Gym Cleaning 101: How to Properly Clean Used Gym Equipment

Having a home gym is awesome! You can workout whenever you want. You don't have to wait in long lines for machines. You can wear whatever you want. You can grunt as loud as you feel. It's your sanctuary.

Nonetheless, if you work out regularly, you know your equipment can get gross quickly. If you feel like the smell of your last workout session has crept into your workout, it's time to put some sweat equity into your gym cleaning.

Here are a few ways to keep your home gym clean and fresh for your next workout session. 

Gym Cleaning Products

The easiest way to keep your gym clean is to have materials in your home gym that will help keep the germs away. Here are some cleaning products you may want to keep in your home gym: 

1. Wet Wipes - These toddler towels are a great disinfectant to remove bodily fluids like sweat from your machines. 
2. Ammonia Solution - Keep an ammonia solution in a spray bottle. Simply mix 1/2 a cup of ammonia with 1/2 a gallon of water.
3. Microfiber cloth - To save on paper towels, opt for this environmentally-friendly choice for wiping down surfaces. 

Cleaning Products to Avoid

Over 70% of conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemical agents. Often, people think some cleaning products will work just as well as others, and they may mistake that one cleaning product is safe when it's not. 

Here are some cleaning products to avoid: 

1. Bleach - Although it is true that bleach kills germs, there are safer options. Bleach is harmful to your skin, and it can ruin your clothes and towels. It can be unsafe to inhale as well. 
2. Borax - While this is a natural cleaner, it doesn't disinfect like wet wipes or ammonia. 
3. Baking soda - This is not a disinfecting cleaning solution. 
4. Hydrogen peroxide - If not used properly, it can irritate your skin. 

Now that we know what products to use and what products to stay away from, let's discuss the best ways to keep your home gym clean. 

Wipe Down All Equipment

It's important to wipe down your equipment after each use. If you can get into this habit, you will have won half the battle of keeping your home gym free of germs. 

Depending on the equipment you are using, you may want to use a wet wipe or an ammonia spray. While a treadmill may be good with a wet wipe, equipment like weights or kettlebells will need spray. 

Gyms make a habit of cleaning the equipment after each use, but sometimes it can be skipped when we workout at home. Keep germs at bay by making this a habit. 

Pro Tip: Most people forget to wipe down weightlifting mats, benches, yoga mats, and exercise balls. Keep a spray bottle and microfiber towel by these items in your gym to build it into your routine. 

What to Clean Each Workout

While some home gym equipment can be cleaned once a week, some equipment that you use each session should be cleaned each time. Some items to clean during each session are weights, exercise machines, and resistance bands.  

How to Clean Weights

Your weights and dumbbells should be cleaned after each session. Think about it: When you use dumbbells, you are using wrapping your hands around them. Chances are, you've done some push-ups, touched other areas of the gym, and you're most likely sweaty. 

Use a spray bottle with an ammonia solution and a microfiber cloth. Make sure to get the handles of dumbbells where germs can hide. If you have kettlebells, make sure to clean the handles. 

Clean Your Exercise Machines

Exercise machines like your treadmill, elliptical, or bicycle should be wiped down after each use.

Cardio machines often bear the brunt of our sweat. You can wipe these down with a wet wipe. Make sure to get the handles, as they can be missed often. 

Wipe Down Those Resistance Bands

If you're more of a resistance band type of person, make sure to use a wet wipe on the handles and the band itself. If you use balance balls, they can be wiped down with a wet wipe as well. 

Weekly Cleaning Ritual

Once a week, take time to dust and vacuum the space. Make sure to dust all areas of the room.

Use a rug deodorizer if your home gym has a rug. This will help freshen up the space. If you don't have a rug, use a mop to disinfect the floor properly. 

Items that should get thoroughly cleaned each week include the following: 

• Workout benches
• Yoga mats
• Weightlifting mat and weightlifting machines (if any)
• Treadmill, elliptical, or bike
• Exercise balls

These should be cleaned with your ammonia solution using your spray bottle and a clean microfiber cloth.

Pro Tip: Allow the disinfectant to sit on equipment for 2-3 minutes before wiping down to enable the solution to kill bacteria.

Freshen up the Space

Most gyms have huge fans, HVAC, and other items to help circulate the air. At home, you don't have this luxury, so it's important to find ways to freshen the space. Once each week, open the windows (season providing) to let air circulate through the room. 

Keep the air fresh with an odor-neutralizing scent. If you workout in a room in your home, you may want to consider making some potpourri bags in select areas of the room. 

By opening your windows, using odor neutralizing sprays, and incorporating natural air fresheners like potpourri, you will be on your way to not smelling your last workout when you come in for a session.

Take Care of Your Used Gym Equipment 

Most home gyms are made up of used commercial gym equipment. If this describes your home gym, you have to make sure you take care of your equipment. Consider cleaning with water and a microfiber cloth, or dusting regularly. 

If you're looking to add some used gym equipment, like an elliptical or other cardio machines, to your home setup, consider looking into a dealer that specializes in used gym equipment to get the best deals. 

Keep It Clean

Now you know the importance of keeping your gym clean and fresh. Make gym cleaning part of your daily and weekly cleaning habits. You'll be glad you did. 

If you're looking to add to your home gym, contact us to get the best quality equipment for your home gym.