As a commercial gym owner or facility manager, you will know the constant battle you have with keeping your gym clean day after day. For your members, a clean gym with hygienic machines is expected as the bare minimum, but we both know that it can be tough to truly stay on top of it all.
A clean gym inspires members’ confidence, increases the lifespan of your gym equipment, as well as making it more likely that your current members recommend your gym to others – having a huge impact on future revenue.
Now you’re probably wondering, how do you clean gym equipment after use effectively? We have put together this foolproof guide to help you ensure your equipment is properly sanitised and presentable for your members to use.
Why Cleaning Gym Equipment Properly Matters
Properly cleaning your gym equipment and machines matters for a range of reasons. First of all, there is the hygiene and germ control side of cleaning your equipment. By keeping them properly sanitised, they remain safe for others to use and reduce the risk of bacteria spreading from person to person. This can reduce the chance of illness.
Members who see you taking care of the equipment they use by keeping it clean will feel more comfortable in your gym, trying new machines and getting the most out of their membership. They, too, will then start taking more care with your gym equipment and machinery, ultimately prolonging the life of the machines. This will save you money on repairs and buying replacements.
What Do You Use to Clean Gym Equipment?
When it comes to what cleaning equipment you need to use to properly clean your gym, the world is your oyster. You can choose from a range of different cleaning solutions, but some are more effective than others. There are a few non-negotiables, however. There are also a few general rules of thumb that you should bear in mind.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
These cleaning supplies should be regularly stocked, used and replaced in your gym cleaning cupboard.
Essential Cleaning Supplies:
- Microfiber cloths
- Disposable paper towels
- Disinfectant wipes
- Non-abrasive cleaning sprays
- Gloves where needed
- Cleaning tools for the surrounding floor areas
Choose Products Safe for Equipment Surfaces
A natural concern as a gym owner is whether a chemical used to clean your equipment will cause any lasting damage. Our advice is simple.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Avoid oversaturating surfaces.
- Be careful around digital screens and electronics.
- Apply the product to a cloth first where suitable.
Cleaning vs Disinfecting
Cleaning equipment and disinfecting gym equipment are two very different things. We recommend you do both, but the differences are:
- Cleaning removes sweat, dust, and residue.
- Disinfecting helps reduce bacteria and germs.
- Commercial gyms usually need both.
How to Clean Gym Equipment After Use
The process of cleaning gym equipment is very simple, but it is vital that you follow these steps closely. By doing so, you ensure that your gym equipment is safe and hygienic for your members to use.
Follow this 6-step cleaning process to properly clean your gym equipment.
- Remove visible sweat, dust, or residue
- Apply a gym-safe cleaner or disinfectant correctly
- Wipe all contact points thoroughly
- Focus on handles, seats, grips, rails, and adjustment points
- Allow appropriate disinfectant contact time
- Let surfaces dry before reuse
As you do this more often, you will find parts of your process that need amending or adding, so don’t be afraid to alter it if you think it is necessary.
How to Clean Different Types of Gym Equipment
A gym is full of a wide range of machinery. All of them present different challenges when it comes to cleaning them. The aim, of course, is to cover all areas that are high-touch points every time you clean them.
Cardio Machines
When cleaning cardio machines, be sure to cover this range of features. Also, be careful around electronics and screens, with our advice being to use your safest cleaning chemicals to wipe these down.
- Treadmill handles and rails
- Bike handlebars
- Rowing machine handles
- Console buttons and screens
- Seats and touchpoints
Strength Machines
Strength, or weight, machines are some of the most popular machines in the gym. Ensure they are properly cleaned by focusing on:
- Pads and seats
- Handles
- Selector pins
- Adjustment points
- Foot plates
- Visible machine frames
Adjustment pins are a commonly missed area on these machines, but one of the most frequently used features.
Free Weights
Free weights equally see a lot of use during the average gym day. Instead of just cleaning and sanitising the handles, regularly wipe down the body of the weight too.
- Dumbbells
- Barbells
- Kettlebells
- Weight plates
Benches and Mats
The benches and mats in a gym are usually the first to gather bacteria and sweat, which is why it’s important they are regularly and effectively cleaned. Focus on:
- Upholstery-safe wiping
- Sweat-heavy contact areas
- Drying between users where needed
Accessories
Gym equipment accessories are one of the most overlooked elements of a gym cleaning routine. Add these to your cleaning focus:
- Resistance bands
- Medicine balls
- Foam rollers
- Slam balls
- Smaller shared equipment
Common Mistakes Gym Owners Should Avoid
There are a few cleaning mistakes that every gym owner will make at some point. We have accumulated some of the most common in an attempt to help you avoid them. Common mistakes include:
- Using the wrong cleaning products
- Spraying directly onto electronics
- Only cleaning obvious surfaces
- Missing handles, pins, edges, and undersides
- Relying only on gym members
- not separating quick cleaning from deep cleaning
- failing to maintain a routine
Should Gym Members or Staff Clean Equipment After Use?
After use, cleaning machinery or equipment has become common practice for members. When the measure was introduced as a result of the pandemic in 2020, gyms became stricter on member usage of machinery. While not everyone abides by this rule, it has made a considerable difference.
Despite members cleaning and wiping down the machinery after usage, this doesn’t mean staff shouldn’t be cleaning as well. When everyone does their part, this ensures the standards of the gym are maintained. We recommend implementing a cleaning routine for staff to carry out regularly.
When to Outsource Commercial Gym Cleaning
There are several reasons commercial gym owners and managers seek the help of professional gym cleaners. One of the biggest reasons, especially in high-footfall gyms, is that gym owners just don’t have the time to do it themselves or spend the time hiring someone. They want cleaners with experience and who are qualified to get the job done with minimal fuss.
This is especially prevalent for gyms that require early-morning or out-of-hours cleaning. Outsourcing the cleaning means you don’t have to deal with scheduling, supplying cleaning products or anything else. If you want to maintain a consistently clean and high-standard gym in London, you should hire Assertio Services.
FAQs
Writer guidance:
Keep each answer short, direct, and useful. Good FAQ sections work best when they answer genuine user questions clearly and without filler.
What Do You Use To Clean Gym Equipment?
To clean gym equipment, you need your choice of a microfiber cloth and disinfectant spray.
Can You Spray Disinfectant Directly Onto Gym Machines?
For most machines, you can spray disinfectant directly onto gym machines, but you need to be careful around screens and electronics.
How Often Should Commercial Gym Equipment Be Deep-Cleaned?
A deep clean should take place at least once a month, if not twice a month.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Dumbbells And Barbells?
Using a microfibre cloth, spray disinfectant into the cloth and grip the dumbbell with it in your hand. Rotating around the handle ensures full coverage.
Should Gym Members Wipe Down Equipment Before Or After Use?
Since the pandemic in 2020, wiping down machinery after use by members is common practice. If this isn’t already in place, we recommend you add it.
How Do Professional Cleaners Clean Gym Equipment In Commercial Gyms?
Professional gym cleaners use industry-grade cleaning products and use a methodical approach that ensures the full gym is covered. This level of detail cannot always be replicated by gym owners with other aspects of their business to consider.
Hire Professional Gym Cleaners in London
Keeping your gym clean and safe can be a long and tiresome task that can often be overlooked if you’re busy. The benefit of hiring professional gym cleaners in London is that they take the burden off your shoulders, leaving you to focus on growing your business. Assertio Services provides professional gym cleaners to gyms like yours across London. To find out more or to get a quote, get in touch.
