Introduction
An overlooked element of fitness centers is their cleanliness. Gym owners and managers can attract new clients with new machines, group fitness classes, and low membership rates. But the condition of the gym is vital. Current and prospective gym members need to see machines and equipment in proper condition. Some members may even terminate their membership if facility conditions are subpar.
What is true for commercial gyms is also true for your personal home gym and the equipment in it. Maintaining a daily workout routine is crucial for maintaining your fitness and overall well-being. However, as you engage in your exercises, just like working up a sweat, it’s equally vital to ensure that your gear remains clean and devoid of germs. Consistently cleaning your home gym equipment not only extends its lifespan but also prevents the accumulation of bacteria and unpleasant odors. Within this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of properly cleaning your exercise equipment, including the Aurora Martial Arts gear, step by step.
Getting your cleaning tools together
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have everything you need. To ensure this it’s essential to identify the specific cleaning needs of your facility. These might include disinfectant wipes (destroy the majority of viruses and germs), a soft cloth (preferably microfiber cloth), a vacuum cleaner with accessories, mild soap, water, and a spray bottle.
Safety First: Getting ready to clean
Before you start cleaning, make sure your exercise equipment is removed and turned off. This makes mistakes less likely and lets you clean more thoroughly.
Cleaning Treadmills and Other Cardio Equipment
While exercising on the treadmill focuses mostly on your footwork as you walk or run, there are also several touch points you’ll need to consider when cleaning it down.
- Wipe down the full length of the side grip handles, both on top and underneath
- Ensure you also wipe over the entire front display but with a lighter pressure on the display screen
- Focus in particular on any buttons you will be or have pressed
First, clean the belt and deck to get rid of dust and other dirt. Vacuum under & around the treadmill to prevent dust damage to the motor. Use a disinfectant wipe to clean the display, the buttons, and the area around them. Pay close attention to the cup holders and the controls for the electronics.
Stationary Bikes
Before beginning unplug all machinery as a safety precaution. Make a quick DIY cleaning solution by mixing 10 percent hand soap and 90 percent warm water in a spray bottle. To clean your exercise bike, spray the solution on any part of the bike that may have been in contact with the fluid. Then quickly wipe off the solution with a non-abrasive cotton or microfiber cloth.
It is also highly advisable to disinfect your bike after every workout. You can either use a store-bought disinfectant solution or you can make your own solution by mixing half a cup of warm water and half a cup of regular white vinegar into a spray bottle.
No matter what solutions you choose, cleaning your exercise bike after every workout is a quick and easy way to avoid corrosion and deterioration from the build of up dust, dirt, grime, sweat, and other liquids.
Don’t forget to wipe down the pedals and any screens that show information.
Elliptical Machines
Before beginning unplug all machinery as a safety precaution. Use a soft cloth and disinfectant to clean the handrails, foot pedals, and controls. If you need to, use a cotton swab to get into tight spots.
Sanitizing Strength Training Equipment
Dumbbells and Barbells
Weights, dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells all see their share of sweat and bacteria, too. In addition, they also come into prolonged contact with your palms, meaning they’ll pick up anything that may have latched on to your hands throughout the day.
You can clean these workout necessities using a DIY solution: Just mix a few drops of dish soap with a gallon of warm water. You’ll also need a clean microfiber cloth.
- Dip your microfiber cloth into the soapy water.
- Wring the cloth so that it’s damp, not soaking.
- Wipe down the surfaces of your weights.
- Dry your weights using a fresh microfiber cloth.
Be sure not to use anything acidic such as alcohol-based cleaners. Whilst these can be efficient cleaners they can also corrode surface coatings, especially finishes such as nickel or zinc and even rubber coating.
If your free weights are a in heavy traffic commercial gym, you may want to consider an additional step of wiping down your dumbbells with disinfectant wipes or a disinfectant spray. This is probably not necessary for home-use dumbbells. As with the soap cleaning solution, be sure to check that it’s suitable for your dumbbells and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that may damage their protective layer.
If you have stubborn stains on your rubber dumbbells, try using a mixture of baking soda and water with an old toothbrush to scrub the surface. Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent. It can help remove stubborn stains without damaging the rubber surface.
Weight Benches
Weight benches should be wiped down well after every use. Even if you put a towel down when working out, you still get a nice layer of sweat on your bench every time you use it. That sweat can corrode the bench itself, so wiping this down after each workout is the right way to go!
Your sweat and skin oil is where your body odor lives. If those oils, sweat, and body odor are allowed to sink into the pad on your bench, you’ll never get it out. One of the best ways of keeping your gym smelling good is to keep your bench clean.
Use a wet cloth and a mild soap solution to clean the bench. Don’t forget to clean the pads for your legs and your back.
Maintaining Yoga and Pilates Accessories
Yoga Mats
Rubber floor mats can be cleaned with a vacuum and mop (utilizing your cleaning and disinfecting solutions). If you are cleaning by hand, wipe in the same direction to avoid spreading debris around. Also, if you have hardwood or laminate flooring, follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and disinfecting.
If your studio uses yoga mats, you’ve probably experienced the stench that they can take on. More than any other piece of equipment, you need to disinfect yoga mats regularly (ideally after each use) to kill off the bacteria that lead to odors. To clean yoga mats, shake off any loose debris. Spray your cleaning solution over the entire mat and then use a cloth to wipe off the surface. Once dry, apply your disinfectant using a wipe or cloth and allow it to sit. Once the mat has air-dried, it can be rolled up and put away.
A mix of water and tea tree oil can also be sprayed on your yoga mat. Wipe it off and let it dry naturally.
Resistance Bands and Suspension Trainers
Disinfectant wipes are suitable for daily use, but to get a deeper clean (important with frequently used foam handles), place them in a bucket of warm, soapy water and get scrubbing,
Cleaning High-Touch Areas
LCD Screens and Control Panels
Spray a cloth with a mixture of water and vinegar or a cleaner that is safe for devices and wipe the screens and buttons gently.
Handles and Grips
Use disinfectant wipes to clean handles well, paying special attention to the parts that come in direct touch with your hands.
Cleaning Equipment Don’ts
- Do not use alcohol, bleach, ammonia, or other harmful and abrasive chemicals when cleaning your equipment, as it can lead to discoloration, cracking, corrosion, and otherwise damage the gear. Utilizing these types of chemicals will ultimately shorten the lifespan of your equipment and cost you more money in the long run.
- Avoid using brushes that have wire or stiff bristles, as they can scratch your equipment and leave visible scrapes. In addition to this, they can also deteriorate the appearance of the equipment quickly.
- Don’t use spray bottles to clean the display screen on electrical devices.
Caring for Gym Clothes and Towels
Washing Workout Attire
Use good cleaning detergent to clean your gym clothes, and don’t use fabric softeners, which can trap smells.
Cleaning Sweat-Soaked Towels
Mildew and germs can grow on towels if you don’t wash them after every workout. Use hot water and a cleanser that kills germs.
Storage and Maintenance Tips
Proper Storage Techniques
Equipment should be kept in a dry, well-ventilated place to keep it from getting wet and rusting.
Scheduled Maintenance Checks
Check your workout gear for loose screws, worn-out parts, and other signs of wear and tear on a regular basis. Take care of problems quickly to avoid crashes.
The Importance of Regular Cleaning
Cleaning regularly has many perks. It keeps things clean, lowers the risk of getting sick, and makes your exercise tools last longer.
Conclusion
Keeping your workout equipment clean is important not only for your health but also for how long it will last. By following these simple steps to clean, you can make sure that every workout is safe and effective.
