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Springtime brings the spirit of renewal, and there is lots of talk about spring cleaning your house, your wardrobe, or your nutrition, but have you ever thought about spring cleaning your workout equipment?
The benefits of a spotless home gym are plentiful. Not only will you have a more pleasant environment to break a sweat in, but regularly disinfecting surfaces can also prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. A clean gym is a safe gym! Read on to check out the seven useful tips that have your gym sparkling clean and ready for your next sweat session!
What You Need to Spring Clean Your Home Gym Equipment
Cleaning your home gym equipment like exercise bikes, treadmills, and yoga mats is super simple—you just need the right tools for the job. The good news is that you can easily find these everyday cleaning products in your bathroom or kitchen cabinet.
For basic cleaning, all you need is:You can also visit epa.gov to find a list of cleaning products that meet the criteria of the Environmental Protection Agency.
For more heavy-duty cleaning after an intense riding session or a sweaty run, disinfectant wipes like Clorox or Lysol are your new best friend! Not only do they work great at quickly sanitizing surfaces, but they are also amazing at tackling tough, sweaty messes. "I keep a container of Clorox wipes in a basket next to the bike with my shoes and other supplies and wipe the whole thing down after each workout," says home gym owner Mike Williams. "We had to do this at the gym so it seemed like a good idea."
No matter which cleaning products you choose, the most critical factor is using them consistently and allowing enough dwell time (usually 30-60 seconds) to properly kill germs before wiping them down.
How to Deep Clean Your Home Gym Equipment
Now that you've got all your cleaning supplies ready to go, it's time to roll up those sleeves and get to work! We bring you a winning routine: develop the habit of a quick wipe-down after each workout to keep sweat and grime at bay. Then, dedicate one day per month for a more in-depth, top-to-bottom cleaning to keep your equipment fresh and functional.
Here are the step-by-step cleaning tips to keep your home gym in tip-top shape:
1. Wipe Down with Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are the workhorses of cleaning—they pick up dirt, dust, and hair with ease while being gentle enough for most surfaces. After each exercise, give the home gym equipment a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth if you used:
● Cardio machines like treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals
● Free weights like dumbbells and kettlebells
● Floor mats and protective equipment mats
● Yoga mats and foam rollers
For a deeper cleaning, follow these steps:
① Turn off and unplug any electrical workout equipment.
② Use a microfiber cloth and mild dish soap solution to wipe down all the equipment surfaces.
③ Avoid spraying or pouring liquid directly onto machines.
④ Hang mats and towels to fully air dry before using again.
⑤ Be sure to wash and dry the microfiber cloths regularly to keep them fresh and prevent the spreading of dirt and bacteria.
2. Disinfect with Wipes
To truly disinfect and sanitize, you can use an EPA-approved disinfecting wipe or homemade cleaner to clean thoroughly, especially for germy areas like:
● Handlebars and control panels on cardio equipment
● Weight machine grips and seats
● Yoga mat surfaces
● Free-weight handles
Please note to unplug the exercise machines before cleaning.
3. Use a Homemade Cleaner
If you prefer eco-friendly or DIY cleaning options, there is a simple way to get the job done! For instance, you can mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water into a spray bottle to prevent germs. You can also make an at-home disinfectant by mixing ¼ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water to cut through sweat, grime, and odors.
4. Wash Towels and Clothing Regularly
While it may seem obvious, regularly washing your gym towels and workout clothes is an often-overlooked cleaning step that's critical for a clean home gym. You can wash your towels and cloth with hot, soapy water after each use to avoid spreading sweat, bacteria, and funky odors around your equipment and home. If there are lingering smells, consider using a sports detergent or adding a bit of white vinegar to the water.
5. Create a Daily (and Monthly) Schedule
Cleaning consistently is the key to maintaining a sparkling home gym! To make it easier to maintain a deep cleaning routine, create a personalized schedule that suits your lifestyle. For example:
Daily: Wipe down your workout machines with a microfiber cloth after each use
Monthly: Spray and disinfect your workout machines, mats, floors, and other areas using a homemade cleaner or disinfecting wipes.
You can also set a recurring reminder on your phone or mark it on a visible calendar to help you get into the habit of monthly cleaning.
6. Don't Forget Smaller Accessories
While you're focused on larger fitness gear, don't overlook cleaning these smaller home gym accessories as well:● Water bottles: Toss them in the dishwasher every few days, or use a bottle brush with soap and hot water to remove residue and bacteria inside.
● Yoga blocks and straps: Machine wash or hand wash with a mild detergent every few weeks, allowing to fully air dry before use.
● Armbands, fitness watches, and trackers: Gently wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to areas that come into contact with sweat, like the back and strap. After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the device before putting it back in place.
7. Add a Fan, Air Purifiers, and Air Fresheners
Even with regular cleaning, a home gym can develop musty odors. To keep your gym smelling fresh and inviting, we recommend a two-pronged approach:
● Improve Airflow: Place a box fan in the corner and open windows to increase air circulation and prevent odors from settling.
● Filter Out Odors: Use odor-eliminating air purifiers or add some pleasant-smelling air fresheners to trap and neutralize lingering sweat smells.
To Sum up
After following the simple tips above for cleaning up your home workout machines, you'll transform your home gym into a clean and fresh space, pushing you through effective and motivating workout sessions.
Plus, a cleaner gym doesn't just look and smell better—it's a happy gym that leads to a happier, healthier you! So, what are you waiting for? Get your spring cleaning now!
* Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
