully closed or taped off so your gym members aren’t exposed. It is also important to ensure you use a proper cleaner for your specific type of equipment. Some rubber mats, for example, may not hold up to the intensity of a high-powered pressure washer. For best results, use a pre-saturated general cleaning wipe before disinfecting. It will assist with removing any filth and sweat that may have been left on the equipment by a prior user. Ensure you wipe over all surfaces, including the nooks and crannies of your equipment.

Disinfectant solutions require time to be effective, so they should be used only after gym hours. It will minimize overexposure to your members and allow the key to be fully effective. Gym equipment can get surprisingly dirty, even if it seems like it should be clean. Studies have shown that even a single piece of equipment can contain over a million germs! Keeping your gym equipment clean is critical for attracting and retaining gym members. Recent surveys show that many gym-goers will avoid using dirty equipment if possible.